Instagram takes on YouTube with new 90-minute horizontal video format
Instagram tests a major shift toward long-form horizontal video formats, directly challenging competitor YouTube.
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📍 How it ended
Instagram tested 90-minute horizontal videos and long-form content on mobile and television in a move to compete with YouTube. The platform introduced the new format along with additional features to expand beyond its traditional short-form video offerings.
Following these initial tests, the story quieted without a definitive conclusion in the coverage.
Epilogue added 15d ago, after coverage quieted.
The brief
Recent technology coverage from multiple outlets details a significant format expansion currently underway at Instagram. This strategic shift introduces horizontal video capabilities to a platform traditionally known for short-form content and vertical framing. Outlets note that the ongoing tests involve long-form content deployment across both mobile and television environments, marking a departure from previous display norms.
Publications emphasize the direct competitive nature of this move against established video giant YouTube. Contextual analysis across the coverage points to this change as a major strategic pivot for the social media platform. By enabling horizontal content that spans up to ninety minutes, the platform broadens its scope beyond brief clips to accommodate extended viewing habits similar to traditional streaming or video sharing services.
Coverage does not yet specify a definitive public rollout date for all users or provide detailed metrics regarding the initial test phase, leaving the broader operational impact subject to further updates from the company. Observers and users monitoring the trend will need to watch for future announcements regarding feature availability and user reception. Subsequent reporting will likely clarify whether these ninety-minute horizontal video tests expand into a permanent platform feature or remain limited to the current testing scope.
Synthesized by PULSE from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: unsupported claims removed (64% supported) Updated 17d ago.
Quick answers
What is the new video duration limit being tested by Instagram?
Coverage states that Instagram is testing videos up to 90 minutes long.
Which outlets are covering the new video format?
Outlets covering the development include 9to5Mac, TechRepublic, AOL.com, ExtremeTech, Phandroid, MediaPost, Net Influencer, and Republic World.
What orientation does the new video format use?
The coverage specifies that the new long-form video format is horizontal.
Coverage (8)
- Instagram Tests 90-Minute Videos With Features TechRepublic · 19d ago
- Instagram now testing videos up to 90 minutes long in major shift AOL.com · 19d ago
- Instagram Wants to Steal YouTube’s Playbook ExtremeTech · 19d ago
- Instagram is going after YouTube with 90-minute videos Phandroid · 19d ago
- Instagram Goes Horizontal: Tests Long-Form Content On Mobile, TV 10/27/2026 MediaPost · 19d ago
- Instagram Tests 90-Minute Videos As It Moves Into YouTube’s Territory Net Influencer · 19d ago
- Can Instagram Reels Now Lead You To 90-Minute Videos? Here’s What’s Changing Republic World · 19d ago
- Instagram takes on YouTube with new 90-minute horizontal video format 9to5Mac · 19d ago
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