For the amount of time that creators spend on Instagram, it’s about time really that IGTV monetization came in. While YouTube is already very familiar with monetizing creators, platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and TikTok are all still testing the waters a little.

Where Bloomberg previously reported Instagrams whopping $20 billion advertising revenue in 2019, it’s about time creators get in on the action. 

Back in March, Instagram began reaching out to top creators, starting initial tests for monetization. I mean, I wasn’t invited… But I’m not bitter… This meant that those in the program would receive 55% share of all advertising in IGTV - the same as YouTube.

According to an interview with The Verge, Instagram’s COO, Justin Osofsky, shared that those in the program will receive an “industry standard” 55% share of all advertising on IGTV.

“Creators already put an incredible amount of effort into their content, and it’s crucial that they can make money from that content in order to fuel their work in the future,” Osofsky says.

Monetization and Instagram creators

Just last month, Facebook announced several new ways for creators to monetize, including new ad placements, more paid groups, and the ability to buy and send tips during live streams.

These new ways of monetization will help to keep creators on the Instagram platform - as well as rewarding them for their creative efforts.

Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri said in a Tweet, that “It’s no secret that we’ve been exploring this.We focused first on making sure the product had legs—or else there would be little to monetize in the first place. IGTV is still in its early days, but it’s growing, so we’re exploring more ways to make it sustainable for creators.”

As well as monetizing ads themselves for this long-form content, Instagram has also added the ability for users to gift creators via “badges” - a form of online tip during Instagram Live videos.

But what does that all really mean?

Well, my friends, it means that influencers and content creators will be able to profit directly through Instagram content. No more third-party brand partnerships or sponsored posts. Of course, those things will still exist - but when you can earn that dollar from Instagram directly, why not?

This new incentive means that content creators are much more likely to stay on Instagram, instead of disappearing to rivals YouTube or TikTok. That being said, so many content creators are doing just that - creating content - across multiple platforms already. But if they’re sticking on Instagram too, IG bosses will be happy.

The dos and don’ts of monetizing IGTV videos

Do: Get familiar with Instagram’s content monetization policies

Before you get started, be sure to get to grips with what you can and can’t upload to IG. If you’re looking to gradually monetize your content, you might want to check out their policies. There’s some details to take note of, as well as the obvious 

Don’t: Be inauthentic

Be careful when talking about your favourite products that you’re not leading viewers astray. Don’t make any false claims or provide misleading information to your viewers. This will most likely harm your chances of monetization, but your audience won’t be best pleased to be told misleading information. 

Do: Post a juicy preview

When uploading an IGTV video you are given the choice to “post a preview”. This is a great way to get in front of those scrolling through their feed. This will help boost your engagement, reach, impressions and views. 

Don’t: Forget your thumbnail

Thumbnail, or cover photos are super important. This is what your audience will see before they decide to watch your content - so, be sure to take a great photo with the perfect lighting and colour that stays on-brand and entices viewers in.

Do: Use subtitles

So many mobile users watch videos without any sound. It could be that they’re on a bus without headphones, in a waiting room, or even at work - Sneaky sneaky!

Adding suitable subtitles to your IGTVs allows those silent viewers to still watch your content, no matter where they are.

Don’t: Forget the details

• Use an MP4 file format.

• The length of your video must be at least 1 minute to be posted as an IGTV.

• When uploading from the mobile app, the maximum length your video can be is 15 minutes and 1 hour if uploading from the web.

• The minimum resolution your IGTV can be is 720 pixels.

• The maximum file size for 10 minute videos or under is 650MB and videos for up to 60 minutes long can be up to 3.6GB.

• The vertical aspect ratio for IGTV videos is 9:16 and 16:9 for horizontal videos.

Looking to get started but unsure what to film for your IGTV?

These are just a few ideas to get you started…

• Behind the scenes. Film how you shoot and edit your videos. This could also be in a tutorial style.

• Shoot a Q&A from questions submitted by your followers.

• Create how-to videos, whether it’s fashion, graphic design or home styling - Think of what you can teach within your niche.

• Reviews. This could be a film, a book, a skincare product or creative software.

• Become a host and invite other creators as guest speakers to discuss a topic.

That’s all folks! If you’re looking for more IGTV tips and advice, drop us a message.