Instagram May Allow 90-Minute Video Uploads With New Features

Instagram is testing a new feature that will allow creators to upload videos up to 90 minutes long. The move could help the Meta-owned platform compete more directly with YouTube and give creators more ways to share content with their followers.

The new feature, called “Features,” marks a shift from Instagram’s strong focus on short videos. The platform became popular for Reels, but longer videos could help creators share tutorials, interviews, reviews, and other detailed content without sending viewers to another platform.

One major difference between Instagram and YouTube is how creators earn money. Instagram creators mainly make money through brand deals and fan support, while its direct payment programmes remain limited. YouTube, on the other hand, shares advertising revenue with eligible creators through its Partner Program. YouTube has said it paid more than $100 billion to creators, artists, and media companies over four years.

Instagram has not yet announced how it will pay creators for the new long-form videos. Meta said it is exploring ways for creators to earn money through brands, fans, and Instagram itself. This could include payments linked to video performance, but the company has not confirmed a final plan.

Longer videos may also give Instagram more room to show advertisements in the future, although Meta has not confirmed whether ads will be added to these videos.

Instagram is also testing a feature called “Clips as Reels.” It will allow creators to turn parts of longer videos into short Reels that direct viewers to the full video. Users may also be able to save longer videos to watch through Instagram’s TV app.

The company is testing these features in Brazil and expanding a small trial to the United States. Instagram is also working on better ways to discover live videos and a profile section for connected Reels episodes.

With these changes, Instagram wants users to enjoy both short and long videos without leaving the platform. However, its ability to compete with YouTube for creator earnings will depend on the payment options it introduces and how creators respond to the new features.

This article is based on information from Tech Crunch