If you’re a content creators on Instagram, you’ve probably wondered about the future of IGTV and its role in your monetization strategy.
IGTV was once Instagram’s big push for long-form video content, but is it still viable today?
And how can you get the most out of it?
In this article, we’ll dive into IGTV’s current status, the latest data on its monetization potential, and actionable steps to optimize your IGTV content.
So let’s get into it!
Key Takeaways
- IGTV still has monetization potential, particularly for niche content and in-depth tutorials.
- Instagram offers an ad revenue share program, but sponsored content and affiliate marketing remain top ways to monetize IGTV.
- Use IGTV strategically to drive traffic, promote products, and build brand authority in your niche.
1. Is IGTV Still Relevant for Monetization?
- The Shift to Reels: When Instagram introduced Reels, they gained massive popularity for their short, engaging format. This left many creators questioning if IGTV would become obsolete.
- The IGTV Ad Program: IGTV was monetizable through ads, much like YouTube’s monetization model. While it wasn’t as widely promoted, Instagram did roll out ads for creators, allowing them to earn from their views.
- Current Trends: With the shift towards Reels and Stories, IGTV usage has indeed declined. However, for creators who specialize in longer, in-depth content, IGTV remains a valuable tool for audience engagement.
Latest Data: According to recent stats, while IGTV has experienced a decline in engagement, creators are still using it effectively, especially in niche areas like educational content, tutorials, and interviews. Although ad payouts are generally lower compared to YouTube, IGTV can supplement earnings for creators who leverage it strategically.
2. Ways to Monetize on IGTV
Let’s explore the different ways creators can use IGTV for monetization:
- IGTV Ads: Instagram offers a revenue share program where creators can earn from ads shown on their IGTV videos. This works similarly to YouTube ads, but with some notable differences:
- Requirement: You need to meet Instagram’s Partner Program requirements, including a minimum number of followers, views, and other content standards.
- Payment: Instagram’s revenue share is typically 55%, meaning creators keep over half of ad revenue.
- Sponsored Content: Many brands are still interested in IGTV for sponsored videos due to the format’s in-depth nature, which allows for detailed product demonstrations, tutorials, or interviews. Creators can reach out to brands in their niche to pitch IGTV-focused sponsorships.
- Affiliate Marketing: IGTV is ideal for promoting affiliate links, especially when you can deep-dive into the benefits of a product or service. By sharing links in the video description or through swipe-up links, you can drive traffic directly to your affiliate offers.
- Selling Products or Services: Whether you’re selling merchandise, online courses, or consulting services, IGTV allows you to connect more personally with your audience and pitch products in a way that feels more authentic.
- Driving Traffic to Other Platforms: While IGTV may not always be a huge revenue driver directly, it can be a great way to drive traffic to platforms where you can earn more, like YouTube, Patreon, or a personal website.
3. Optimizing Your IGTV Content
Ready to make your IGTV content work harder for you? Let’s cover some tips to optimize your videos and make them more engaging.
- Focus on a Niche: IGTV still shines when you provide in-depth, value-packed content that’s hard to fit into a Reel or Story. Whether it’s a cooking tutorial, a workout routine, or an in-depth industry analysis, IGTV is the place for niche, long-form content.
- Engage Right Away: Hook your audience within the first 5-10 seconds. Introduce the video topic, what viewers can expect, and why they should keep watching. Think about the pain points of your audience and address them quickly.
- Add Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Every IGTV video should end with a clear CTA:
- Invite viewers to follow you for more content.
- Encourage them to like, comment, or share.
- Direct them to your bio link for more information on a product.
- Prompt them to check out your Reels or Stories for related content.
- Leverage Series and Playlists: Use IGTV’s Series feature to organize content around a theme. For instance, if you’re doing a “Beginner’s Guide to Fitness” series, it allows followers to binge-watch related videos and keeps them engaged longer.
- Cross-Promote Your IGTV Videos: Don’t leave promotion up to chance. Share teasers of your IGTV videos in your Stories, link to them in your bio, or post about them on other social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and even Pinterest for broader reach.
- Optimize Thumbnails and Titles: Just like on YouTube, the thumbnail and title of your IGTV video are the first things viewers notice. Choose a compelling image and title that accurately reflects your content while sparking curiosity.
4. Is IGTV Right for You?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to decide if IGTV fits your content strategy. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do you create content that requires more than 60 seconds to explain? If yes, IGTV is likely a good fit.
- Do you have a niche audience that enjoys deep-dives and tutorials? IGTV allows you to connect more meaningfully with an audience who appreciates detailed content.
- Are you able to commit to a series or a consistent IGTV schedule? While IGTV doesn’t require daily content, a regular schedule will help maintain audience interest.
5. Future Outlook: Should You Stick with IGTV?
Instagram is evolving, with more emphasis on Reels and Stories.
However, the platform has signaled that long-form content still has a place.
IGTV may not be the primary focus, but it’s still part of Instagram’s ecosystem, which means there’s room for creators who thrive with long-form video.
While IGTV isn’t the primary way most creators earn revenue, it can be a valuable piece of a diversified income strategy.
Consider IGTV as one tool in your monetization toolbox, one that complements Reels, Stories, and other Instagram features.
To learn more about Instagram’s video monetization features and guidelines, visit the official Instagram Creator Help.
Conclusion
IGTV may no longer be Instagram’s flagship feature, but it remains a valuable tool for creators producing niche, long-form content.
Its monetization options, including ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing, make it a viable part of a diversified income strategy.
By optimizing IGTV content and leveraging its unique benefits, creators can maintain audience engagement while complementing their broader Instagram efforts. IGTV’s future is uncertain, but for those who utilize it effectively, it can still drive meaningful results.