[REVISION HISTORY]

Instagram expansion into long-form video and smart TVs

6 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-29 10:37 UTC → 2026-10-30 19:35 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~This approach focuses on integrating long-form content into the existing Reels and Explore ecosystem, a departure from the discontinued IGTV service.~~ 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, specifically targeting podcasters and comedians.~~ 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 ~~officially~~ launched a dedicated app for Apple TV in the US to bring Reels, long-form videos, and live broadcasts to larger screens. This move is designed to capture more viewing time in living rooms and increase advertising revenue opportunities. While Meta is exploring monetization, a specific revenue-sharing model for these long-form videos has not yet been finalized. US. Instagram head Adam Mosseri noted that ~~while he previously resisted long-form content to prioritize short-form engagement,~~ the company now views ~~the two~~ short-form and long-form formats as ~~symbiotic, using Reels to drive discovery for longer content.~~ symbiotic.

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