Instagram IGTV Series to Create Long Form Videos

If you want to gain more traction on Instagram and are ready to level up your game, there is no better way than IGTV! Be it entrepreneurs, influencers, or individuals who want to engage with their followers, creating an IGTV series is an exciting prospect that can prove to be very beneficial for your Instagram presence.

The real attraction of IGTV is that it allows for long-form content, thereby offering you the flexibility to make detailed videos that grab your audience’s attention and deliver valuable information as well. 

In this post, I will walk you through everything you need to know to create, launch, and promote an IGTV series successfully. From setting your content strategy to optimizing your episodes and building a loyal fan base, we will cover it all. Let's have a look!

Why IGTV

When IGTV first launched in 2018, many people were skeptical about it. Instagram already had its regular feed and stories, so why add another video feature? But over time, IGTV has proven to be an essential tool for creators and businesses. Its long-form video format enables you to build deeper engagement, thereby making it an ideal space to share series-based content,

So, why should you create an IGTV series?

• You can build a deeper connection with your audience- Unlike the quick, snackable content that you usually see on Instagram Reels, IGTV allows you to create more meaningful and educational content. You can explore various topics in more detail, share behind-the-scenes looks, and even run Q&A sessions.
• You can establish brand authority- A well-planned IGTV series can establish you as an authority in your niche. It shows that you are dedicated to producing high-quality content, which helps build trust with your audience.
• You can increase engagement- A series encourages your viewers to return for more, which can then boost your engagement rates. The IGTV algorithm works in your favor—if your audience enjoys one episode, they are more likely to watch the next one, too. 

Step 1- Making Your IGTV Series Concept

Before you start filming, it is important to establish a clear vision for your IGTV series. It will be like laying the groundwork for a house where you need to build a solid structure first. Here is what you need to consider.

Firstly, define your audience! You cannot create content that appeals to your audience if you do not know who they are. Are you targeting young adults, working professionals, or maybe hobbyists in a particular field? Knowing your audience inside and out will help guide your content decisions.

Next, you must choose a theme for your IGTV series. What is it that you want to do? Do you want to share tutorials, tell a story, or show scenes from your work life? Your theme could be anything from ways to build a home business to teaching professional photography—just ensure it is something that excites you and your audience. 

Now, think about how you want the flow of your episodes to be. Will you be following a documentary-style format or will you rather engage directly with the audience in a Q&A? Or perhaps a narrative-driven series where each episode is a continuation from the previous one? Whichever format you decide to opt for, remember to be consistent.

Step 2- Planning Your Episodes

Once you have nailed down the concept for your series, it is time to organize it in the form of episodes. Planning your episodes in advance will save you considerable time and enable you to maintain consistency in your content. 

Each episode should carry a clear introduction, middle, and conclusion. Even though you are working with long-form content, it is important to keep it engaging by pacing the information in digestible chunks. Here are some tips to consider:

• Hook your viewers within the first thirty seconds of the video! This is important as the first moments of your video will determine whether people want to stay or choose to leave. You could start with an intriguing question, drop a surprising fact, or make a bold statement.
• For the video’s body, try to be informative but keep it entertaining. It is important to keep up the energy so that your viewers stay interested throughout the video.
• End the video with an appropriate call to action. You can encourage viewers to like, comment, share, or even check out the next episode in the series. 

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is dragging out your episodes unnecessarily. While IGTV does allow videos up to 60 minutes, you do not have to use the entire time. Aim for a video length that suits your content. For most people, a video of ten to fifteen minutes is the ideal length. Longer episodes work for topics that require more exploration, but they, too, should have a quick and engaging flow. 

When it comes to planning your episodes, it is also important to set a schedule for your episodes. While you do not have to post a new episode every day, consistency builds audience anticipation. Whether you opt for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly episodes, let your viewers know when to expect the next episode and stick to that schedule. 

