How To Use IGTV: 2021’s Complete Guide For Beginners

IGTV has taken the Instagram video trend to the whole NEXT level, and brands, influencers, creators, and marketers are finding it too profitable! In short, they are loving this space a lot. 

Having larger opportunities to get featured on the Explore page, long-form video contents straight up to 10 minutes for all profiles, and a chance to create a running video series, IGTV has become the surefire way to level up your Instagram strategy. 

It gives users a golden opportunity to:

1. Build better engagement
2. Collaborate with the influencers
3. Enhance your marketing strategy

But among all these things, some questions that are really going to haunt the newbies are- How to use IGTV? How to create a channel for IGTV? And lastly, what are the best ways one can use it for marketing their business?

Oh gosh! So many questions! Right? Don't worry, here in this article we are going to clear up all your doubts. Basically, it will be a complete guide on how one can make the best use of IGTV. So, without any further ado, let's quickly check the table of contents and then dive into the article. 

Table Of Contents:

• What Is IGTV?
• How To Create An IGTV Channel?
• IGTV Video Specs
• 05 Ways To Use IGTV For Business

What Is IGTV?

IGTV is one of the long-form video channels available from Instagram and as a self-functioned app. When IG launched this feature back in June 2018, people became much excited to get started with using it. And within a short time, it gained immense popularity. Well, this is so because it gave the brands and creators a huge opportunity to create videos longer than those typical IG stories and posts.  

Not only this but, lucky users who have got the verified tick can post videos on IGTV up to an hour-long. Rest regular users can upload 10 mins long videos, and this is also great. 

In fact, in 2019, Instagram allowed the creators to post a one-minute preview of their IGTV video on their feeds to enhance their reach. And that's really great to grab eyeballs and without having the audiences to download the app. 

However, recently, we found creators struggling with getting proper engagement because of the new algorithm of IG. That is also because of the arrival of the new TikTok - 'Reels' in the IG world. Users got too much attracted to Reels, leaving IGTV all behind. But not to worry, now IGTV has again gained the same engagement from the users. All you need to do is to walk with the Instagram algorithm, and you are all set to rock.

How To Use IGTV? Or How To Create An IGTV Channel?

Since IGTV is a part of Instagram or one can also say, a feature of that particular platform, so you need to create an account on IG first. Once done, you can automatically start sharing or posting videos on your IGTV. 

Here are a few steps on how to upload a video on IGTV:

1. Tap on the + button or upload post option down in the middle of your newsfeed.
2. Choose the video you want to upload and select NEXT.
3. Select the Share As Long Video option! Well, it will help you post the full video on IGTV. Next, tap on the Continue option.
4. Select a cover image for your IGTV video. You can select it from its frame or can directly add a photo from your gallery. After that, tap on the NEXT option.
5. Then fill up the title and description for your video. Now you have the option to post a preview of your video on your newsfeed and, if you want to cross-promote it, make it available on Facebook.

Once you have done all these things, tap on the POST option! Voila! Someone just posted an IGTV video from their Instagram account. Sounds great. 

IGTV Video Specs

Just like Instagram image dimensions, IGTV does have its own dimensions that you need to follow. Here is all the information about the video specs you need for your IGTV video:

1. File format: MP4
2. Video length: It should be at least a minute long
3. Max video length while uploading on mobile: 15 minutes
4. Max video length while uploading on the web: 01 hour
5. Horizontal aspect ratio: 16:9
6. Vertical aspect ratio: 9:16
7. Min resolution: 720 pixels
8. Min frame rate: 30 FPS (frames per sec)
9. Max file size for the videos that are 10 min or less than that: 650 MB
10. Max file size for the videos that are 60 min longer: 3.6 GB
11. Size of the cover photo: 420px by 654px or 1:1.55 ratio.

ProTip: You can not edit your cover photo once it is uploaded! So you have to make sure that it is all perfect.

05 Ways To Use IGTV For Business

Given below are some great tips that will definitely help you know how to use IGTV, along with a better Instagram marketing for your business. 

1. Create Tutorial Videos

One of the excellent ways to build greater engagement is with the help of tutorial videos. And these videos can cover a lot of different topics in your business. 

Say, for instance, you have a fitness brand. You could develop a series that focuses on training tutorials or even one that focuses on healthy food recipes. 

You can make a how-to video based on how to use the item if your company sells a product. For your brand, there are a lot of opportunities for great IGTV shows!

2. Host A Q&A Session

Doing a Q&A session with your audience can be one of the best ways to answer all the queries your followers might be having. Also, it can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your business among the audiences in a detailed manner.

3. Post Some Behind The Scenes Video (BTS)

Well, this will be a great way to increase transparency in your brand. You humanize your brand to audiences by giving them a glimpse at how your business works, whether it be by interviewing colleagues or actually visiting your workspace.

4. Stream An Event

Want to host an event like a seminar or a convention? Well, share that with your viewers on your IGTV channel! And this is a fantastic opportunity to allow people who could not get a hit to "attend" digitally. Your fans will enjoy it a lot, and you can also give them content that they can interact with.

5. Host An Interesting Talk Show

Have you ever dreamt of seeing your name under the 'Tonight Show' banner? Well, now you can (Kind of)! 

You can even host a talk show based on your brand on your IGTV. Invite guests like influencers and opinion leaders. Talk about news from the industry. You can also bring your colleagues together and build an in-house band if you're really ambitious.

Also, watch: Socinator - All in One Social Media Management Software

Time To Wrap It Up

Instagram TV or IGTV is still on the top list of every user's priority. Whether you are a famous influencer or a business trying to promote its brand or products, IGTV can definitely be the best way to reach a large number of people. All we need to do is to find the right strategy and plan accordingly. 

Anyways, we are sure that this How to use IGTV guide can help y'all a lot to reach your goal ASAP. So, what are you waiting for? Start creating eye-catchy videos right now.