As the social media landscape continues to evolve, Instagram is once again following in the footsteps of its competitors. The platform is reportedly testing longer Reels clips, with 3-minute and 10-minute Reels now being tested internally. This move is likely an attempt to compete with Tik Tok, which has offered longer Reels for some time.
As seen in these screenshots posted by app researcher Alessandro Palazzi, Instagram is reportedly testing the ability for users to upload longer videos as Reels. This would allow users to create more in-depth and engaging content, similar to what is possible on Tik Tok.
Instagram is reportedly testing the ability for users to upload longer videos as Reels. This would be a return to the “IGTV” feature that the platform retired last year. However, this time, the long-form videos would be integrated into the Reels section, making it easier for users to find and watch them.
This move is in line with the broader trend of social media platforms offering longer video formats. In the past, short-form videos were the dominant form of content on social media. However, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for longer videos, as users have become more interested in watching in-depth content.
It remains to be seen whether users will actually want to watch longer videos on Instagram. However, the platform is likely hoping that this move will help it compete with TikTok, which has been very successful with its long-form video format.
Ultimately, it is up to the users to decide whether they want to watch longer videos on Instagram. However, the platform’s decision to test this feature suggests that it believes there is a demand for it.