Instagram New Update 2026: Instagram is reportedly testing a major video feature that could change how creators publish content on the popular social media platform. The Meta-owned application is experimenting with support for horizontal videos lasting up to 90 minutes, allowing selected creators to share full-length podcasts, interviews, comedy programmes and other extended content.

The development could mark a significant shift for Instagram, which has primarily focused on short-form videos through Reels in recent years.

According to the report, the company is initially testing the feature with a limited group of creators. If the experiment proves successful, access could eventually expand to thousands of additional accounts.

However, the new video format is not yet described as a feature available to every Instagram user.

Instagram May Soon Support Videos Up to 90 Minutes

Instagram has become one of the leading platforms for short videos, particularly through its Reels feature.

However, many creators also produce longer content, including podcasts, educational discussions, interviews and entertainment programmes.

Until now, creators have often used Instagram to share short highlights while directing audiences to other platforms for complete episodes.

The proposed long-video feature could change that experience.

Under the reported test, selected users can publish horizontal videos lasting as long as 90 minutes.

This would allow audiences to watch complete programmes without leaving Instagram.

The experiment suggests that the platform is exploring opportunities beyond its traditional short-video format.

How Will Instagram's New Long-Video Feature Work?

According to the report, Instagram head Adam Mosseri and product executive Tessa Lyons have discussed the new video experience.

The feature is expected to introduce several possibilities for content creators.

Longer Video Uploads: Selected creators may upload horizontal videos with a maximum duration of 90 minutes.

Complete Episodes: Podcasts, interviews, comedy shows and other programmes could be available in full on Instagram.

Reels Integration: Creators may continue sharing short clips from longer videos to attract viewers.

Content Discovery: Instagram could recommend extended videos through Explore and other discovery surfaces.

Improved Viewing Experience: Users may be able to move from a short preview to the complete programme within the application.

For example, someone watching a short podcast clip through Reels could potentially access the full conversation without switching to another video platform.

Which Instagram Creators Are Testing the Feature?

The initial testing phase reportedly includes creators from different categories, such as entertainment, beauty, fashion, sports and podcasting.

Some of the names mentioned in the report include:

• Emma Grede: Entrepreneur, podcast host and co-founder of SKIMS.
• Monet McMichael: Digital creator known for beauty and lifestyle content.
• Preston Rakovsky: Content creator associated with interview-based videos.
• Donald De La Haye: Sports content creator known for football-related entertainment.

The participation of creators from different categories could help Instagram understand how audiences respond to longer videos.

The company may use feedback from this limited testing phase before deciding whether to expand the feature.

Could Instagram's 90-Minute Videos Compete With YouTube?

The introduction of longer videos could increase competition between Instagram and YouTube.

YouTube has established itself as a major destination for podcasts, documentaries, interviews, tutorials and full-length entertainment programmes.

Instagram, meanwhile, has built a strong audience around short, engaging videos that users can watch quickly.

By supporting longer content, Instagram could encourage creators to publish complete episodes directly on its platform.

This could also help users discover and watch more content without opening another application.

However, competing with YouTube would require more than simply increasing video duration.

Creator monetisation, search visibility, recommendations and audience viewing habits would also play important roles.

Instagram Previously Experimented With IGTV

This is not Instagram's first attempt to develop a long-form video experience.

The company previously introduced IGTV, a dedicated format designed to support longer videos.

However, Instagram eventually discontinued the standalone IGTV approach as it simplified its video products and increased its focus on Reels.

The reported 90-minute video experiment represents another attempt to explore longer viewing experiences.

Unlike the earlier IGTV strategy, the new approach could integrate full-length programmes more closely with Instagram's existing content discovery features.

This may allow creators to promote longer videos through short clips and reach viewers already using the platform.

Instagram Is Also Exploring a Better TV Viewing Experience

Alongside its reported long-video experiment, Instagram is exploring ways to make its content more accessible on television screens.

The supplied report mentions support for selected smart TV platforms, including Samsung televisions, Amazon Fire TV and Google TV.

It also suggests that Apple TV support could be considered in the future.

Instagram is reportedly exploring additional features designed to make television viewing more convenient.

These include using a smartphone as a remote control, saving videos on a phone for later television viewing and introducing more social viewing options.

Such developments could help Instagram appeal to people who prefer watching longer videos on larger screens.

However, availability may differ by device, platform and region.

Will Instagram Creators Earn More From Longer Videos?

The new format could create additional opportunities for content creators, particularly those producing podcasts, interviews and entertainment programmes.

Longer videos may provide more space for sponsored segments, brand collaborations and detailed product discussions.

For example, a creator producing a 60-minute interview could potentially include a sponsored segment without interrupting the overall programme.

However, Instagram has not established a confirmed revenue-sharing structure for the reported 90-minute format in the information provided.

This is an important distinction because YouTube already offers advertising revenue-sharing opportunities to eligible creators under its established monetisation programme.

Instagram's future monetisation approach will influence how attractive the new feature becomes for professional content creators.

When Will Instagram Release the 90-Minute Video Feature?

The reported feature is currently described as being in a limited testing phase.

There is no confirmed date for a worldwide rollout.

Instagram may expand the experiment if the company receives positive feedback from creators and viewers.

However, some experimental features are modified, delayed or discontinued before reaching the general public.

Therefore, users should not assume that every Instagram account can already upload 90-minute videos.

The company may provide additional information about availability, upload requirements and supported formats as testing progresses.

What Does This Update Mean for Instagram Users?

For viewers, the proposed feature could make Instagram a more complete video entertainment platform.

Instead of watching only short highlights, users may eventually be able to enjoy full podcast episodes, interviews and other long-form content.

For creators, the feature could reduce the need to divide longer programmes into multiple short uploads.

It may also offer new ways to build audiences through a combination of Reels and extended videos.

However, the actual impact will depend on how Instagram integrates the feature into its recommendation system and whether viewers develop an interest in watching longer programmes on the platform.

Final Word

Instagram's reported 90-minute video experiment could become an important development for creators and viewers.

The feature aims to support longer horizontal videos, potentially allowing full podcasts, interviews and entertainment programmes to appear directly within the application.

It could also increase competition with YouTube and create new opportunities for sponsored content.

For now, the feature remains a reported limited test, and a wider release has not been confirmed.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the supplied report about Instagram's experimental long-form video feature. The 90-minute upload limit, participating creators, television compatibility and wider rollout plans should be verified against official Instagram announcements. Availability may vary by account and region.