Last week Instagram announced a new web platform named IGTV. It’s available on phones and devices both inside Instagram and as a separate app. At the moment it supports videos up to an hour in length with plans to expand further.
Is IGTV actual television? As much as Snapchat and Instagram Stories are television, we suppose. But the world is changing when it comes to the merging of social media and television. There are already well-produced videos on IGTV including a series by 21-year-old Instagram celebrity, LeLe Pons, who has a cooking show named What’s Cooking? where she brings on a new guest every episode.
And of course, unlike monetized platforms like YouTube and Twitch, Instagram wants its “influencers” to make content for them for free. The big names like LeLe Pons are probably the only ones getting money from Instagram/Facebook right now.
Not to mention that vertical video format *shudders*.
TV has always been a part of Michael’s life, but since the influx of streaming shows now he can’t stop (someone send help). He also dabbles in films and video games, and has a mean board game collection.
Michael has a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand. He has previously written about video games for publications including Game Console, Salient, and ButtonMasher.
