Have you heard Instagram released an app for long-form videos? This app called IGTV allows you to post vertical videos to your own channel for up to 60 minutes. Whenever a new social media app like this releases everyone loses their minds and it's like the biggest, newest toy ever... but should you become an early adopter and hop on while it's still new?
The answer is HECK YES!!
IGTV is hoping to rival YouTube for your video watching attention and it's available to everyone to create videos, unlike Facebook Watch. You create your own channel by first downloading the app, record a video on your phone, upload it to IGTV, upload a thumbnail if you want, then post your title and description.
So what should you post videos about? You want to keep any content that you create either educational, entertaining, or inspiring. Some ideas of things to post are:
Tutorials
Product Reviews or Demos
Behind the Scenes
Educational Videos
What do you need to get started? Just your smart phone but it helps to have a tripod and if you're worried about lighting, a ring light will make you look amazing! Here's a screen shot of my first IGTV video!
(Image left no ring light... image right with my beloved ring light!)
One thing to keep in mind is that your Instagram handle (your "username") is not the first thing you see, it's your description (your "name" when you edit your profile). Also, only the first 2 sentences of your bio show up so make sure that it's clear what you do. As of right now there is no monetization which means you can't make money off your videos but also there's no ads to interrupt your viewing pleasure.
Once you post your video on IGTV, you can go to your Instagram Stories, post an image and link your IGTV video. Genius! The videos don't have to be as polished as YouTube videos but make sure you have a purpose for the video, you introduce yourself and give a call to action at the end.
So be sure to come follow me at Kim Porter TV and send me a message if you create your own IGTV channel so I can come follow you!
xo,
Kim