Instagram is at the top of its game when it comes to changes to its platform and applications. During the last days they have added interesting new features that affect the web version, allowing the sending of private messages or the reproduction of direct messages from the browser. But now it's the turn of mobile applications and focusing attention on IGTV. A series of changes that bring IGTV much closer to TikTok.
IGTV is now more TikTok
IGTV has always been an interesting component within Instagram, an option with a lot of potential. From the company they even went so far as to say that it would be the future of video on the Internet. The problem is that there was always something missing. Perhaps better integration, options, interface,... it's difficult to know for sure. Because it has only been a matter of habits and how the user has assimilated that they should use this option.
However, the company has never ceased in its attempts to make it more attractive in every way, which is why it is now back with a series of news coming first to the iOS version of IGTV (the standalone app released a long time ago) and soon they should do it for Android too. What exactly changes? We see it.
The first big news is how or what you are going to see when you access the IGTV cover. Similar to what happens with TikTok, in IGTV you will now see a view in cards with which it is easier find new creators. After all, the idea is that, that you are able to detect interesting content based on your tastes and interests to prevent you from going to other platforms. Therefore, when you enter, what you will see will be recommendations from users that could perfectly fit what you are looking for.
The second and best news if you are an active user is that you will now be able to record and edit from the application itself. Although you may have an established and even more interesting workflow, if you want to publish faster on IGTV you won't have to resort to third-party applications, from its own interface you will find everything you need to do so. This plus the option to record in hands-free mode makes it even more interesting, especially at this time.
And then there is that crossover that will continue to exist with Instagram, but now something more is being promoted to power. promote IGTV videos in your stories by playing a small snippet of just 15 seconds instead of the static thumbnail that was up to now. Also as an option for save your Instagram live on IGTV.
IGTV still lacks the most important thing
With all these changes coming to the IGTV app for iOS, and hopefully soon for Android, Instagram intends to once again revitalize its vertical format video service. Something that seems they will not stop doing whatever it takes. And if it is necessary to copy features that have been present in other networks and platforms for a long time, then it will be done.
In any case, the main lack of IGTV is and will continue to be the lack of an income program that allows creators to amortize their investment of time in publishing content there, especially if it is content adapted to the vertical format. That is something that has been rumored to happen for a long time, but until it happens few will pay real interest.
Knowing that Instagram is responsible for 20% of Facebook's total revenue and how well it works for brands, finding a way to generate revenue for both parties through these ads would be the mess that would really take IGTV off the ground.