IGTV (Instagram TV) 101: How to Use It, What to Share
We are living in an age where video surpasses all and audiences are looking for more personable content in which they can get to know you and see your face. That’s where IGTV (Instagram TV) comes in. Today, I’m sharing some IGTV 101: How to Use it, What to Share to help you get to the point where you feel like you can take control of your content and leverage the latest trending video technique for your biz or personal brand!
First things first: What is IGTV (Instagram TV)?
“IGTV” is Instagram’s standalone video channel feature where businesses get to upload content that’s pushed out both in this channel-specific atmosphere AND as a regular post on their profile. It’s totally free!
IGTVs are up to 10 minutes in length for regular accounts and up to 60 minutes for verified, larger accounts.
IGTVs can be either vertically or horizontally recorded, but vertical is best.
IGTVs can be recorded straight from your phone’s camera and avoiding edits in post can optimize your time.
IGTVs can house links in their captions unlike traditional IG posts, so use this to your advantage!
IGTVs can have unique cover photos that you create in post prior to uploading to ensure a cohesive look.
How does Fashionably Frank Marketing use IGTV, you might ask?
I record our videos straight from my iPhone camera in portrait (vertical), not landscape (horizontal).
Then, I upload them into VSCOCam and add a complimentary filter before uploading to Instagram.
I don’t do any clipping or other edits in post, instead I have scribbled a bullet point list next to me of things I want to touch on while I’m talking, and although I am poised in the video, I am casual in my sharing.
As of late, I try to record my IGTVs near a window with lots of great natural light, however sometimes I am on the go and recording them in my car in between client meetings! You gotta do what you gotta do :)
What does Fashionably Frank Marketing share on IGTV?
Evergreen content tips and tricks, “The Most Important Part of Social Media: BEING SOCIAL!”
Timely content tips and tricks, “HAPPY PRIDE! 4 Ways to Show Up on Social as an Ally”
Personal stories and experiences, “How I Built My Business and Life on the Internet”
Business mission and origins, “What Do We Do & How I Got My Start”
You can utilize all of the above or create your own versions of topic categories for IGTV. Later says to think of IGTV as the YouTube of Instagram, not the Netflix - so don’t worry about making it perfect or overly polished. Just hit record and go for it!
Many brands have used IGTV to create tutorials, answer FAQs, promote new products or services, review others, showcase their team or colleagues, share news and so much more.
The two most important questions to keep in mind when creating IGTVs:
How is this supporting my business/brand overall? How is this reaching my audience’s pain point?
Overall, you should be creating video content on IGTV for the betterment of your brand and audience’s wellbeing, just as any other elements of content in your overall marketing strategy.
Sharing about how you just started your second home improvement project when you’re a hair stylist really has nothing to do with your business. Sure, your audience may find it interesting, but it won’t answer their questions about what hair styles are trending in 2020 and which would suit their face shape the best.
Use IGTV to showcase your knowledge, your passion for your industry and your unique personality.
Free IGTV prompts you can use today!
Pick a specific product/service you offer and share some best practice tips & tricks around one aspect of it.
For example, I would share: 6 Ways to Grow Your Audience on InstagramShare some of the ways you put your clients/customers first.
For example, I would share: How I Make My Clients Feel SpecialAsk a fellow creative in your industry (or complimentary industry) to showcase their knowledge.
For example, I would ask my copywriter to share 4 Tips for Strong Social Media Caption WritingTalk about your Jung-Myers-Briggs personality type or enneagram number and how this plays out in your biz. *This one is great for small biz where the owner(s) are prominently known.
For example, I would share: My Enneagram 2 Wing 3 Helps Me Serve Heart-Centered BusinessesGive an example of a pet peeve in your industry and how you avoid it to offer the best service.
For example, I would share: Never Trust a Marketing Specialist Who Does This…
Still feeling stuck about what to share? Comment below or DM me on social media and let’s chat, I’d love to help you brainstorm ideas for your specific industry niche! :)
