Instagram had recently launched its IGTV app to draw crowds to its video platform. However, the app really hasn’t caught on, with most of the viewership coming from the IG app itself. Nevertheless, Instagram updated the IGTV app hoping to boost its interface and attract new viewers. Here’s a look at what the update does, and how it might help the company draw larger crowds.
IGTV Kicks Off
Instagram launched the IGTV app in a bid to help promote creators who make long-form videos. The recent update which came out today will see a whole new design, with significant changes having been made to the homepage and interface. The company’s update sees the inclusion of a creator top which helps users watch what their followers are up to.
This top part also displays all the videos that the app thinks the user will enjoy. Furthermore, the IGTV app will also get a Discover tab that will help users surf new video content and find new forms of long-form videos they enjoy. This tab will work a lot like the Explore tab on the IG app. Also, the app will now have its very own hands-free recording function which will enable users to take more interesting videos.
Explore and Discover
People everywhere agree that the biggest change brought in by the update is without a doubt the new Discover tab. Before this update, the IGTV app only displayed videos put up by the people the users followed. In addition other popular videos which the app felt were relevant also came on the user’s feed. Also, the app’s interface was very bare, with users having to click on videos to start them and play them. The new Discover tab will help users find new interesting content and explore other users and their profiles. Such an Explore tab will help users find new content, share and promote their own content and even help in forming connections via the app.
IG Stories Update
Another small, yet impactful update will allow users to now add IGTV content as their Stories. Rather than including a frame from the video, they can now play 15 seconds of their content. Such a move will help significantly in attracting new users to the app, as videos are now more likely to get more views. All of these updates will help in making the app more accessible, user-friendly and appealing to the younger generation. No one is sure regarding how many users depend solely on the IGTV app for their daily dose of video content.
Most people still seem to use the Instagram app to find video content, rather than depending on the stand-alone app. Also, Instagram has refused to divulge information regarding the usage of the app. However, when we look at Google Play and App Store, we see that while the IG app has over 10 million reviews, the IGTV app has only around 26,000 reviews with more than 25,000 coming from Google Play. But, it is refreshing to see Instagram focusing on content creators, and helping them popularise their content.
With sources saying that company executives are encouraging new talent to use the IGTV app from the Los Angeles office, it seems like the company is taking a new found interest in video content. Furthermore, these updates suggest that Instagram is actively working towards weeding out the problems in the IGTV interface. The company is also trying to find why the app isn’t attracting many viewers and working towards alleviating those problems. Instagram still believes that IGTV is the “future of video,” and is ensuring rely on it to find video content.
Being a cinephile with a love for all things outdoorsy, Athulya never misses a chance to chase inspiring stories or poke fun at things, even when the subject is herself. Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, she is someone innately interested in technical and scientific research. Music reviews and op-eds define her as they allow her to explore different perspectives. Though sometimes she thinks she makes more sense playing the guitar than she does while writing.