Instagram extends Stories to 60 seconds
September 30, 2022

Instagram extends Stories to 60 seconds

Determined to master video despite ongoing backlash from creators, Instagram is switching things up with its latest update. Now, when users post a Story up to 60 seconds long, it will no longer be separated into 15-second segments. This means users will be able to post Instagram Stories that will be uninterrupted. 

Instagram has been testing this update with selected users over the past year and is a part of Meta’s wider plans to merge all video options on the app. For users, creators and brands, this new update presents the opportunity to merge Stories and Reels, driving more reach to the latter. Making all video content available in places where users are interacting could help Instagram boost overall user engagement on the platform.

This new Story update is currently being rolled out to all users worldwide.

Your weekly roundup of the latest industry news and platform updates collated by Digital Voices’ Strategy and Insights team.

YouTube adds voiceover to Shorts

In a bid to compete with TikTok, YouTube is rolling out a narration voiceover similar to its rival, which will be available on iOS.

Read more here.

TikTok increases video description limit

The short-form app is expanding its video description character limit to 2,200 as part of its plans to become a key search platform for Gen Z.

Read more here.

Instagram tests DMs as an option for alerts

Instagram is experimenting with a new way that gives users the option to share their latest posts and further boost engagement with followers via DM.

Read more here.

Users to switch between Facebook and IG

Meta is working on making it easier for users to switch between Facebook and Instagram accounts through a new profile-switching tool to increase engagement.

Read more here.

YouTube tests Super Thanks in Shorts

As part of the YouTube Partner Program, the creator donation feature will offer supporters the option to purchase Super Thanks messages in videos on Shorts.

Read more here.

TikTok introduces downvotes to all users

TikTok is launching downvotes for all users to flag inappropriate responses to videos on the platform, however, the dislike counts won’t be public.

Read more here.

Other news…

BeReal surpasses Instagram in US weekly downloads (Read more here)

TikTok’s BeReal clone TikTok Now hits 5 million downloads (Read more here)

Instagram starts testing a home feed without a shopping tab (Read more here)

Read more
Get in touch

Are you a growth-seeking brand? We'd love to have a chat about how we can work together!