Instagram New Features: Instagram is preparing to offer longer videos, short drama series and easier access to live videos. The move aims to attract more viewers and compete with YouTube and TikTok.
Instagram, which became popular for sharing photos, is now focusing more on videos. The social media platform is bringing new features that will allow creators to share longer videos, make short drama series and reach more viewers through live streaming.
The new features are part of Instagram’s plan to become a bigger platform for online entertainment. The company also wants people to watch more videos on television screens.
Instagram to Allow Videos Up to 90 Minutes
Instagram is testing a new feature called Features, which will allow selected creators to upload horizontal videos of up to 90 minutes.
This could help podcasters, comedians, vloggers and other creators share longer content without asking viewers to leave Instagram.
At present, Instagram Reels longer than three minutes are not recommended to new audiences in the same way as shorter videos. The new feature aims to give creators more freedom to make and share longer videos.
The first test of this feature is being rolled out to tens of thousands of creators in the United States.
Short Drama Series Coming to Instagram
Instagram is also testing a feature called Series. It is designed for short drama shows that tell a story through several small episodes.
For example, a creator could make a story about a family and release it in different parts. Viewers could then watch the next episode to find out what happens.
These short dramas, often called microdramas, have become popular on TikTok. They are especially designed for people who enjoy watching stories on their mobile phones.
Instagram is testing this feature with selected creators in the United States, Mexico and India.
Instagram Live May Reach More People
Instagram is also working to make its Live feature easier to find.
Under the plan, live videos could appear more often in recommendations and the Reels section. This may help creators reach people who do not already follow their accounts.
The feature is being tested and is expected to launch in Indonesia and Brazil by the end of 2026.
Instagram plans to bring these new video formats together with Reels over time.
Instagram Expands to Apple TV
Instagram is also trying to reach people who prefer watching videos on a television rather than a mobile phone.
The company has already introduced an Instagram TV app that allows users to watch Reels on bigger screens. The service has expanded to platforms such as Amazon Fire TV, Samsung TV and Google TV.
Instagram for TV is now set to expand to Apple TV in the United States. The company also plans to add more video formats to the television app in the future.
Instagram is exploring the option of letting viewers use their phones as remote controls.
However, the company says its television plans are still at an early stage. It will take time to understand what viewers want to watch on bigger screens.
Why Instagram Is Competing With YouTube and TikTok
Instagram faces strong competition from YouTube and TikTok, both of which have invested heavily in video content.
YouTube has been working for years to make its videos available on television screens. It has also introduced tools that allow creators to organise short videos into episodes and seasons.
TikTok, meanwhile, has helped make short drama series popular among mobile viewers.
Instagram believes it has one important advantage: its social connections. People can share Reels with friends and communicate directly with creators.
According to Instagram executive Tessa Lyons, users do not just want to publish videos. They also want to build communities and maintain relationships with their audiences.
The company has said that Reels are shared through Instagram direct messages around 4.5 billion times a day.
What These Changes Mean for Creators and Viewers
The new features could give creators more ways to share their work and connect with audiences.
- Longer videos: Creators may get more freedom to publish interviews, podcasts and other detailed content.
- Mini drama series: Storytellers could release their stories in short episodes.
- Better Live discovery: Live videos may reach people beyond a creator’s followers.
- TV viewing: Users could watch Instagram videos on larger screens.
However, these features are still being tested or introduced in stages. Their availability may differ by country and creator.
Instagram’s latest move shows that the company wants to do more than share photos and short clips. It is working to become a platform where people can watch everything from quick videos to longer shows and mini-series.
Whether these changes help Instagram compete more strongly with YouTube and TikTok will depend on how creators and viewers respond to them.
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