No problem! So, IGTV stands for Instagram TV. It was a video application developed by Instagram specifically for smartphones running on Android and iOS operating systems. The purpose of IGTV was to allow users to upload and watch longer videos compared to the videos that could be shared on the regular Instagram feeds.
I remember when IGTV was first introduced as a standalone app. It was an exciting addition to the Instagram platform because it provided a new way for users to engage with video content. Instead of being limited to short videos that could only be a minute long, IGTV allowed users to upload videos that could be up to an hour in length.
What was particularly interesting about IGTV was that it had its own dedicated app, separate from the main Instagram app. However, even if you didn’t have the IGTV app installed on your phone, you could still access IGTV content through the Instagram app and website. This integration made it convenient for users to discover and watch IGTV videos without having to switch between apps.
One of the advantages of IGTV was that it provided a platform for creators to share longer-form video content. This was especially valuable for content creators who wanted to share tutorials, vlogs, or other types of videos that required more time to fully convey their message. It opened up new opportunities for creativity and storytelling within the Instagram community.
IGTV also had some unique features that differentiated it from other video platforms. For example, when you opened the IGTV app, videos would start playing automatically, similar to a TV channel. The app also had a “Discover” tab, where you could explore a curated selection of popular and recommended videos.
In terms of my personal experience with IGTV, I found it to be a great way to discover new content creators and watch longer videos that provided more in-depth information or entertainment. I remember finding some really interesting travel vlogs and cooking tutorials on IGTV that I wouldn’t have come across on the regular Instagram feed.
Unfortunately, IGTV did not gain as much traction as Instagram had hoped. Many users still preferred the shorter, more digestible videos that were shared on the main Instagram feed. As a result, Instagram eventually decided to integrate IGTV more seamlessly into the main app, making the standalone IGTV app less necessary.
IGTV was an interesting addition to the Instagram platform, allowing for longer videos and providing a new way for creators to engage with their audience. While it may not have reached the same level of popularity as some other video platforms, it was still a valuable tool for those who wanted to share and consume longer-form video content on Instagram.