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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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)
