In this post we will be showing you the basics of how to create an IGTV channel and the technical requirements for uploading videos. The Instagram Tv popularly known as IGTV was launched in June 2018 to allow Instagram users who wish to make longer videos be able to fulfill their heart desire. Now, regular users can create videos that are 10 minutes long while verified users have the option of an hour. You can access the channel from within the Instagram app, but it is also a standalone app.

For some reasons, brands have been reluctant to adopt the vertical video channel as an audience engagement strategy probably because of the lack of time to spend putting together an hour video or the high costs associated with it. However, the recent changes in the channel allow Instagram users to share previews of their video on the feeds of their followers before taking them to watch the rest of the video on IGTV if it interests them.

But the best part is that followers can watch it all without having to leave Instagram. This improvement has made it easier for the brand to create video contents that can drive audience engagement. Here, you are going to learn some tips on how to turn your IGTV into an engaging channel. But first, see how to create your IGTV channel because you’ll need one before you can post videos.

How to Create an IGTV Channel

For brands that are yet to join the league of IGTV users, here’s how to get started:

You can create a channel from your Instagram app. All you have to do is click on the IGTV icon at the top right corner close to the message icon. Then tap the settings icon and click create a channel. Follow the prompts you’ll see to create the channel.

If you are creating from the IGTV app, use the web to access your Instagram profile, then go to your profile and click on “IGTV.” Click get started and follow the prompts to create the channel before moving on to upload a video.

How to upload a video

To upload a video from your Instagram, click on the IGTV image at the top right of your screen and click on your profile photo to view your channel. Tap the plus sign and upload a video and move to the next step. Add your title of the video and description to create a video.

To make your followers watch your video, share a minute preview to show up on their feeds, and if it interests them, they can click keep watching the video to take them to the IGTV channel where they can watch the full video.  But you’ll need to do this before posting the video by turning on the “post a review” button.

If you also want your Facebook friends and fans to see it, then turn on the make visible on Facebook. You will also need to add a cover photo and description. Ensure the cover photo is bright and attractive. After filling all the fields, click on “post” to post the video.

Posting a video from your IGTV app is pretty much the same thing. Go to your profile and tap the IGTV icon, then click upload. The + sign will allow you to choose the video you want to upload. Add the cover photo, title, and description before posting.

How to make your IGTV Channel an engaging one

First, you want to make sure that your video spec matches what Instagram requires. The file size for videos up to 10 minutes should not be more than 650 MB while those for 60 minutes should not be more than 3.6 GB. The standard size for the cover photo is 420 pixel by 654 pixels. And the vertical ratio should be 9:16.

After posting your video, here are some things you can do to improve audience engagement:

Promote your videos across various channels

Let your followers from different social media platforms know that you’re going the IGTV route. If you are a verified user, you have the option of linking your video from your Instastories.

Regular users can always share previews of the videos on their feed so that followers can watch. They can also connect the video to their Facebook page. You can even cross-promote on twitter and through an email newsletter by using callouts.

Create a video that hooks up front

The attention span of humans is very shot. If you don’t catch their interest within some seconds of interaction, it becomes difficult to do so with each passing minute. The same is through for your IGTV videos, especially if you are going to add previews that will show up on feeds.

Ensure the first minutes of your video answers the questions on the viewer’s mind like what the video is about and why they should keep watching. When they can get clear answers to these questions, then they’ll decide to stay longer and watch.

Optimize it to play without sound

Not everyone wants to watch a video with sound. So how do they watch yours without sound and still understand what’s happening? Add subtitles or ensure it can make sense to someone without using sound.

You’ll be able to get more audience engagement through this means because even those of your followers who skip a video with sound in a beat, get to watch your videos alongside with those who do not have problems watching your videos soundless or not.

Add hashtags to your description

Instagram is the home of hashtags, and not using them might make you lose some audience engagement and even new traffic. The same goes for the IGTV.

You can get followers and non-followers to view your videos by adding relevant hashtags. It will allow your videos to show up on the hashtag page of Instagram to increase its visibility.

Post relevant contents

You can always stick to Insta stories if you don’t have any special message to deliver on IGTV. It won’t make sense sharing the same thing you put on your stories on IGTV. Create out time to make videos you feel your audience will benefit from when they watch your channels. It could be tutorial videos, stories in series, and so on. Work with your social media strategists and consider your budget to decide what to show.