Instagram Tests 90-Minute Horizontal Videos in New Format Called Features
Instagram has launched a U.S. test of horizontal videos running up to 90 minutes long under a new product name called Features, targeting podcasters, comedians, and other long-form creators. The platform rolled out the test to select creators, allowing them to link shorter vertical Reels directly to their full-length video episodes.
The update arrives as social media feeds fill with short clips from stand-up routines and video podcasts. With Features, Instagram aims to turn those brief snippets into gateways for full-length viewing. Viewers can tap a podcast clip inside a Reel to continue watching or jump straight to the complete episode without exiting the application. The full-length videos will also appear as recommendations on the Explore page and across other areas of the app.
How Features Compares to Past Video Formats and Competitors
Instagram previously attempted to enter the long-form video market with IGTV, a product that ultimately failed to gain traction and was phased out as the company shifted its focus toward short-form Reels. Unlike those earlier efforts, Features supports horizontal widescreen video up to 90 minutes in length, positioning the platform to handle content like full podcast episodes, interviews, comedy specials, and vlogs.
Industry competitors are pursuing similar creator strategies. Entertainment companies such as Netflix and Disney are also bringing creator-led content onto their platforms to rival YouTube. Meanwhile, Instagram has expanded its Instagram for TV app to Apple TV in the U.S., integrating Features into a broader push to keep users engaged with long-form video across multiple devices.
Linked Reels and Monetization Opportunities for Creators
A core element of the new format is the integration between short clips and long-form content. Creators can link up to eight short Reels to a single full-length Feature, serving as a movie trailer of sorts for the main video. This setup addresses a common workflow where creators post short highlights and direct audiences to external sites using link-in-bio tools.
Regarding revenue generation, Instagram VP of Product Tessa Lyons stated that established creators with existing business models can bring their current placements and branded content to the platform. Lyons added that the company also sees an opportunity to support creators who lack that existing infrastructure and business backing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram Features
Who currently has access to Instagram Features?
Instagram is rolling out Features in a limited test with select creators in the U.S., following initial testing in Brazil. The company has not yet published specific eligibility criteria or stated when the format will become available to the general public.
How do creators connect short clips to long videos?
Creators can link up to eight short, vertical Reels to a single horizontal Feature. When users watch a preview clip in their feed, they can tap through to watch the full-length episode directly inside the Instagram application.
What is the maximum video length supported by Features?
The format supports horizontal videos of up to 90 minutes. Variety reports that Instagram is testing different length limits up to that threshold to accommodate full-length podcasts and comedy specials.
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