Instagram’s New Update: Longer Videos, an Instagram for TV App and Episodic Series

By Ajishnu SG | Published: 28/10/2026 | Updated: 28/10/2026

Instagram’s new update is about more than short Reels. Instagram is pushing into longer videos, big-screen viewing and series-style content, which is a big shift for creators, brands and anyone doing digital marketing. In this guide we explain what the Instagram new update includes, what is already live, what is still in testing, and what you should do about it.

Quick Summary: What Is in the Instagram Update?

Longer, horizontal videos: Instagram is experimenting with long-form content such as podcasts, vlogs and interviews.
Reels linked to longer videos: short Reels that point viewers to the full video, as a path from short-form to long-form.
Instagram for TV: a TV app on Amazon Fire TV, Google TV and now Samsung smart TVs.
Episodic Series: a dedicated home on creator profiles for Reels grouped into episodes.

Important: several of these are tests or limited rollouts, not available to everyone. Details below.

1. Longer Videos on Instagram

Instagram has said it is exploring longer-form creator content, and a new format for horizontal videos such as podcasts, vlogs and interviews has been reported. Some reports mention uploads of up to 90 minutes for selected creators. Meta has described these long-form plans as experiments, so availability and limits may change. Check Instagram’s official announcements before building a strategy around a specific length.

What this means for you: if you already make YouTube-style content, you may soon be able to publish the same long videos on Instagram. Start by planning content that can work in both a long and a short form.

2. From Reels to the Full Video

The idea is simple: a creator posts a short Reel cut from a longer video, and viewers can move from the Reel to the full-length video in one tap. For marketers this turns Reels into a discovery tool and the long video into the place where trust and conversions are built. For this to work, your Reels need a strong hook and a clear reason to watch the full video.

3. Instagram for TV: Samsung, Fire TV and Google TV

Instagram for TV lets people watch creators on a bigger screen. The app launched on Amazon Fire TV in December 2025 and Google TV in February 2026, and in June 2026 Instagram announced it is expanding to Samsung smart TVs. Features include interest-based channels, casting Reels from your phone and watching Stories on TV.

Note for Indian audiences: as of the latest reports, the Instagram TV app expansion is US-only, with no international dates announced. Creators in India should treat it as a trend to prepare for, not a feature they can use yet.

4. Episodic Series on Creator Profiles

Meta has begun rolling out Series to select creators on Instagram and Facebook. Creators can group Reels into sequential episodes with a dedicated section on their profile, so audiences can watch in order and follow for updates. Bringing Series to the TV app is only being explored, and Meta has shared no timeline.

What This Means for Creators and Brands

Plan content in series. Episodes keep people coming back, whether it is a weekly tip, a course diary or a client story.
Repurpose long videos into Reels. One 30-minute video can become many short clips that drive viewers back to the full version.
Invest in video quality. Longer, bigger-screen viewing exposes weak audio and editing, so clean sound, good lighting and tight editing matter more.
Keep your profile ready. Clear bio, strong highlights and consistent posting help when new sections like Series arrive.
Watch before you commit. Test new features as they reach your account instead of rebuilding your whole plan around rumours.

How to Prepare Your Instagram Strategy

Audit your best-performing Reels and note which topics deserve a full-length version.
Build a simple content series: a repeatable format with 4-6 episodes.
Learn editing for both short and long formats. Our video editing course in Calicut covers Reels, YouTube and long-form editing.
Track results in Instagram Insights and double down on formats that hold attention.
Follow Instagram’s official channels for updates on availability in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new Instagram update?

It is a set of changes that push Instagram toward longer videos, TV viewing and series-style content, including long-form experiments, the Instagram for TV app and the Series feature for creators.

Can I upload 90-minute videos on Instagram now?

Not necessarily. Long-form uploads have been reported for select creators and are described as experimental. Check your own account and Instagram’s official help pages.

Is Instagram for TV available in India?

Not yet, as far as current reports show. The TV app is rolling out in the US, and no international dates have been announced.

What is Instagram Series?

Series lets selected creators group Reels into ordered episodes with a dedicated section on their profile, so viewers can binge content in order.

Should small businesses care about this update?

Yes. Longer videos and series help businesses build trust through tutorials, behind-the-scenes content and customer stories, not just quick promotions.

Learn Social Media and Video Skills with eLearners

Platforms change fast, and the people who adapt first win attention. At eLearners we help students in Calicut build practical skills for the digital world. Explore our course options or talk to a counsellor to find the right programme for you.

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About the Author

Ajishnu SG is a web development, SEO and online advertising professional based in Kerala, India, working with businesses on their digital presence. Connect with him on LinkedIn.