Mastering IGTV: A Comprehensive Guide to Uploading Videos

Instagram’s IGTV is a powerful platform for sharing longer-form video content with your audience. Whether you’re a creator, business, or simply someone who enjoys sharing video stories, understanding how to upload videos to IGTV effectively is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from preparing your video to optimizing it for maximum impact.

Why Use IGTV?

Before we dive into the ‘how,’ let’s briefly cover the ‘why.’ IGTV offers several advantages over traditional Instagram posts:

• Longer Video Length: Unlike regular Instagram videos, which are limited to 60 seconds, IGTV allows videos up to 1 hour long for some accounts (initially up to 10 minutes for standard accounts; limits now depend on account size and verification). This provides ample space for in-depth tutorials, interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
• Standalone Platform: While integrated into Instagram, IGTV has its dedicated app and section, making it a hub for longer video content.
• Enhanced Discovery: IGTV videos can be discovered through Instagram’s Explore page and dedicated IGTV section, broadening your reach.
• Targeted Audience: You can build a loyal audience specifically interested in your long-form content.
• Monetization Opportunities: For eligible creators, IGTV provides opportunities for monetization through ads and badges.

Preparing Your Video for IGTV

Before you even think about uploading, proper preparation is key. Here’s what you need to consider:

1. Video Dimensions and Aspect Ratio

IGTV videos are vertical (portrait) videos, optimized for mobile viewing. Here are the specific requirements:

• Aspect Ratio: 9:16
• Resolution: Recommended 1080 x 1920 pixels. Aim for the highest resolution possible, but this is a good balance between quality and file size.
• Minimum Resolution: 720 x 1280 pixels.
• File Format: MP4 is the best option.
• Maximum Video Length: Up to 1 hour for larger/verified accounts (can be lower). Up to 15 minutes initially for standard accounts.
• Maximum File Size: 650MB for videos under 10 minutes, 3.6GB for videos up to 60 minutes.

Important Note: Avoid using horizontal (landscape) videos, as they will be displayed with black bars on the sides, detracting from the viewing experience. Ensure your video is shot and edited in the 9:16 vertical format.

2. Video Content and Quality

• Content Relevance: Make sure your video is relevant to your audience and provides value. Consider tutorials, entertaining content, brand stories, or behind-the-scenes glimpses.
• Video Quality: Invest in good lighting and sound. Even with mobile devices, you can significantly improve your video quality using external microphones or natural light.
• Engaging Start: The first few seconds of your video are crucial. Make sure they are eye-catching and draw viewers in.
• Editing: Edit your video professionally. Remove unnecessary pauses, add transitions, and incorporate text overlays where appropriate. Use editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or even free mobile apps.

3. Cover Photo

Your cover photo is the first thing viewers see. It should be engaging, relevant to your video, and visually appealing. Here are some tips:

• Size: 420 x 654 pixels (1:1.55 aspect ratio).
• Content: Use a clear image that reflects your video content. Text overlay can make it more attention-grabbing, but keep it concise.
• Consistency: Maintain consistency in your cover photo style to build a recognizable brand identity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading Videos to IGTV

Now that your video is prepared, let’s move on to the uploading process. You can upload videos using either the IGTV app or the regular Instagram app.

Method 1: Uploading Through the IGTV App

The IGTV app provides a dedicated interface for uploading and managing your IGTV videos.

1. Download the IGTV App: If you haven’t already, download the IGTV app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Log In: Open the IGTV app and log in with your Instagram account credentials.
3. Tap the Plus Icon: On the main screen, you’ll see a plus (+) icon at the top right. Tap on it.
4. Select Your Video: You will be redirected to your phone’s gallery. Choose the video you want to upload to IGTV. Tap “Next.”
5. Adjust Trim: If required, trim your video by dragging the slider to select the desired section, then tap “Next.”
6. Add Cover Image: Tap ‘Add from camera roll’ to upload your custom cover photo. Ensure it is the correct size (420 x 654 pixels) and content. You can also select a frame from the video itself for the cover photo. Tap “Next”.
7. Add Title and Description: Enter a compelling title for your video (up to 75 characters). Write a detailed description explaining what your video is about. Use relevant keywords to improve searchability. You can also add links to your website or other resources here.
8. Channel Selection: If you have multiple IG accounts connected, confirm which channel this video should be posted to.
9. Series: Add to an existing series, if appropriate, or select create new series and follow the prompts to add your video to the desired series.
10. Post to Facebook (Optional): Choose if you also want your video posted to your connected Facebook Page. If desired, toggle to allow this action.
11. Post to Your Instagram Feed (Optional): Choose to preview the video to your Instagram feed. If you do this, a 1-minute preview will appear on your Instagram feed for users to easily discover the video. Tap “Post.”
12. Tap ‘Post’: Once you’ve filled in all the details, tap the ‘Post’ button at the bottom to upload your IGTV video.

