Instagram May Soon Allow 90-Minute Videos: New 'Features' Format Could Challenge YouTube

Instagram New Update 2026: Instagram is reportedly testing a new long-form video format that could allow creators to upload videos lasting up to 90 minutes. The experimental format, called Features, is designed to support horizontal videos, including podcasts, interviews, comedy shows and other extended content.

The development could mark an important shift for Instagram, which is best known for short Reels, Stories and photo sharing.

According to the supplied report, Instagram has begun testing the feature with selected creators in the United States after conducting earlier experiments in Brazil.

The company has not announced when the feature will become available to all users or whether it will launch in India.

What Is Instagram's New 'Features' Video Format?

Instagram's proposed Features format is intended to make longer videos easier to publish and discover within the application.

Under the reported test, participating creators can upload horizontal videos lasting up to 90 minutes.

This is a different approach from Instagram's familiar short-form Reels experience.

The format could be particularly useful for creators who publish content that requires more time, such as detailed conversations, educational discussions, interviews and entertainment programmes.

For example, a podcast creator could upload an entire episode rather than sharing only a short promotional clip.

Viewers interested in the subject could then watch the complete programme without leaving Instagram.

However, the feature remains experimental, and its final capabilities may change before any wider release.

Instagram Reels Could Link Directly to Full-Length Videos

One of the most interesting aspects of the reported feature is its potential connection with Instagram Reels.

Creators may be able to produce short clips from their longer videos and share them as Reels.

These clips could then be linked to the original full-length video.

For example, a creator might publish a 30-second highlight from a 60-minute interview.

If viewers find the clip interesting, they could follow the link to watch the complete conversation within Instagram.

This would create a direct connection between short-form content discovery and long-form viewing.

For creators, the approach could provide a way to promote longer videos using the audience they already reach through Reels.

For viewers, it could reduce the need to search for the complete video on another platform.

Horizontal Videos Could Become More Important on Instagram

Instagram has traditionally focused heavily on vertical video formats, especially through Reels.

The new Features experiment reportedly supports horizontal videos, which are commonly used for podcasts, interviews and other long-form productions.

Horizontal video can be useful when multiple people appear on screen or when creators want to present detailed visual content.

It is also a familiar format for viewers who regularly watch long videos on platforms such as YouTube.

By supporting longer horizontal content, Instagram could offer creators more flexibility in how they produce and distribute their videos.

However, it remains unclear how the company will display these videos across different smartphone screen sizes or whether the final product will include additional viewing controls.

Long Videos May Appear in Instagram Explore

According to the report, Instagram could also make long-form Features videos discoverable through the Explore section and other areas of the application.

This would potentially help creators reach people who do not already follow their accounts.

Instagram's existing recommendation system plays an important role in helping users discover Reels and other content.

If the company extends similar discovery opportunities to long-form videos, creators may gain another way to attract audiences.

For example, a comedy creator could share a short highlight through Reels while making the full performance available through Features.

Likewise, educational creators might use brief clips to introduce topics before directing viewers to more detailed explanations.

The effectiveness of this approach will depend on how Instagram eventually implements recommendations and content discovery.

Who Can Use Instagram's 90-Minute Video Feature?

The new format is not currently described as a feature available to every Instagram user.

According to the supplied report, testing is underway with a limited group of creators in the United States.

The report identifies several early participants, including podcast host Emma Grede, content creator Monet McMichael and football content creator Donald De La Haye.

Instagram reportedly conducted an earlier test in Brazil.

These limited experiments could help the company understand how creators use longer videos and how audiences respond to them.

At present, there is no confirmed public rollout date.

The company has also not announced when Indian users might receive access to the format.

Will Instagram's New Feature Compete With YouTube?

Instagram's reported move into longer videos could increase competition with YouTube.

YouTube already has an established presence in long-form entertainment, podcasts, interviews, tutorials and educational content.

Instagram, meanwhile, has built a strong audience around Reels and other mobile-first formats.

The new Features format could allow Instagram to combine these two viewing experiences.

Users might discover a short video through Reels and then continue watching the complete programme on the same platform.

This could make Instagram more attractive to creators who currently publish short clips on Instagram but direct viewers elsewhere for full episodes.

However, YouTube offers an established long-form video ecosystem, including search, channel subscriptions and monetisation tools.

Instagram has not yet confirmed whether Features will introduce comparable creator earnings options or other dedicated long-video capabilities.

Therefore, the experiment should not be interpreted as a complete replacement for YouTube.

Instagram Previously Tried Long Videos With IGTV

This is not Instagram's first attempt to expand beyond short videos.

In 2018, the company introduced IGTV, a service intended to support longer video content.

IGTV was designed to give creators additional opportunities to publish extended videos and reach audiences.

However, Instagram later moved away from the standalone IGTV approach, discontinuing the IGTV app in 2022 as it reorganised its video products.

The new Features experiment appears to take a different direction.

Instead of building a separate destination, the reported format aims to connect longer videos more closely with Instagram's existing discovery and viewing experience.

That integration could be important because users are already familiar with finding content through Reels and Explore.

How Could Instagram Features Help Content Creators?

If launched more widely, the new format could offer several potential advantages.

Creators may be able to publish complete podcast episodes, longer interviews and educational videos without dividing them into multiple short clips.

They could also use Reels to promote the most engaging moments from their longer content.

This approach may help creators maintain audience interest while encouraging viewers to spend more time with their work.

Businesses and professional creators could potentially use the format for detailed product explanations, discussions and other extended content.

However, these benefits remain possibilities rather than confirmed results.

Instagram has not announced the final availability, monetisation arrangements or performance tools for the proposed format.

Instagram 90-Minute Video Feature: Key Details

When Will Instagram Allow Everyone to Upload 90-Minute Videos?

Instagram has not provided a confirmed timeline for a broader launch.

The feature is currently being tested with selected creators, and the company may modify it based on feedback and viewing patterns.

It is also possible that some capabilities will change before the feature becomes publicly available.

Indian users should therefore wait for an official announcement rather than assuming that 90-minute uploads are already supported on their accounts.

Keeping the Instagram application updated may help users receive new features when they are officially released.

Final Takeaway

Instagram is exploring a major expansion of its video experience through the experimental Features format.

The proposed system would allow selected creators to publish horizontal videos lasting up to 90 minutes and potentially connect short Reels directly to complete episodes.

The development could make Instagram more useful for podcasts, interviews, comedy programmes and educational content while increasing its competition with YouTube.

However, the feature remains in limited testing, and there is no confirmed launch date for India or a worldwide rollout.

Source: Based on the supplied October 27, 2026 Live Hindustan report. Features, availability and rollout plans may change during testing.