Adam Mosseri, CEO of Instagram, recently stated that long videos are not being considered for the platform, as they don't align with the app's identity.
🔹 Instagram: long videos are not on the agenda
In a short video on his personal account, Adam Mosseri explained that long videos are not a priority. He believes short videos are more aligned with Instagram's two main goals: discovering new interests and connecting with friends. These interactions are facilitated by DM sharing: "You see a funny video and send it to someone who will laugh just as much."
According to Mosseri, long videos don't serve these goals. "If you watch a 10 or 20-minute video, you see less content from your friends, interact less with them, and are less likely to share." Investing in long videos could compromise Instagram's "core identity."
🔹 Instagram reaffirms its social network identity
Reels have seen their duration increase from 15 seconds in 2020 to 10 minutes today. While TikTok tests hour-long videos, Instagram chooses a different path.
Unlike TikTok, which presents itself as entertainment, Instagram positions itself as a social network. Mosseri wants to "connect people with their friends" through short videos. He announced an algorithm update where DM shares become essential for content ranking, with a new share counter under posts and Reels.