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IGTV now supports landscape video, directly targeting YouTube
IGTV was introduced both as a separate app and within Instagram itself as a way for creators to share long-form content. The new-ish platform appeared to be a direct attack on YouTube.
Just like with Instagram, the app/section was made primarily for vertical video. That’s changing starting today as Instagram has announced that IGTV will now support landscape video in addition to vertical.
Instagram writes that it is adding landscape video after receiving feedback from creators. By allowing both formats, IGTV can be the home for everyone, no matter how they shoot video. As you can see above, if a landscape video is uploaded to the platform, all a viewer has to do is rotate their phone to enjoy it in full-screen.
This change makes IGTV even more of a competitor to YouTube. Creators no longer have to worry about modifying their content to fit the vertical orientation that is the foundation of Instagram.
Previous Instagram updates
Redesigned Instagram Story camera app
May 1, 2019: Stories will switch up the layout of the Stories’ camera app. Everything from creative shooting modes such as Boomerangs to an ever-growing list of filters can be accessed through a carousel of sorts.
Additionally, Instagram will soon release a new Create mode. This will allow users to share image- and video-free content with their followers on Stories. Create will show up alongside Live and Camera as a separate section.
Instagram also introduced a new donation sticker that allows users to collect money for select charities and the expansion of the Checkout feature that allows more brands and influencers to sell things to users.
Instagram Checkout lets you buy things without leaving the app
March 19, 2019: Launched as a closed beta, “Checkout on Instagram” allows brands and companies to sell products through the social network. After clicking on the button, users will be able to complete the purchase without ever leaving the app.
Only a few brands are signed up for now, but this will no doubt increase as the feature rolls out proper. You can see a list of all the brands on the Instagram blog here.
New Sticker features for Stories and Instagram Live
December 18, 2018: Instagram now lets users respond to question stickers in Stories with music tracks. As well as question stickers for comments on Instagram Live, countdown stickers have also been added to Stories.
Voice messaging
December 11, 2018: Instagram added a new voice messaging feature that works very similarly to voice messaging in Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Apple’s Messages app.
The feature is easy enough to trigger — just tap and hold the microphone button when in Instagram Direct to record your voice message. You can record a voice message up to one minute in length and remains in your Instagram Direct threads indefinitely.
Support for video chat, revamped Explore page, and new camera effects
June 26, 2018: Instagram introduced real-time video chatting within Instagram Direct. To start a video chat, go to the Direct tab, open a message thread, and tap the camera icon in the right corner. You can video chat with one friend or with a group of four people at a time.
Next up is the refreshed Explore page that includes new topic channels. When you open the Explore page, you now see a tray at the top with several personalized channels, such as art, sports, beauty, fashion, and “For You.” Each channel includes posts for that specific topic.
Finally, the new camera effects feature designs from Ariana Grande, Buzzfeed, Liza Koshy, Baby Ariel, and the NBA. You will have to follow any of those accounts to get the corresponding camera effects, however.