Step 3- Recording and Editing Your Videos

With your episodes planned out, it is time to roll up your sleeves and start recording the videos. At this stage, it is important to ensure you have high-quality production. However, this does not mean that you must have fancy equipment to get started.

At a minimum, you will need a good smartphone, a tripod to get some steady shots, and proper lighting. You can also get a ring light to improve the quality of your videos, particularly if you plan to film indoors. But if you are working with a tight budget, natural light works well, too. 

The next aspect you must factor in is the sound. Even if you get the best visuals, bad sound can ruin it all! If you are recording in a noisy environment, consider getting a microphone. Even a budget-friendly design can help improve the audio quality.

Once the filming is out of the way, it is time to edit where it all falls into place. You could use editing software like the CyberLink PowerDirector or Adobe Premiere Pro or even mobile apps like InShot to trim, cut, and polish the raw footage. Also, remember to add captions, graphics, and music to enhance the viewer's experience. But do not overdo the effects and keep things simple. 

Step 4- Uploading and Optimizing Your Videos

So, you have made your video, and it is now time to share it with the world! However, uploading it is not enough. You need to optimize your videos so they are easily discoverable. 

For this purpose, the first element you must pay attention to is the title and description. Create a compelling title that instantly demands attention. Keep the title concise and ensure it clearly represents the content of that episode. Do not forget to add the description—this is your chance to elaborate on the content and encourage viewers to interact.

Another element you must not overlook is the use of hashtags. Use relevant and popular hashtags to increase your chances of appearing on the Explore page and expanding your reach. However, do not go overboard with the use of hashtags, and keep the number between five and ten.

Last, but not least, we have thumbnails, which are the first thing that viewers will see. Ensure that the thumbnail is eye-catching. Instagram lets you upload a custom thumbnail, so take advantage of this feature and create one that stands out.

Step 5- Promoting Your IGTV Series

Once your IGTV series is live, it is important to promote it far and wide. For this purpose, you can use Instagram Stories and your feed to promote new episodes. Sharing some teaser clips, behind-the-scenes footage, or even a countdown to the new episode may be a fun idea. Instagram Stories are ideal for engaging with the audience and reminding them of your content.

Also, do not limit your promotion to Instagram only. Share your IGTV episodes on other platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, provided your content is relevant to those audiences. The more platforms you promote, the bigger your reach will be. 

You can collaborate with experts, influencers, or your loyal followers to grow your audience. Invite them to participate in an episode or simply ask them to promote your series. 

Step 6- Engaging With Your Audience

Once your content is made and posted, consider yourself halfway to the finish line. It is equally important to engage with your audience so they keep coming back for more.

Take the time to respond to comments on your videos. Not only does this make your audience feel appreciated, but it also boosts engagement metrics, which can help your videos reach a wider audience. Also, encourage your viewers to leave their feedback or give suggestions for future episodes or even series ideas. This shows that you value their opinions and it also helps you tailor your content according to their interests. 

You can try to build a community around your IGTV series by creating a hashtag that your viewers can use to share their thoughts. Consider hosting Q&A sessions or live interactions to create a more personal connection with your audience. 

Step 7- Tracking Performance

As with any content strategy, it is important to track the performance of your IGTV series. Instagram provides useful insights for IGTV videos, like views, comments, likes, and audience retention rates.

Analyze which episodes perform the best and why! Are shorter videos getting more engagement? Does your audience prefer certain topics over others? Use this data to refine future episodes. 

Your first series may not be perfect and that is okay! The important thing is to keep learning and improving. You can always experiment with different formats, topics, or styles to see what appeals more to your viewers.

Final Thoughts

An IGTV series can be a great way to build your brand authority, enhance your presence, boost engagement, and connect better with your audience! You can follow the steps mentioned above to launch a successful series that has your audience hooked and keeps them coming back for more. 

Do keep in mind that consistency and creativity are very important for long-form videos, so continue to experiment and improve your approach. 

Are you ready to start your IGTV series? I can’t wait to see the amazing content you create!