Just days after every brand/celeb you follow on Instagram (as well as some "normal" civilians) had a collective meltdown over upcoming alterations to the social media site's feed algorithm, the company is announcing a change that might appease some of these users: An increase in video length from 15 seconds to a full minute.
As you already know, a couple weeks ago Instagram announced that they'd be swapping their chronological feed for one "based on the likelihood you’ll be interested in the content, your relationship with the person posting and the timeliness of the post," which makes no sense to me because I mainly follow people out of hate.*
People, especially famous people and brands whose self-worth and/or livelihood is based on follower numbers and likes, freaked out about this change on Monday, entreating users to "turn on notifications" to avoid missing any of their pearls of wisdom, etc. Which, OK! If you want to be notified every morning at 4 when The Rock goes to the gym, don't let me stop you. (But, come on, if you're going to do that, then turn on my dog's notifications too, because he just as cute as The Rock and anyone who knows me is aware that that is not a comparison I make lightly.)
But those same celebs and businesses who were exercised about the feed order changes (which Instagram continues to assert have yet to be made) might be somewhat appeased by the news that the company has pumped up the length of video clips posted on the site.
According to an announcement posted by the company on Tuesday, "We want to bring you fun, flexible and creative ways to create and watch video on Instagram. As part of our continued commitment, you’ll soon have the flexibility to tell your story in up to 60 seconds of video. This is one step of many you’ll see this year."
To someone already anxious about changes to the beloved social media service, that last line feels a little ominous, doesn't it?
If you're an Apple user, they are "also bringing back the ability to make videos out of multiple clips from your camera roll." Sorry, Android folks, guess you're stuck single-clipping it.
"Longer videos mean more diverse stories from the accounts you love, whether it’s Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) hanging out with friends or beauty star Bretman Rock’s (@bretmanrock) latest makeup tutorial," they write. An increase in video content from regular human beings, such as your family or friends, is not mentioned. But will also be likely, as they say that the longer video function started rolling out Tuesday "and will be available for everyone in the coming months."
*This is a lie, a falsehood issued for dubiously comedic effect. I stopped hate-following across all my social media accounts on New Year's Day, 2013, and my life improved immeasurably. And I then realized how sick it is to follow shit you dislike! Like, really, really sick. Why did I do it for so long? ANYWAY. I urge you to try it, and only follow people, publications, and brands that you like. Life is too short!
Previously: Instagram Mucks Up Your Feed With Algorithmic Timeline
Instagram Celebs Panic As Algorithmic Feed Reordering Looms