Instagram Tests Long Videos Up to 90 Minutes

Instagram is reportedly testing a new feature that would allow users to upload videos up to 90 minutes long, a dramatic shift for an app known mainly for short-form content.

The move signals Instagram's clear intention to compete directly with YouTube, which has long dominated the market for long-form video content.

YouTube has built its reputation on hosting full-length videos, including documentaries, tutorials, and interviews, attracting billions of viewers worldwide.

By extending its video length limit, Instagram appears to be trying to capture some of that audience and keep users engaged on its own platform for longer periods.

However, a key difference separates the two companies' approaches to video content.

On YouTube, creators can earn money through advertising revenue shared by the platform, which has helped build a professional content-creation industry.

Instagram, by contrast, has reportedly said it will not pay creators for these new long-form videos, at least for now.

This decision could discourage some creators from investing the extra time and resources required to produce 90-minute videos.

Producing long-form content typically demands more planning, editing, and production quality than short clips, which are quicker and cheaper to make.

Without a clear financial incentive, some creators may hesitate to adopt the new format, even if Instagram promotes it widely.

The feature is currently in a testing phase and has not been rolled out to all users.

Details remain limited, and it is unclear how widely available the tool will eventually become or what Instagram's long-term plans are.

Industry observers note that this is not the first time Instagram has tried to adapt features from competing platforms to maintain its position in the crowded social media market.

Whether the strategy succeeds may depend on how creators respond, particularly without the promise of direct payment.

As the test continues, both users and content creators are watching closely to see whether Instagram will eventually change its approach to monetization.