Instagram Tests 90-Minute Horizontal Videos as Reels Expand Into Long-Form Content

Instagram has built much of its video experience around short, vertical clips. Now, the platform is testing a format that could give creators more room to tell longer stories. Called Features, the new format supports horizontal videos lasting up to 90 minutes.

The move is about more than increasing video length. Instagram also wants to connect short Reels with full-length videos, allowing viewers to move from an interesting clip to the complete episode without leaving the platform.

What Is Instagram Features?

Features is a long-form video format currently being tested with selected Instagram creators. Unlike the short, vertical videos commonly associated with Reels, Features supports horizontal videos of up to 90 minutes.

The format could suit podcasts, interviews, comedy performances, discussions, and other productions that need more time to develop their stories.

Reports published on October 26, 2026, said the test had previously involved creators in Brazil and was expanding to selected creators in the United States. Features is still experimental, so it should not be treated as a feature available to every Instagram account.

Reels Could Lead Viewers to Full-Length Videos

The connection between short-form and long-form content is arguably the most interesting part of this announcement.

Imagine discovering a compelling podcast clip while browsing Reels. Instead of watching the excerpt and searching elsewhere for the full episode, viewers could follow a link from the Reel to the longer video on Instagram.

Features videos may also be surfaced through Explore and other areas of the app, giving creators additional opportunities to reach audiences.

The strategy creates a more direct relationship between discovery and deeper viewing. Reels can capture attention, while Features gives interested viewers a way to explore the subject in greater detail.

Is Instagram Taking on YouTube?

The move brings Instagram into more direct competition with YouTube, a long-established destination for podcasts, tutorials, interviews, and other long-form videos.

Rather than relying on a single video format, Instagram appears to be building a connected experience across short clips, longer productions, and television viewing.

This approach also reflects a familiar creator workflow: turn highlights from a full-length recording into short clips that attract new viewers. Instagram wants those clips to lead audiences back to the complete video within its own ecosystem.

Instagram has already been working to simplify the content creation process. Its First Draft feature, for example, helps creators generate an initial cut from selected clips. Read more in our article about Instagram First Draft and faster Reels editing.

What Could Features Mean for Creators?

If the format expands, creators may no longer need to squeeze every idea into a short video. They could use Reels to introduce a topic and then direct interested viewers to a more comprehensive production.

A technology creator, for example, could publish a short smartphone review highlight and link it to a full review. Podcasters could use memorable moments to promote complete episodes, while comedians could share short clips that introduce longer performances.

However, longer videos are not automatically better. Strong openings, clear structure, useful information, and consistent pacing will still matter if creators want viewers to stay until the end.

What About Monetization?

Monetization remains an important question. Reports about the initial test indicate that Instagram has not announced a dedicated advertising revenue-sharing program for Features comparable to YouTube's established model.

Creators with existing brand partnerships may be able to carry those commercial relationships into their longer content, subject to the applicable terms. Instagram has also discussed opportunities to help creators develop brand partnerships.

For now, creators should not assume that uploading a 90-minute video will automatically generate platform-paid revenue. The commercial opportunity will depend on access, audience engagement, brand deals, and any future monetization policies Instagram announces.

Will Features Work on TVs?

Instagram is also developing its video experience for larger screens. Features fits into that broader direction because horizontal videos are naturally suited to television viewing.

Podcasts, interviews, and comedy performances can be more comfortable to watch on a large screen, particularly when viewers want to enjoy content together. Instagram's television experience could therefore become an important part of its long-form strategy.

Still, availability may vary by account, device, and testing phase. There is no basis to assume that all users in Indonesia can already upload or watch Features videos.

When Will Instagram Features Launch Globally?

As of October 26, 2026, Features remains in testing with selected creators. Instagram has not announced a confirmed global release date or a timeline for availability to all users in Indonesia.

If the option does not appear in your account, it does not necessarily mean your app is broken. Your account may simply not be included in the current test.

The Bottom Line

Instagram's Features test signals a bigger investment in horizontal, long-form video. With support for videos up to 90 minutes and a way to connect Reels to full-length productions, Instagram is trying to make short and long videos work together.

For creators, the most promising opportunity is a more connected content strategy: use short clips to attract attention, then give interested viewers a complete video worth watching.

However, competing with YouTube will take more than longer uploads. Content discovery, viewing experience, monetization, and audience loyalty will all matter. Features is worth watching, but it is still too early to treat it as a YouTube replacement or a feature available to everyone.