Photo- and video-sharing social app Instagram is introducing the option for users to upload longer uninterrupted Stories of up to 60 seconds in duration, without automatically converting the video content into 15-second mini-clips as was previously the norm. The Meta Platforms-owned network began testing the update with select users in December 2021 and just announced that the feature is rolling out to all global users. Allowing content creators to share 60-second Stories in one slide is expected to be a welcome change for both users and viewers.

However, “the change could also be a turnoff for people who liked the simplicity of short, bite-sized Stories,” suggests TechCrunch. “In addition, the ability to post longer uninterrupted Stories somewhat blurs the lines between Stories and Reels, as you now have two options when it comes to posting a 60-second video.”

According to PetaPixel, the update is “part of Instagram’s broader process to simplify the app and integrate its video options, as the social media giant continues to chase TikTok’s astronomical growth in short-form video.”

TechCrunch points out that Instagram “has been increasing the time limits on its video products. In June, the company added support for longer Instagram Reels of up to 90 seconds, up from the previous 60-second limit. Instagram also recently made a system change that sees new video posts that are shorter than 15 minutes being automatically shared as Reels.”

Instagram head and former Facebook exec Adam Mosseri has detailed Instagram’s video priorities this year, as the app continues to take on TikTok. Mosseri “hinted that Instagram would consolidate all of its video products around Reels and continue to grow the short-form product, which indicates that we may see the lines between Stories and Reels being blurred even further,” notes TechCrunch.

These updates continue, despite July’s backlash from users after Instagram introduced a full-screen feed similar to that of TikTok. “But, that doesn’t mean Instagram is going to stop prioritizing video, as the recent change to Stories indicates that the social network is still pretty adamant about being a video-focused platform.”

Related:
TikTok Stories Can Now Be Shared via Facebook, Instagram, ETCentric, 8/22/22
Instagram Paying Media Companies to Create Popular Reels, ETCentric, 8/4/22
New Facebook and Instagram Updates Mimic TikTok’s Model, ETCentric, 7/28/22