Instagram has joined the long form video club with the release of IGTV. You have probably already started seeing the organizations (Like Us) and companies you follow posting about their new longer content on Instagram. It’s pretty easy to get to and built into the base app. It’s also easy to make a “channel” and everyone can do it. This video content can be up to 1 hour long for approved accounts and a half hour for everyone else.
You should expect to see much of the same videos you would see on YouTube make their way to Instagram as well. There are already podcasts, tutorials, and news reports being uploaded and, since literally, anything else you can imagine will be available soon as well.
What Parents Should Know
With excessive screen time becoming an increasing problem, longer videos on the fastest growing social media app among most age groups could be cause for concern. Content is also, often a consideration since Instagram filters photos and videos through an algorithm. This means their software has to detect adult or dangerous content and if it fails the content has to be flagged enough times to be changed. Parents who are concerned about online content and screen time should be sure that their younger teens and children have time limits and content filters set. The other issue will be brands and entertainment companies creating content to market to our kids. They know that our kids and teenagers use Instagram and they will be targeting them with their videos. My advice is (as always) for parents to talk to their kids about the content they view online and try to help them keep an eye on how they spend their time and what they’re watching.
