Making the Most of Instagram IGTV

In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps to help you make the most of Instagram IGTV. IGTV is Instagram's standalone app and feature that allows users to upload and watch long-form videos. With IGTV, you can engage your audience with captivating content and grow your brand on Instagram. Let's get started!

Introduction to IGTV
Setting Up IGTV
- Creating an IGTV Channel
- Uploading and Managing Videos
Best Practices for IGTV
- Creating Engaging Content
- Optimizing Video Format and Length
- Using Captions and Hashtags
Promoting IGTV Videos
- Sharing on Instagram Feed and Stories
- Embedding IGTV Videos on Websites
- Collaborating with Influencers
Analyzing Performance and Insights
- Understanding IGTV Analytics
- Iterating and Improving Based on Insights
Conclusion

1. Introduction to IGTV

Instagram TV or IGTV is a platform designed for creators and businesses to share longer videos with their audience. Unlike traditional Instagram posts that are limited to a minute, IGTV allows you to upload videos up to 10 minutes in length for regular users, while verified accounts and larger accounts can upload videos up to 60 minutes long.

IGTV is available both as a standalone app and integrated within the Instagram app. It provides an opportunity to showcase your brand or content in a more detailed and immersive manner.

2. Setting Up IGTV

Creating an IGTV Channel

Update your Instagram app to the latest version or download the IGTV app from your device's app store.
Launch the app and log in with your Instagram credentials.
Once logged in, tap on the profile icon on the bottom right corner of the screen to access your profile.
You will notice a plus (+) icon next to your profile picture, tap on it to create your IGTV channel.
Follow the on-screen prompts and fill in the required information, such as your channel name and description.
Once your channel is created, you can start uploading videos.

Uploading and Managing Videos

To upload a video, tap on the profile icon on the bottom right corner of the screen.
On your profile, tap on the "+IGTV" button.
Select the video you want to upload from your device's media library.
Add a title and description for your video that will entice viewers to watch it.
You can choose to share a preview of your IGTV video to your Instagram feed and/or to your Instagram Stories by toggling the respective options.
Finally, tap on "Post" to upload your video to IGTV.

3. Best Practices for IGTV

Creating Engaging Content

Plan your content: Determine what kind of videos will resonate with your target audience and align with your brand. Develop a content strategy to ensure consistent and engaging uploads.
Tell a story: Craft compelling narratives and ensure that your videos have a clear purpose or message.
Use high-quality visuals and audio: Invest in good equipment to provide your audience with a professional viewing experience.
Hook viewers in the first few seconds: Grab attention early on by using captivating visuals or asking intriguing questions.
Encourage audience interaction: Include calls-to-action within your videos to encourage likes, comments, and shares.

Optimizing Video Format and Length

Format: IGTV videos can be in vertical (9:16) or horizontal (16:9) aspect ratios. Ensure your video dimensions match one of these formats for optimal display.
Length: While IGTV allows longer videos, consider your audience's attention span. Aim for videos that are informative, engaging, and concise.

Using Captions and Hashtags

Captions: Add descriptive and engaging captions to your IGTV videos, making them more accessible to a wider audience. You can also consider adding subtitles or closed captions for better comprehension.
Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags in your captions to improve discoverability. Research popular hashtags related to your content and industry.

4. Promoting IGTV Videos

After uploading a video to IGTV, tap on "Share to Feed" to post a preview on your Instagram profile grid.
Additionally, share short snippets or teasers of your IGTV videos on your Instagram Stories to drive more traffic to your channel. Add swipe-up links to make it easier for viewers to access your full IGTV video.

Embedding IGTV Videos on Websites

Go to the IGTV video you want to embed.
Tap on the three-dot menu icon and select "Copy Link".
Open your website's content management system (CMS) or HTML editor, navigate to the desired page, and paste the copied link.
The IGTV video should now be embedded on your website, allowing visitors to view it directly.

Collaborating with Influencers

Identify influencers or creators in your niche with a substantial following.
Reach out to them with a proposal to collaborate on an IGTV video. This can involve cross-promotion or co-creating content.
Collaborating with influencers can help expand your reach and expose your brand to new audiences.

5. Analyzing Performance and Insights

Understanding IGTV Analytics

Access the IGTV app or navigate to the IGTV section within the Instagram app.
Open your channel and tap on the video you want to analyze.
Swipe up on the screen to view insights such as views, likes, comments, and audience retention.
Pay attention to engagement metrics, demographics, and retention rates to better understand your audience and the performance of your videos.

Iterating and Improving Based on Insights

Analyze which types of videos perform best in terms of views, likes, and comments.
Consider feedback from your audience and adapt your content to meet their preferences.
Experiment with different video formats, lengths, and topics to find what resonates with your audience the most.

6. Conclusion

Now that you have a comprehensive guide to making the most of Instagram IGTV, it's time to put your knowledge into action. Develop a content strategy, create engaging videos, and analyze your performance to continuously improve and grow your presence on IGTV. Happy filming!