What is IGTV and How Can You Use It?

What Is IGTV?
IGTV or Instagram TV is a video app released by Instagram for longer vertical mobile videos. You can use the IGTV Video app on its own or access it through Instagram. The videos on the app get published in a portrait view, making it the ideal format to watch on mobile devices.

The main difference between IGTV and Instagram's previously established Stories is the length of the videos you can now post. Stories only allow videos up to a few seconds each, whereas IGTV lets you post videos that are up to an hour in length. You can either set up your own Instagram TV channel or connect it to videos that you are already posting on Instagram.

The app has become a huge opportunity for content creation. It’s a great new approach to consider when marketing your business.

Unlike Instagram Stories, IGTV doesn't let you post videos while you are taking them. This is to encourage professional and well-planned content. The idea is to use Instagram TV to upload high-quality content.

How to Use IGTV
Despite Instagram and IGTV being different apps, one integrates with the other. This means you need an already existing Instagram account to begin. To start uploading your content, go ahead and set up your channel.

To make a channel, go to the app's home screen and on the right-hand corner, you'll find a gear icon. This is where you access the Settings, from there click "Create Channel" and set up all the important info. Make sure to optimise your bio so it meets your target audience.

From there you can start uploading the videos that you want. These videos must have a level of production value. It's better to invest in professionally produced videos to give a sense of quality.

Like with any marketing video, you have to shape it around the demographic you're trying to reach. You also have to be consistent with your overall branding and visuals. On a technical standpoint, it's best to have your video range from around 3-4 minutes, depending on your message.

To upload your video, click on the small circle with your channel picture on the right. It will lead you to your channel profile where you'll find a plus icon. Click it and select the video you want to upload from your gallery.

Using IGTV For Marketing
The number of active users on Instagram has recently reached 1 billion people. Videos that get posted on IGTV will also show up on the Instagram explore page as well as the IGTV tab on Instagram. It's best to take advantage of this and use IGTV to get more people interested in your brand.

As mentioned, IGTV encourages content with higher quality. Having your marketing video professionally produced by a service, like Visual Domain, also lets your audience see that you and your brand know what you're doing.

Ever since its launch in 2018, big named brands have been using it to advertise. IGTV is a great way to reach more people and a perfect platform to upload your marketing videos.

You can upload your regular structured ads or take it in a more creative direction like a tutorial or an unboxing video. Since IGTV is set up in a way where you can add links to the description of a video or by swiping up, viewers have a direct way to access your product or service from it.

What to Focus on When Marketing on IGTV
The first and most important thing to keep in mind when marketing on this app is to create awareness. It's the whole point of why your marketing in the first place. You want people to know what your brand is about, what services or products it provides.

Make sure that that is always clear in every video that you upload. Tell your audience what your brand stands for and what it wants to accomplish.

You'll want to showcase your work creatively. Remember, people browsing IGTV don't go there to watch a bunch of ads. You have to make your video interesting and stand out while still marketing your brand.

Always include a CTA or call to action. IGTV gives you an option to provide a link, so remember to use it. After your audience watches your video you need to give them the means to check out what you're showing them.

IGTV lets you cram in as many links as you want in your description, making it convenient for your audience to find out more.

Get the Most Out of IGTV Today!
So, what is IGTV? It's a video platform you shouldn't ignore! It could open new opportunities for you the same way YouTube and even TikTok have.

With more and more brands adapting to the constantly emerging new innovative platforms. It's in your brand's best interest to branch out to these platforms as well. Social media has always been a good way to advertise, IGTV is another opportunity for that.

We hope that you found this article informative and helped you learn more about IGTV.

If you want to get your marketing videos professionally made, you can check out our video production services. If you enjoyed this article you can also read up more like this one tackling how to use TikTok to promote your business.