IGTV is all the rage right now. This new feature on instagram has everyone going crazy on how to figure out how to use it.
I personally just started using this feature and am so in love with it that I decided to share with you all the hype and how you too can use IGTV to grow your brand.
So let’s tackle some comment questions out there:
What is IGTV?
IGTV stand for instagram TV and it is a way for people to post video content to share with their followers.
Why not just use instagram stories for videos?
While instagram stories are great ways to check in with you followers and keep them posted about your day, it only allows for a 15 sec video.
With the new IGTV feature you can post longer videos up to 10 mins to share with your followers.
I love this because I have been trying to do hair tutorial on instagram stories and its very tricky when you have to keep hitting the record button every 15 secs.
I still use the instagram stories to keep my followers posted on my day and little things going on, but I now use IGTV as my substitute for my YouTube channel.
Yes, I do have a youtube channel, which I’ll link HERE for you to check out. I love make videos and tutorials on YouTube however they are very time consuming with all the editing so with my busy schedule right now the IGTV feature is way better.
Why IGTV will grow your brand
So I have done a bunch of polls on instagram asking do people click on the links and leave instagram to go to whatever site you are directing them to, and sadly the more common answer is no. Most people are on instagram to BE ON INSTAGRAM. They don’t want to leave the app to go find your site.
I have found that most my views on my youtube channel are due to people searching in youtube for similar content. So with instagram it is the same. Most people will look at your content on instagram if it stays on instagram.
So with the IGTV I can now post my hair tutorials and new content for my viewers which will help my brand grow and continue to reach people.
Ways to utilize IGTV to grow your instagram
So with this new feature being so accessible you can easily grow your instagram now by being consistent on IGTV.
I try to post a new video every Tuesday on my segment called “IGTV Tutorial Tuesdays”.
On these segments I try to teach my viewers how to do new things whether it be new hairstyles, make-up routines, or everyday DIYs, tips, tricks, or hacks. This way I’m being consistent for my viewers and they know that every Tuesday they can tune in to learn something new.
People are creatures of habit and they love routine so if you are consistent in your IGTV posting people will start to remember “oh it’s tuesday, I want to see what she’s teaching today..” and they will make the effort to tune in to your profile just for that.
Over time this consistency will turn into growth of your brand and your instagram account.
How do I get IGTV?
It’s super simple. Make sure you have the most updated version of instagram first. If not update your app now!
Then after updating your app you should see a small TV icon in the top right corner by the direct message icon.
If the TV icon is still not visible after updating your instagram app, then directly download the IGTV app from your app store and then sign into instagram through the IGTV app. Once you do that you should be able to view all the people you follow content.
OK, I got the IGTV feature now, how do I use it?
Easy peasy. You just record a video on your Phone in the vertical orientation. All videos must be vertical to be uploaded.
Your video can be up to 10 mins long. If you have longer content then I suggest editing the video on your phone first into Part 1 and 2 (or however many parts you need) and then uploading.
When you first upload the videos it will sometimes take awhile so I suggest doing a quick short video to upload your first time, like “hey welcome to my IGTV channel” and then uploading larger videos after.
How do I organize my IGTV videos?
When you upload the video instagram will allow you to put a title and a brief description of what the video is about for your viewers to read.
This will help your viewers find what they are looking for quicker!
Where do the videos go after I uploaded them?
The videos will stay on your IGTV channel and will also be moved to it’s own IGTV highlight reel automatically.
This way all your videos will be permanently available to your viewers unless you decided to delete one.
Can I share my IGTV videos to others that aren’t following me?
YES! I love that instagram made this direct link feature available to everyone no matter how many followers an account has.
So as you know in order to put a direct link or a “swipe up” on you instagram stories you must have 10k or more followers. Which sadly I do not, but thats ok, because I’m growing slowly and organically which is more important.
So to reach more people you can make an instagram story about your video and then add the direct link to the video in the story.
To make sure you are reaching the most people possible, add in hashtags, location, or mentions to drive viewers who are not currently following you.
This is a great tactic to grow your instagram account with people who are truly interested in your content.
How will my viewers know I posted a new video?
Instagram will notify your followers with a little banner at the top of their screen when you post a new IGTV video. Super helpful, right!?
Can my viewers interact with me on my videos?
YUP! So just like when you do a live video, instagram allows your viewers to like your videos and send you messages and comments.
Where can I find examples of IGTV videos?
You can check out my instagram account HERE to see example of IGTV videos!
BONUS: other ways to grow your Brand and Instagram Account
Here’s a little bonus tip on how to grow your brand and instagram account faster.
Make sure to use PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and TWITTER!
That’s right, you can use any of these platforms to redirect traffic back to your instagram account or to your blog.
I use this method all the time to help my other platforms grow.
You can check out my all my social media platforms below and you are more than welcome to follow along for more inspiration!
- My Pinterest
- My Instagram
- My Facebook
- My Twitter
- My Youtube Channel
For more helpful Instagram how to’s, check out this post HERE and HERE
If you have any questions feel free to comment below, and let me know what other content you would like to see!
Talk to you soon!
Thanks so much for sharing these tips! Ive been hesitating to use IGTV but I just wasn’t all too sure what it was for!
xo
Katrina Gwen Rose
http://www.katrinagwenrose.com
This is such s great post! I was totally clueless on how to use IGTV until I read this. Thank you so much for the helpful tips!
Of course! I’m so glad you liked it!! I know I had to research in the beginning to figure it all out because I really knew this would be easier for tutorials!
Oh I really need to start using IGTV! Thanks for walking me through how to do it because I had no clue before this ❤️
Of course! I’m so glad you liked it and found it helpful!
What a great tutorial Chelsea! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Of course! I’m so glad you liked it!
Thanks so much for sharing, Chelsea! I have been watching more IGTV videos lately to see if I want to start! I didn’t know the 10 minute time limit! And I totally thought these were live! This info was all super helpful! Do you find a certain time of day is best to post videos?
So glad you like it! Yeah I didn’t realize that time limit either till I tried to upload a video lol. I actually love that they are not live so that you can record ahead of time and then post! I haven’t found the best time of day to post yet for them. I think people are still just getting into it so hopefully I’ll figure that out soon!
This is so super informative! So glad you did this because I was still a little unsure about how to totally use IGTV. Seems pretty cool and super easy! After reading this, I see some videos coming soon on my page too! Thanks so much!