Instagram is experimenting with a new long-form video option called Features, signaling a broader push into longer, more traditional video content. The format is designed to give creators more room to publish extended videos directly on the platform, with a particular focus on podcast-style programming and full-length episodes.
According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Instagram began testing the feature on Monday. At this stage, access is limited to a small group of creators in the United States. The report also notes that the company had already been trialing the format with creators in Brazil before the latest expansion.
Details about Features were also shared by Instagram Vice President of Product Tessa Lyons and Instagram head Adam Mosseri. The new format appears to be aimed primarily at podcasters and video creators who want to share longer content without cutting it into shorter segments.
Under the current test, long-form videos will first appear as short preview clips inside the Explore tab. If viewers want to continue, they can tap a new “Watch full video” button to open the complete video.
Features will initially be available through Instagram’s mobile app. Support for Instagram on TV is planned for a later stage. If the test goes well, the long-form video format could reach all users in the US by the end of this year or early next year.
