Discover IG TV, Instagram's latest innovation

"Teenagers last year watch 40% less Tv but 60% more videos on Instagram".

This is how Instagram's founder and CEO, Kevin Systrom, started his speech yesterday from a stage during an event in San Francisco. Systrom launched the latest innovation of the mediatic giant. Igtv will be a standalone app, but its videos will appear also on the flagship app. Videos will start automatically (like switching on a real Tv) and will be seen fullscreen. The content offered is based on the followed accounts (whose videos will appear without having to select them) and the personal interests.

The further innovation is the duration of these videos. After the 15 seconds of the Stories and the minute long posted videos, the app will give the opportunity to create contents from ten minutes up to one hour long. The newest influencers of the app are called creators and, even though Systrom never mentioned directly the rival YouTube, they look a lot like Youtubers, with their own channel and the freedom to share whatever they want. At least for the moment the creators won't be paid by Instagram and also advertisement won't be present on the app.

From our CEO @kevin: “Today, we have two big announcements to share. First, Instagram is now a global community of one billion! Since our launch in 2010, we’ve watched with amazement as the community has flourished and grown. This is a major accomplishment — so from all of us at Instagram, thank you! Second, we’re announcing our most exciting feature to date: IGTV, a new app for watching long-form, vertical video from your favorite Instagram creators, like LaurDIY (@laurdiy) posting her newest project or King Bach (@kingbach) sharing his latest comedy skit. While there’s a stand-alone IGTV app, you’ll also be able to watch from within the Instagram app so the entire community of one billion can use it from the very start. IGTV is different in a few ways. First, it’s built for how you actually use your phone, so videos are full screen and vertical. Also, unlike on Instagram, videos aren’t limited to one minute. Instead, each video can be up to an hour long. We made it simple, too. Just like turning on the TV, IGTV starts playing as soon as you open the app. You don’t have to search to start watching content from people you already follow on Instagram and others you might like based on your interests. You can swipe up to discover more — switch between “For You,” “Following,” “Popular” and “Continue Watching.” You can also like, comment and send videos to friends in Direct. Also like TV, IGTV has channels. But, in IGTV, the creators are the channels. When you follow a creator on Instagram, their IGTV channel will show up for you to watch. Anyone can be a creator — you can upload your own IGTV videos in the app or on the web to start your own channel. Instagram has always been a place to connect with the people who inspire, educate and entertain you every day. With your help, IGTV begins a new chapter of video on Instagram. We hope it brings you closer to the people and things you love. IGTV will be rolling out globally over the next few weeks on iOS and Android.

Un post condiviso da Instagram (@instagram) in data: Giu 20, 2018 at 11:10 PDT

Although the enormous competition between media giants - YouTube, Google, Facebook, Apple, who has just made a deal with Oprah, and Amazon, that bought Premier League rights - Instagram is not afraid of this new bet, strong with its 1 billion users.