Instagram is trialing a major update to the social media platform. Meta owned Instagram is introducing a new type of video called ‘Features’ to enable certain creators to upload long videos.

This was announced on October 26th 2026 and aims to attract creators making podcasts, comedy, interviews and other long-form content. This will allow Instagram to begin to move away from short-form content and become more competitive with YouTube.

The new feature is currently being trialed with select creators in the US. Having trialed this in Brazil previously, it remains to be seen when this will be available for all users.

Instagram Introduces New Long-Format Content

The new video option will allow creators to post long videos.

Although Instagram has generally been well known for short videos (mainly Reels), the new feature will allow creators more flexibility with posting long content such as interviews, podcasts, comedy and more.

“The goal is to help creators share more diverse content and help people discover more of their content,” says Instagram’s product leaders.

Long-format videos can sit alongside Reels to create even more content. Short videos can attract people to watch while also linking to long videos.

How Will The 90-Minute Video Work?

The new video option will allow selected creators to post long horizontal videos.

These may be shared on the feed and explore page of Instagram.

It is also being trialed to allow creators to post short video clips using the Clips as Reels feature. This means you can link to the full video.

For example if you are posting a one hour long podcast you can create a few short Reels. People wanting to watch the conversation can click on the full episode.

This could be a great opportunity for podcasters, interviewers, comedians, educators and digital content creators to begin growing their audience.

Instagram Wants To Become More Competitive With YouTube

By allowing creators to post 90 minute videos, Instagram shows they want to become a bigger player in long-form video entertainment.

YouTube has become a popular place for full videos, podcasts and tutorials. The new feature could encourage creators to post more of their original content.

Adam Mosseri (Head) and Tessa Lyons (Vice President of Product) have explained that they want to combine short and long videos.

They want to provide users with a more cohesive experience and will not require users to leave Instagram to watch full episodes.

However, Instagram has a big challenge ahead of them. YouTube has a proven advertising revenue sharing system whereas Instagram is trying to find ways to help creators earn from their long videos.

Will They Pay Creators For Long Videos?

One of the biggest questions around this feature is if creators will be paid.

Many digital creators rely on advertising, sponsorships, subscriptions and brand deals to earn money.

While Instagram has many different monetization options (such as subscriptions and branded content), there has been no announcement of a universal advertising revenue sharing system.

Meta have said they are looking to provide creators with ways to earn from brands, fans and Instagram. They are also looking into incentive based options.

At this stage creators shouldn’t expect to earn from posting long videos. It depends on what options are available.

Instagram Reels And Long Videos Will Be Combined

Instagram is not planning on getting rid of Reels.

Instead they want to combine short and long videos to help creators grow their audience.

Creators can post short highlights of their podcast as Reels and link to the full version. Comedians can also post funny moments from their long videos.

This can help creators attract new people to watch their content and also keep their current audience engaged.

Instagram is also looking into categorizing their Reels into different sections. This can help people easily find related videos.

Instagram Is Trying To Improve Long Video Watching On TV

Instagram is also looking to improve their video watching experience on larger screens.

They have an app called Instagram for TV which allows video watching on compatible TVs. They are looking to expand their TV presence.

Long horizontal videos would be perfect to watch on TV. This will feel more like traditional online videos.

Overall this is due to changing viewing habits. People are beginning to watch podcasts, interviews and digital content on their TVs.

Instagram Have Tried This Before With IGTV

This isn’t the first time Instagram have tried to expand into long-form content.

In 2018 they launched IGTV to help with long videos. However they got rid of the IGTV app as they moved their video strategy to focus on Reels.

The new Features is another attempt to attract creators wanting to post long content. This time they are combining long videos with Reels, creator profiles and TV.

Whether this will be successful depends on how much people are interested, how many creators use it, the viewing experience and whether they can provide appealing monetization options.

What Does This Mean For Instagram Users?

For Instagram users this could mean they can watch longer podcasts, interviews, comedy and original content.

For creators this could provide more opportunities to share their content. They can attract new audiences and combine short clips with full versions.

Businesses and brands may also find new opportunities to work with creators creating long videos. This will depend on how their advertising and monetization systems develop.

This is still in the trial stages.