Social Media

Instagram Pushes Into Longform and Widescreen Video With Features

Instagram is launching a major push into longform horizontal video under the name 'Features', marking a significant shift for a platform historically centered on shortform content.

Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer

Published: October 27, 2026 · Updated: October 27, 2026 · 3 min read

Instagram Pushes Into Longform and Widescreen Video With Features — Image: The Verge

Instagram Pivots Toward Longform Horizontal Video

Instagram is announcing a big push into longform horizontal video, introducing a new format that the platform is calling “Features.” For a long time, Instagram boss Adam Mosseri had been against incorporating longform video onto the platform. He discussed this shift in a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/De9m9lchZXj/">six-and-a-half-minute video</a> alongside VP of product Tessa Lyons.

During their discussion, which also included the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/De9ZzxeAJ76/">widescreen version</a> of their announcement, Mosseri noted that one of his primary concerns was ensuring Instagram remained a place for connecting with friends rather than solely for passive entertainment. He pointed out that watching a longform video often means users spend less time sending Reels, photos, and carousels to friends, which can result in fewer likes and shares.

Creating a Symbiotic Relationship Between Short and Long Content

Despite past hesitation, the Instagram team is now working to make shortform and longform video symbiotic. Mosseri compared the approach to media formats like podcasts or comedy specials, which can exist as full-length long videos while simultaneously being broken down into shorter clips for broader reach and discovery.

Instagram also discussed these updates <a href="https://www.instagram.com/video/De8mKLVCW8X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&exln=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA%3D%3D&srtk=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA%3D%3D">with creators</a> Samir Chaudry and Colin Rosenblum, with their video offering early visual previews of how longform video will appear natively on the social media platform.

Current Testing Phases and Geographic Rollout

According to Instagram spokesperson Megan Buckley, Features is currently expanding to the United States as part of a small test. The new horizontal format is also undergoing testing with select creators in Brazil.

Alongside the rollout of Features, Instagram is evaluating several other video-centric updates. These include interactive clips that point users toward a full-length video, a new organizational tool allowing creators to publish a series of Reels, and general improvements designed to enhance live video discovery across the application.

Broader Expansion Into Television and Living Room Apps

The introduction of widescreen, longform video arrives on the heels of Instagram's expanding television presence. The platform launched its dedicated TV app late last year, debuting initially as a Reels-focused experience and a pilot program for Amazon Fire TV devices within the United States.

Since its initial debut, the television application has systematically expanded to major living room hardware ecosystems, including Google TVs, Samsung TVs, and Apple TV. Furthermore, Instagram added platform utility by introducing capabilities like the ability to <a href="https://www.verge.com/tech/956456/instagram-for-tv-youtube-microdramas-longform-video">watch Stories earlier this year</a>, steadily bridging the gap between mobile-first social media and traditional living room viewing experiences.