Instagram TV

 IGTV is the newest big shift to Instagram. It was originally confusing at first because it was a stand-alone app but it’s now available on Instagram and they are making it more user friendly and more central of the platform since they want users to stay on their app for a longer time. So, they want you to post IGTV or use it as much as possible and It’s important to use and capitalize it right now because Instagram will reward you for doing so and your account will see the benefits. Here are the guides and tips I found to help you with IGTV:

Tips on Recording your IGTV:

1. Record either vertical or horizontal videos - I would recommend more vertical videos because it’s the preferred format for IGTV videos but if you want to repurpose old content videos (from Facebook, YouTube or Twitter), Instagram allows you to have an option for that.
2. You can just use your phone to record your videos – your phone’s HD video recording is enough for you to use instead of high-quality cameras.
3. Shoot for ideal length for 3 minutes – the ideal length of IGTV video is about 3-4 minutes but we found out that engagement generally drops after the 3-minute mark. Also, when you are recording, try to incorporate some kind of a cliff-hanger around the 1-minute mark because when you post an IGTV, there’s a 60-second preview to the Instagram feed. It will make your audience click on your video to find out more about it.
4. Add closed captions – I personally suggest “Clip-O-Matic” . It costs a dollar or two in Appstore and I’m sure it’s also available in Playstore. This app allows you to automatically voice recognized captions and add them to your video as you record them which can’t be done if you do that outside the app.

Once you’ve created your IGTV Recorded:

30 minutes before planning to upload, start engaging with other accounts; start showing Instagram algorithm that you are present on the app. Once you’re done that, then you’re ready to post.

Steps on Uploading IG TV:

There are 2 ways you can upload your IGTV video:

1.       First option:

• Open Instagram and click the plus button down at the middle of your screen.
• Scroll and find the video that you have created.
• Hit on the “next” button at the top right and it will say: Share as short video (up to 60 seconds) or long video (full-length video for IGTV)
• Choose “long video” and hit “continue” then will get to choose your cover image, I recommend having a separate cover image that is more exciting, engaging and should be clearly visible.
• Select “next” then you can add the title and description, you can add it to a series if it’s part of an IGTV series that you are doing and you can press the edit profile cover button down in the middle of the screen that will allow you to make sure that the profile image is exactly how you want it.
• Title - The ideal title length IGTV is 5 words; this could be a question or something that will let the audience know what to expect from the video. 
• Description – It can be your caption for your IGTV video. You can provide additional info or list out the tips in written form and most importantly, this is where you can put your clickable links.
• Make sure that the preview button is turned on so it will be posted on IGTV and as a preview on the feed. Then hit post to share it.

2.       Second option:

• Press the explore page button (magnifying glass icon)
• Type in IGTV and click on the plus button up the top right, next to your profile picture then you can upload your video.
• Then the rest of the steps are the same as the first option.

After posting, we need to do our spot check:

• Make sure that it was posted on our feed
• Make sure that the 60-second preview is playing correctly.
• Make sure that the profile image looks presentable and aesthetically pleasing.
• Then share that IGTV to your story. We should give our audience some background information and reason why they should click on this video we made for them.
• After posting, we need to make sure that we’re keeping up with engagement, responding to comments we’re getting and doing some additional engagement on other people’s accounts just like what we were doing 30 minutes before posting our IGTV.

I hope you find these tips helpful.