Meta-owned Instagram is reportedly testing a new video format called ‘Features’ that will allow creators to upload horizontal videos of up to 90 minutes.
Read more about it below.
Instagram Features – Long-Form Video Testing
According to a report by the THR (The Hollywood Reporter), Instagram will begin testing this new feature on Monday with select creators in the US including Emma Grede, Monet McMichael, Preston Rakovsky, and Donald De La Haye, following earlier testing in Brazil and the report highlights that these videos will be recommended to users on Explore and elsewhere on Instagram.
Speaking more, creators will be able to link their short Reels to full-length videos, allowing viewers to continue watching content that interests them.
The report also points out that creators will also be able to publish their videos on other platforms as well, meaning no exclusivety. They can retain existing advertising placements and branded content, while Instagram also plans to help them secure deals.
About its availability, this will be accessible on mobile first and will later on extend to Instagram for TV.
Instagram Series and Live Videos in Reels
Another feature which the report mentions that the platform is also testing is called ‘Screens’, which will work as a dedicated home for episodic Reels on creators’ profiles. This is intended for content such as microdramas and other recurring video series.
Testing for this new feature will reach more countries in the coming months, while US testing is planned for the end of this year or early next year. The platform is also testing how Series will appear on TV.
Not just these, but the platform is also reportedly testing live videos within the Reels tab, allowing live streams to be recommended to users who do not follow the creator. The report highlights that the testing will begin in Indonesia and Brazil, with expansion to the US planned for next year.
Stay tuned for more updates.
