Instagram just launched IGTV. Here are 5 tips for how your church can use IGTV.

Personally, I LOVE when new features drop on Instagram. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about Facebook. I occasionally look at Twitter. And, I can get lost in Pinterest for days. But, there's something about Instagram that feels different. It feels fresh and full of possibilities. 

A few weeks ago Instagram announced they were about to launch new features with a focus on creators. That's you! If you're posting on social media on behalf of your church, you're a creator. So the idea of new features got me jazzed.

Along with a new explore section and the curious, "you're all caught up" alert, Instagram just launched IGTV (Instagram TV). We've been talking about the power of sharing your story through online video for a while now, but IGTV takes it to a whole new level.

5 tips for getting started:

  1. Claim Your Channel 
    • Tap the IGTV icon
    • Click settings
    • Follow instructions to create your channel
  2. Think Vertical
    IGTV is built for fullscreen 9:16 videos so your typical horizontal videos probably won't adapt well. Use an app like InShot to edit vertical videos. It's free and you can easily add music, stickers or filters right in the app. (We adapted all of our 'Hooked videos using this app. We highly recommend it.)
  3. Get Creative
    Unlike your profile, IGTV videos can be up to ten minutes (an hour if you have an account with a lot of followers and engagement). Experiment with the type and length of videos you're creating. See what connects best with your audience and don't be afraid to do something new. 
  4. Follow Other Channels 
    It's hard to know what to post when something new comes along. Or, if you're like Fishhook, you have a ton of ideas and no time to get started. So, go follow other channels to be inspired by what they are doing. The more you watch other people, the more you'll want to jump in and give it a go. (The Food Network has a fun channel to watch, but that could just be because we're always hungry!) 
  5. Be Strategic
    Ultimately, you want to use this as way to provide your audience value. It's great to reuse content you already have, but don't get in the rut of just reposting the same video you shared on all your other platforms. Use this opportunity as a way to really try something new. Share the love and hope of Jesus; be authentic and quirky, and paint a better picture of what it’s like to actually be part of your church. Tell your story.  

Oh, also, you can upload videos directly from your desktop. That's right! All you have to do is click here. Go ahead and jump for joy. We'll wait . . . 

You might be thinking, "Oh great, another tool for us to add to our to-do list." But we encourage you to push that thought right out of your mind. IGTV is an opportunity to get creative. Show your audience who you are and who Jesus is. So, jump in! (And DM us on Instagram when you start your channel. We can't wait to follow you!)