Imagine this: you relax on your couch after a hard day, with the remote control in your hand. Instead of browsing endlessly through the channels on your TV, you decide to open Instagram on the screen. A riveting story is told through a sequence of episodes – a travel blogger revealing Italy’s secret places, a chef giving a master cooking class in different videos, or a stand-up comedian filming a live performance. What used to be short bursts of pleasure from 15-second Reels is turning into an experience that is more enjoyable, more immersive, even addictive. Instagram, which has been the leading platform for short videos, is boldly taking a step in the direction of longer videos, and both creators and viewers are thrilled.
Recently, Meta has introduced and experimented with new features that will allow the platform to support this change. The most notable one is “Series” for Reels, which is now being given to some creators on Instagram and Facebook only, and will eventually be rolled out to all. This function allows making collections {01} of videos that not only are grouped together but also are bingeable and are shown in separate portfolio sections of the users’ profiles. There is no need anymore to search in the feed which is usually a mess for the next segment of the story – episodes will be shown one after another, So viewers will be enticed to come back repeatedly. For those who want to present comprehensive stories and go beyond just providing quick tips or dances, it is a real revolution.
Tessa Lyons, the Instagram’s vice president of product, has frequently spoken about the platform’s road map. The company’s intention is for the app to be a big part in creators’ long-form content strategies, not only their short-form content. This also means podcasts, live streaming, short-form dramas, and content which is bigger-screen-friendly will get more investment. Instagram is further enhancing its availability on connected TVs by launching dedicated apps for Amazon Fire TV and Google TV devices. Reels and longer videos have now become a source of entertainment for the whole family and friends which is usually at the living room.
As for a typical user, this development seems like a breath of fresh air. Many are getting fed up with scrolling mindlessly without any end and they want substance in stories. A mom who doesn’t stop being a mom even after a hard day might watch a parenting show once a week during her leisure time, and a gym rat would follow a fitness series that really gets one in shape. Creators, in particular, who found it almost impossible to express complex thoughts within 90 seconds should get wings now. Imagine detailed tutorials, performing arts documentaries, or serialized fiction – all of these can be found right where people are already talking.
This change doesn’t occur hardly. Instagram has slowly increased Reels video length, some creators are already making videos more than 3 minutes. Adding to that, with new discovery tools and better recommendations, the platform is hoping that by getting users more involved, they will stay longer. More time watching means more support from the algorithm, more money-making possibilities, and deeper creator-audience relationships.
Though, change is not always easy. Not all creators will be able to change their style easily, and some fear that focusing on longer content could even make the platform less spontaneous. But early results are encouraging: viewers are liking the new, more planned video formats that keep them coming back, much like old TV shows.
Instagram is gradually turning from a social media platform to a streaming platform and television. One thing we know for sure is that the future will be more personal and cinematic. If you are a viewer looking for inspiration or a storyteller, this new feature will open lots of exciting doors. Instagram, a platform that used to be just for showing quick snaps, is already turning into a platform where we remain, get ourselves comfortable, and consume content that deeply touches us.
In fact, changes on the platform are mirroring the way we live today – our need for quick connections and serious in-depth interactions. For a huge number of users, Instagram is much more than simply an app on their phones. It is fast becoming the new place for home entertainment, one episode at a time.
