Instagram is continuing to push into longer video by testing a new format designed for more extended viewing sessions.
The company is testing a new video format called Features, which lets users upload horizontal videos of up to 90 minutes. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the test began on Monday and is currently limited to selected creators in the US. The report also says Instagram has already been trying the feature with creators in Brazil.
Instagram Vice President of Product Tessa Lyons and Instagram head Adam Mosseri have both shared details about the format. Features is mainly aimed at podcasters, giving them a way to publish full episodes or longer clips directly on Instagram.
Instead of immediately showing the full-length video everywhere in the app, Instagram will first present these uploads as short clips in the Explore tab. Viewers who want more can tap a new “Watch full video” button to open the complete video.
Features will initially be available on Instagram’s mobile app, with support for Instagram for TV planned for a later stage. The company is expected to expand the feature to all US users by the end of this year or early next year.
