Instagram launches longform horizontal video features

Instagram is introducing a new category of longform horizontal video content that the platform is labeling "Features." The move marks a significant shift in strategy for the social media service, which has historically prioritized shorter formats.

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, stated in a six-and-a-half-minute video that he had opposed the development of longform video on the platform "for a long time." Mosseri discussed the change alongside Tessa Lyons, the vice president of product. He explained that his primary concern was ensuring the platform remained focused on connecting with friends rather than serving solely as an entertainment destination.

Mosseri noted that longform viewing habits differ from the platform's core interactions. He observed that consuming such videos often means users are engaging with content they might not share with friends, resulting in fewer likes and shares compared to standard posts. This distinction highlights a tension between user engagement metrics and the social utility of the application.