Instagram CEO says the platform will continue to focus on short videos

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri affirms that the platform will continue to prioritize short videos, stating that longform video content may undermine its core mission of facilitating connections between friends. While Instagram allows videos up to one hour in length and previously attempted to promote longer videos through IGTV, Mosseri emphasizes that the future lies in shortform content. This is reported by SSP.

According to Mosseri, Instagram's primary objectives are to help users foster friendships and explore their interests, often through short videos. He asserts that these two objectives are interconnected, as users often share videos they enjoy with friends who share similar interests.

On the other hand, longform videos that exceed 10 minutes or resemble TV shows do not align as smoothly with Instagram's goals. Mosseri explains that consuming lengthier videos leads to less interaction with friends, reduced exposure to friends' content, and decreased likelihood of sharing videos with others. Consequently, Instagram does not plan to focus on the longform video format, whereas platforms like TikTok invest in longer videos.

To provide clarity, here's an edited transcript of Mosseri's remarks:

A content creator recently asked me if Instagram plans to introduce longform video. The answer is no, and I'd like to elaborate on the reasons behind our decision.

Instagram serves various purposes, but there are two central roles at its core. First, connecting users with friends, and second, facilitating the exploration of interests, commonly through short videos.

These two aspects go hand in hand. When you come across a hilarious video from a comedian and share it with a friend who appreciates comedy just as much, or when I stumble upon an incredible soccer highlight and share it with a fellow soccer enthusiast, these instances strengthen the bond with friends through shared interests.

However, longform video doesn't harmonize as effectively with these objectives. Watching a 10- or 20-minute video diminishes friend-centric content, decreases interaction with friends, and reduces the likelihood of sharing that content with others. As such, pursuing longform video would contradict our fundamental mission of connecting people with friends.

While we understand that shortform video might not always encompass these qualities, we strive to prioritize short videos that do. We value your opinions on this matter, so please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. We anticipate encountering diverse viewpoints on this topic. Peace.