Method 2: Uploading Through the Instagram App

You can also upload videos to IGTV through the main Instagram app:

1. Open the Instagram App: Launch the Instagram app on your smartphone.
2. Go to Your Profile: Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner to navigate to your profile page.
3. Tap the Plus Icon: Tap the plus (+) icon in the top right corner of your profile.
4. Choose ‘Video’: From the list of options select ‘Video’.
5. Select Your Video: Locate and select the vertical video you want to upload from your phone’s media library.
6. Adjust Trim: Trim your video if desired by moving the sliders, then tap ‘Next’.
7. Cover Image: Add your desired cover photo (420 x 654 pixels), either from your gallery or select a video frame and tap ‘Next’.
8. Add Title and Description: Write an informative title for your video (up to 75 characters) and a detailed description. Include relevant keywords and any necessary links.
9. Channel Selection: If you have multiple IG accounts connected, confirm which channel this video should be posted to.
10. Series: Add to an existing series, if appropriate, or select create new series and follow the prompts to add your video to the desired series.
11. Post to Facebook (Optional): Choose if you also want your video posted to your connected Facebook Page. If desired, toggle to allow this action.
12. Post to Your Instagram Feed (Optional): Choose to preview the video to your Instagram feed. If you do this, a 1-minute preview will appear on your Instagram feed for users to easily discover the video.
13. Tap ‘Post’: After completing all steps, tap the “Post” button at the bottom to upload your IGTV video.

Post-Upload Optimization and Best Practices

Uploading is just the first step. Here are some tips to optimize your IGTV videos for maximum reach and engagement:

• Promote Your IGTV Video: Share your IGTV video on your Instagram stories, and use a call to action to encourage people to watch the full video.
• Use Relevant Hashtags: Include relevant hashtags in your video description. Research popular hashtags in your niche to increase visibility.
• Engage with Comments: Respond to comments and interact with your viewers to build a community.
• Analyze Your Insights: Use Instagram Insights to track the performance of your IGTV videos. Pay attention to metrics like views, likes, comments, and audience retention to identify what content resonates best with your audience.
• Create a Series: Organize your videos into a series. Series allow viewers to easily find related videos and encourage binge-watching.
• Use Closed Captions: Add closed captions to your videos, making them accessible to a wider audience, including those who are hearing impaired. Many viewers prefer to watch videos without sound, so this increases engagement with viewers in public spaces, or those who cannot use their audio at the time.
• Cross-Promote: Share your IGTV videos on other social media platforms and your website.
• Consistency: Publish new videos regularly to keep your audience engaged and grow your channel.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues during the upload process. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Upload Failure: Ensure you have a stable internet connection. If issues persist, restart the app or your device. Verify that your video format, length and size meet the IGTV specifications.
• Video Quality Degradation: This can happen if your original video quality is poor. Shoot and edit your video with high resolution and bitrate. Check your internet connection is stable and strong, as slow connections can cause quality to degrade.
• Cover Image Not Displaying Properly: Verify the cover image dimensions (420 x 654 pixels). Ensure the file type is supported (e.g., JPG or PNG).
• Audio Issues: Make sure you have a good-quality audio recording. Use an external microphone if possible. Verify the format and bitrate of the audio is suitable for IGTV
• Video is Upside Down: The best way to avoid this is to ensure that your camera is not being used in the incorrect orientation when recording. You can use external video editing software to reorient the video before upload.

Conclusion

Uploading videos to IGTV is a relatively straightforward process, but optimizing them for success requires planning and execution. By understanding the platform’s requirements, creating high-quality content, and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively leverage IGTV to engage your audience and reach new heights on Instagram. Remember to always track your progress, and be consistent with your uploads. With patience and effort, IGTV can become a vital part of your social media strategy. Stay creative, and continue creating amazing content!