Even though IGTV has been around for a little while now, we just recently started playing around with it and feel it could be new way for businesses to engage their customers. So let’s talk about 5 ways to use IGTV for business. 

What is IGTV

The IGTV platform within Instagram is designed for longer videos. It’s like stories in that the video format is a vertical 9×16 aspect ratio but your videos will stay on your channel and won’t disappear after 24 hours. Videos must be at least 1 minute long and can be a maximum of 10 minutes unless you have a verified account. In that case, they can be up to 60 minutes.

IGTV is a great way to leverage content. And just like Instagram Stories, you can add a ‘Swipe Up’ call to action. Following are 5 ways to use IGTV for business.

Related: focus on story in your video marketing.

1. Re-purpose existing videos

This is the obvious place to start. You have numerous videos in your library, some may still be working for you while others perhaps have been gathering dust. It’s funny how a new venue and reformatting an old video can make the content seem new again. 

Since IGTV is a vertical format, it’s highly recommended that you re-edit your videos into the 9×16 aspect ratio. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy these days. For example, in the editing program Premiere Pro, a few clicks is all it takes for the system to automatically generate a 9×16 version of your video.

Related: the best aspect ratio for you video production.

Don’t be discouraged if you think your horizontal will make a terrible vertical video. We’ve had several videos where we thought there was no way a vertical version of a video would make any sense and we were wrong. Most videos will translate the format change so get at it!

2. Create a show just for IGTV

It’s easy to create a series in IGTV to give your audience a regular schedule of content. The videos could be anything that speaks to your audience and something they’d be interested in. 

Behind the scenes, videos that show product development, an aspect of manufacturing, interviews with your team, day-in-the-life – the key is insider information and videos really work as your customers feel connected to you when you show them an aspect of the inside scoop. Consistency is important so plan on a publishing schedule and stick to it.

Related: why top down budgeting is best for your corporate video production.

3. Tutorials and how-to videos

Tutorials and educational how-to videos are a great way to introduce and promote your products. People love tutorials and the statistics prove it. 

Tutorial videos are the most watched videos on youtube. According to Tubular, how-to videos generated 42.1 billion views on youtube in 2018. That’s a lot of views and it’s growing. The other great thing about tutorial videos is they have a long shelf life. They’re the gift that keeps on giving.

Related: save money with how to video production.

4. Answer customer questions 

Gather up the most asked questions from your customers. Break them down into categories and make a video for each category. 

Videos answering customer questions will not only save time for your support team by tackling issues that many existing customers may contact you about, they are also one of the most effective ways to attract a new audience and engage them. They’ll position your company as one that is open and committed to helping your customers, thereby building trust which leads to sales.

5. Feature Customer Videos

Social proof is crucial for any businesses. There’s no better way to persuade a potential customer than having your current customers talking about why they love your brand.

Ask several of your customers to create user videos where they show what they love about your product or service and feature them on your IGTV channel. Or if they’re local and you want control over video quality, have them come to your place to be filmed. If applicable, have them demonstrate how they use your product or service. 

Related: 5 reasons why you need video testimonials.

Like any other social media venue, what you get out of it depends upon what you put into it. We feel IGTV can provide a big boost to your social media presence and will provide a new avenue for engagement and sales. It’s time to put these 5 ways to use IGTV for business in action today!

About Gate5, a Los Angeles video production company

Gate5 is a full service video production company in Los Angeles producing engaging and results driven video content for big and small businesses and advertising agencies from tutorials to commercials. 

Related: why your company needs a video series.

We conceptualize, write scripts, secure locations and permits, cast actors, direct, film and edit social media content, branded films, product and promotional videos, web and TV commercials, episodic content and live video streaming production.

Click here for our video samples.

Contact us to discuss your video project.