Instagram has made major headlines in the news recently. The trendy social media company just announced that it has reached one billion active users, dominating the social media world. Facebook, who acquired Instagram in 2012, reported 219 million users in 2018 — while Snapchat has almost 100 million fewer users than Facebook's. Instagram’s growing presence is impressive, and it just unveiled the latest addition to its app.

Shortly after announcing their one billion user breakthrough, Instagram also launched their newest feature: Instagram TV. The revolutionary IGTV has the potential to attract even more users, and for a good reason. The new app allows users to watch long-form, vertical videos of the people they follow.

Instagram is notorious for adopting and improving other social media innovations. When Snapchat became popular for its temporary stories, Instagram decided to add its own "story" feature. Later, when Facebook added Facebook Live, Instagram then executed the ability to post short recorded clips to their feed. Now, it seems as though Instagram is going after YouTube’s platform.

Just like regular television, IGTV allows its users to browse through different channels, but with the added benefit that they can also swipe up to visit recommended videos, popular videos, or their friend's videos. The revolutionary broadcastings have the capabilities to record up to an hour. Currently, the one-hour tapings are exclusive to major social media influencers with a large following, however, 60 minute videos will soon be available to all Instagram users. Creators will be able to make their own channels, very similar to YouTube's model. IGTV channels can be commented on, liked, and even sent to other people. As of now, there will be no commercials or ads, but the tech world does not think this will last for long. It will be interesting to see how YouTube video bloggers will react to IGTV. The possibility exists that they may switch over, enticed by the larger reach and also by the ability to put links to drive traffic elsewhere.

At our Boca Raton advertising agency, we believe this easy to use app is going to continue to be at the forefront of influential social media marketing tools. Instagram has been on top of the leading trends, and their numbers prove it. If you have any interest in learning more about the latest information in marketing or are looking to increase your presence on social media, set up an appointment with us today.

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