Instagram almost broke the internet this week when it announced the launch of IGTV, which coincided with the social media platform reaching the milestone of 1 billion users.
In a move industry pundits are billing as a head-to-head battle with YouTube, Instagram announced that it will begin allowing users to upload hour-long videos, which is a substantial increase to the previous one-minute limit.
Video set to dominate
The shift to longer-form video follows announcements from parent company Facebook at its recent developer conference, F8, that all platforms would promote richer forms of engagement, predominantly through video. With major video plays announced for WhatsApp and Facebook, it was only a matter of time before IG got the same treatment.
Expect IGTV to revolutionise social media interactions between users and brands and their followers as the use of this service grows in prominence. IGTV will be accessible from a button inside the Instagram home screen, or via a standalone app, which is already available globally for iOS and Android devices.
IGTV will spotlight and recommend popular videos and will also allow creators to develop Instagram Channels that their followers can subscribe to.
So, what does this mean for aspiring fitfluencers?
There can be little doubt that the IG-crazy fitness community will be leading the charge in posting lengthier video uploads. Expect workouts, healthy cooking tutorials, posing guides, and a whole lot of motivational pep talks.
But before you start streaming your life via the platform, be sure to check out our top tips to crafting impactful IG content:
Tip #1. Captivate and motivate
Whether you’re posting photos or video to Instagram, you need to captivate your audience with powerful words and compelling visual elements. Remember, just because your video can be an hour long, doesn’t mean you have to use every minute. Keep your content concise and enthralling to keep users coming back for more.
Tip #2. Don’t over-post
Find the balance with your content. Rather communicate your message effectively than post something that repeatedly conveys the same message. A higher posting frequency is okay, to a degree, as long as each post is crafted with thought.
Tip #3. Engage with other users
You’re now a ‘publisher‘; a provider of content to the world. Engage, engage, engage. When you develop content and your audience reacts or responds, make sure you answer timeously.
Tip #4. Create positivity through your content
There is no place for opinionated posts on social media, especially when you’re trying to build a profile or leverage your business. Be impartial and unbiased. Approach matters with professionalism, and always remember what grandma said: “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all”.
Tip #5. People connect with people
Yes, it’s all about creating quality content, but your personal brand still has to shine through in all the work you do. When you feel passionate about something, don’t be shy to share that passion! If something moves you, it will echo with the audience. They are, after-all, interested in you!
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
Leave a Reply