# Instagram expansion into long-form video and smart TVs > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/instagram-expansion-into-long-form-video-and-smart-tvs > Updated: 2026-10-29T23:14:20.000Z. Sources: 166. Developments: 3. Instagram is expanding its content capabilities by testing a new format called ‘Features,’ which allows creators to upload horizontal videos up to 90 minutes long. This strategic shift aims to compete more directly with YouTube by hosting long-form content such as podcasts, interviews, comedy specials, and documentaries. To facilitate discovery, the platform is testing ‘Clips as Reels,’ a tool that allows creators to extract short snippets from long-form videos to serve as trailers. These clips link viewers directly to the full-length video within the app, preventing users from migrating to external platforms. Additionally, Instagram is testing ‘Series,’ a feature designed to organize related Reels into episodic content. Recent reports indicate that Instagram is offering select YouTubers between $50,000 and $500,000 to post long-form horizontal videos through the Features format. These deals reportedly do not require exclusivity, though creators are asked to upload the same content to Instagram on the same day it is published to YouTube. While Meta has confirmed it is directly funding some creators to support Features content, the company has declined to disclose specific contract details, noting that terms remain confidential. The ‘Features’ format is being rolled out to a select group of creators in the United States and Brazil. Alongside these video format changes, Instagram is expanding its presence on television screens. Following releases for Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and Samsung Smart TVs, the platform has launched a dedicated app for Apple TV in the US. Instagram head Adam Mosseri noted that the company now views short-form and long-form formats as symbiotic. ## Claims - Instagram is testing a new video format called Features. (reported by 25 sources) - The new format supports horizontal videos up to 90 minutes in length. (reported by 25 sources) - The feature is being tested with a select group of creators in the US and has previously been tested in Brazil. (reported by 25 sources) - Instagram is introducing ‘Clips as Reels’ to allow creators to link short clips to full-length videos. (reported by 25 sources) - Instagram has expanded its TV app to Apple TV, Google TV, Samsung TV, and Amazon Fire TV. (reported by 7 sources) - Instagram is reportedly offering select YouTubers deals worth between $50,000 and $500,000. (reported by 3 sources) - The reported deals do not require content exclusivity. (reported by 3 sources) - Creators are reportedly asked to upload long-form videos to Instagram on the same day they are posted to YouTube. (reported by 3 sources) - Meta confirmed it is directly funding some creators for Features content. (reported by 3 sources) - The Features format supports horizontal video up to 90 minutes. (reported by 3 sources) - Instagram is conducting small tests of the Features format in the US and Brazil. (reported by 1 source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-29: Instagram reportedly offers YouTubers up to $500,000 for long-form video Instagram is reportedly offering YouTubers up to $500,000 to post long-form horizontal videos on its new Features platform. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/instagram-reportedly-offers-youtubers-up-to-500000-for-long-form-video ### 2026-10-27: Instagram tests 90-minute horizontal video format to rival YouTube Instagram is testing ‘Features’, a new format for horizontal videos up to 90 minutes long, to compete with YouTube and expand its presence on smart TVs. 88 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/instagram-tests-90-minute-horizontal-videos-to-compete-with-youtube ### 2026-10-25: Instagram tests long-form horizontal videos and launches Apple TV app Instagram is testing 90-minute horizontal videos via its new ‘Features’ format and has launched a dedicated app for Apple TV to compete with platforms like YouTube. 79 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/instagram-updates-features-and-reels-formatting-guidelines --- Cite as: Instagram expansion into long-form video and smart TVs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/instagram-expansion-into-long-form-video-and-smart-tvs