Instagram embraces longform horizontal video with new 'Features' format

CEO Adam Mosseri reverses earlier opposition to longer videos on the platform

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published26 October 2026

Read Time1 min

Instagram is making a major push into longform horizontal video, announcing a new format called 'Features' that marks a departure from CEO Adam Mosseri's previous reluctance to prioritize lengthy clips over friend-to-friend sharing.

Instagram is rolling out a new feature called 'Features' that supports longform horizontal video, the company announced in a six-and-a-half-minute video featuring Instagram boss Adam Mosseri and VP of product Tessa Lyons. The move signals a strategic shift for the platform, which has traditionally emphasized short-form vertical Reels and static posts.

Mosseri acknowledged his earlier resistance to the idea, saying, 'one of my concerns has been, how do we make sure that we keep Instagram not just about entertainment, but about connecting with friends.' He noted that longform video could reduce the number of likes and shares on content that users might not send to friends.

The 'Features' format appears designed to compete with YouTube, which has long dominated longer, widescreen content. Instagram has not provided details on rollout timing or monetization options for creators, but the announcement signals a significant expansion of the platform's video capabilities.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

Instagram's move into longform video could reshape how creators produce content, encouraging more polished, narrative-driven videos over quick-hit Reels.
The shift risks alienating users who value Instagram for lightweight social connection, as longer videos may reduce the shareability that drives engagement.
Competition with YouTube for Creator time and ad dollars intensifies, as Instagram trials a format outside its tradional strengths.

n## Background

Instagram launched in 2010 as a photo-sharing app, later adding Stories (2016) and Reels (2020) to compete with Snapchat and TikToK. The platform has traditionally prioritized short, vertical video. Longform horizontal video is a departure that blurs the line between Instagram and YouTube.

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

How creators adopt the new format and whether it drives increased watch time compared to Reels.
Any changes to Instagram's algorithm that may surface longform content in the main feed rather than just a separate tab.
Potential backlash from users who prefer the platform's existing focus on short, shareable content.

Sources

Instagram chases YouTube with a push for longer, widescreen videos · The Verge

Checked

10 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 6 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedInstagram is making a major push into longform horizontal video with a new format called “Features”.The Verge: “Instagram is announcing a big push into longform horizontal video, which the platform is calling “Features.””
SupportedMosseri has reversed his earlier opposition to longform video on Instagram.The Verge: “Instagram boss Adam Mosseri has been against doing longform video on the platform “for a long time,” he says in a six-and-a-half-minute video”
SupportedMosseri said, “one of my concerns has been, how do we make sure that we keep Instagram not just about entertainment, but about connecting with friends.”The Verge: “saying that “one of my concerns has been, how do we make sure that we keep Instagram not just about entertainment, but about connecting with friends.”
SupportedThe announcement video is six and a half minutes long and features Mosseri and VP of product Tessa Lyons.The Verge: “he says in a six-and-a-half-minute video (here’s the widescreen version ) with VP of product Tessa Lyons”
Partly supportedInstagram is rolling out the “Features” format.The Verge: “Instagram is announcing a big push into longform horizontal video, which the platform is calling “Features.””
Partly supportedInstagram has traditionally emphasized short-form vertical Reels and static posts.The Verge: “it’s a lot of Reels, photos, and carousels that you might not have sent to a friend”
SupportedLongform video could mean fewer likes and shares on content users might not send to friends.The Verge: “If you watch a longform video, that’s “it’s a lot of Reels, photos, and carousels that you might not have sent to a friend,” meaning less likes and shares.”
SupportedThe “Features” push is designed to compete with YouTube.The Verge: “Instagram chases YouTube with a push for longer, widescreen videos.”
Not in the sourcesYouTube has long dominated longer, widescreen content.The Verge: “Instagram chases YouTube with a push for longer, widescreen videos.”
Not in the sourcesInstagram has not provided details on rollout timing or creator monetization options.The Verge: “Instagram is announcing a big push into longform horizontal video, which the platform is calling “Features.””