Instagram Tests Horizontal Long-Form Videos up to 90 Minutes

Instagram has announced a new testing phase for horizontal, long-form video posting options lasting up to 90 minutes, a move that could expand how creators share in-depth content and potentially alter competition with platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

On October 26, Instagram head Adam Mosseri introduced the posting option, referred to as 'Features,' by sharing a six-minute horizontal video on his account. While acknowledging past concerns that long videos might reduce time users spend interacting with each other, Mosseri stated that both short and long formats are intended to complement one another, giving creators more room to share stories with their existing communities.

Context and Current Limits

Previously, while desktop uploads, video posts, and livestreams permitted longer durations subject to eligibility, standard app limits and recommendation algorithms favored shorter content. Creators posting long-form content often faced barriers reaching new audiences, frequently using Instagram merely as a teaser platform to drive viewers to external sites like YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Following the discontinuation of IGTV in February 2022 to streamline video discovery within the main app, Features represents a new effort to keep video viewing contained within Instagram.

Impact on Users and Creators

• For Viewers: Users gain access to extended horizontal videos without leaving the app, offering a potential alternative for those seeking in-depth content beyond fast-paced Reels.
• For Creators: Filmmakers, journalists, and experts may find a dedicated space for detailed storytelling, pending the development of attractive monetization options.
• Monetization Challenges: Mosseri acknowledged on X that economic viability matters significantly, noting that the platform is exploring multiple avenues to compensate long-form creators.

Competitive Landscape

By facilitating both short and long-form content within a single ecosystem, Meta aims to engage users who might otherwise use platforms like YouTube or TikTok. As the feature rolls out in testing, its ultimate success will depend on user reception and the platform's ability to support creator earnings.

How to Verify and Check Updates

To see if these features are available on your account, ensure your Instagram application is updated to the latest version via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Official announcements and feature rollouts are typically detailed on Adam Mosseri's official Instagram and X accounts, as well as Meta's official newsroom.