Instagram is testing a new feature that allows creators to upload videos up to 90 minutes long, marking a major expansion beyond its usual short-form Reels. The new format, called Features, supports horizontal videos and aims to bring podcasts, interviews, comedy specials, and other long-form content directly to Instagram.
The company announced the change on October 26, with Instagram head Adam Mosseri and Vice President of Product Tessa Lyons explaining how longer videos will work alongside Reels. Testing has already begun in Brazil and is now expanding to selected creators in the United States.
How Instagram’s 90-Minute Videos Will Work
With Features, creators can publish full-length videos and connect them to shorter Reels. For example, viewers watching a podcast clip can tap through to the complete episode without leaving Instagram.
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The new format will also introduce several improvements:
- Support for horizontal videos lasting up to 90 minutes.
- Direct links from shorter Reels to full-length videos.
- Long-form video recommendations in the main feed and Explore page.
- Support for watching longer content through Instagram’s television app.
The development follows Instagram’s recent expansion to Apple TV, which allows viewers to watch Reels and longer creator videos on larger screens.
Instagram Takes Another Step Toward Competing With YouTube
Instagram previously experimented with longer videos through IGTV before eventually abandoning the format in favor of Reels.
This latest effort comes as YouTube continues attracting audiences for podcasts and longer entertainment videos. Instagram is also exploring creator monetization options, although it has not announced a dedicated advertising revenue-sharing program for Features.
For now, the 90-minute upload option remains limited to selected creators, and Instagram has not confirmed when it will become available to everyone.
The company is also developing additional tools for organizing episodic Reels into series, building on its existing Reels editing features.
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