Instagram is one of the best options in your social media toolbox, offering a huge variety of content, including posts, stories, and IGTV.
Knowing all the differences between all the types of content available is key to your success. With this in mind, we’ve created our ultimate Instagram stories and IGTV guide.
What is IGTV?
IGTV first launched back in 2018 as Instagram’s answer to YouTube. Where users could only upload videos up to one minute long, IGTV lets users upload videos up to 60 minutes long.
The Best IGTV Video Size & Dimensions
Your IGTV video should be in MP4 format. For the best results, your video dimensions should be 1080 x 1920 pixels.
How to Upload to IGTV from Desktop Computer?
It’s easy. Open your chosen browser and head to instagram.com. Log in, head to your profile, click IGTV, then click upload.
From there, find your chosen video file within your computer and upload it. You’ll need to add a title for your video, as well as a description. On desktop, your IGTV videos can be up to 60 minutes long.
How to Upload to IGTV from a Mobile Device?
Open the Instagram app on your phone and select your profile picture. Then tap the plus icon and select IGTV video.
Find the video you want to post on your phone and select next. Tap and slide the image at the bottom to choose a cover image or add from your camera roll. Like on desktop, you’ll need to add a title and description.
The maximum length your video can be when uploaded from mobile is 15 minutes.
What Are Instagram Stories?
Instagram stories are the photos and videos that appear at the top of the Instagram app in circles. This type of content disappears after 24 hours, much like Snapchat.
Instagram Stories Guide
To upload an Instagram story, open the app and select the ‘your story’ icon, then follow the instructions to upload. The ideal aspect ratio is the same as IGTV, so 6:9 or 1080 x 1920 pixels, so it’s easy to remember.
Using Filters on Instagram Stories
Much like when you upload a regular post, select the image you want and swipe left until you find a filter you like. There are also many third-party filter apps available that are compatible with the app.
How to Add an Instagram Stories Highlight
You can actually keep collections of stories all together in highlight reels on your profile. Go to your profile, select stories highlights, and then follow the instructions on the screen.
Why Instagram Stories for Business?
Instagram stories are a great way for businesses to engage with their followers throughout the day without spamming their feed. You can also do unique types of content like polls, link to products, and do live feeds.
Instagram Stories vs. Instagram TVs
Ideally, it would be best to use both types of content for your business’s strong social media presence. Long-form content on IGTV should be evergreen content that will remain engaging for your users. While your Instagram stories can keep your audience entertained and engaged with updates on your day-to-day activities.
Instagram stories and IGTV guide
We hope our Instagram stories and IGTV guide help you elevate your business Instagram performance with a variety of optimized content.
For more help and advice on developing a killer content strategy, we can help. Just get in touch for a free virtual consulting call.