Instagram launches video

“Capture and share the world’s moments”. This is the new catch phrase from Instagram. I’ve been in love with Instagram since the beginning. When we first launched Copygram as an Instagram backup utility we already loved the service & the surrounding community, we weren’t sure on what it would become, but we loved it. 

First Reactions to video ( day one )

Video? Why? No! You are diluting your service…

Second Reactions ( day two )

Really? Video? 15 seconds? No! You are loosing your soul…

Third Reaction ( day three & ongoing)

Well this could actually work.

Instagram Video Everything

First this just needs some getting use to. Also it need iterations, like any good product it will grow over time. However there are one thing that is a pure settings alternative that I changed right away, the “automatic start playing” is now set to disable. Imagine my data plan if every persons 15 second video was to start download every time I passed it? And imagine my time spent on Instagram? Would not work.

Comparing reactions

So comparing my first reactions to my latter. Why do I think this will work? Well first, audience. Justin Bieber, with over 9 million Instagram followers, his first Instagram video has well over 1.3 million likes. Secondly, Brands. Nike used the power of Video in a very beautiful and simple way, and made me feel something hence it’s working. Third, it’s optional. If you turn off auto play, you’ll be presented with the still cover photograph and your loved Instagram experience is not diluted or changed ( except from the video icon ).

Content vs. Function

The new video functionality will make storytelling more interesting, lets say you’ll still shot 95% stills. That will leave you with 1 out of 20 with video, you’ll be able to connect with your audience in a complete different way then you’ve had before. And for power users there is no need of getting on a different platform like Vine, you can still have your broad audience on one platform, making it easier for you to maintain quality and focusing on content rather than different functionalities on multiple services.

Keep Instagram like it was

Some of you scream Nooo! But give it a though, a rather good though. Long-term this is wonderful, remember the first days of Instagram, with the borders, and actually quite boring filters. With the initial release of Instagram Video it bashes on Vines every Pro feature, and making it even better. Also keeping it “insta” in terms of not letting people use pre-composed video or sounds, keeping it real and getting everyone on the same level in terms of the creating content level.

Iterations is key

Like I wrote above, iterations on the Instagram Video part will be key in succeeding listening to the users in terms of presentation, length, abundance. Making it feel like it was always there, will be the main problem to solve for the Instagram team. If they manage to make it just like that. Intuitive and making us forget that there actually was a time where Videos did not exist, then they’ve won.

Looking forward

So despite my first and second reactions to video on Instagram, I believe that this is a good change and a good step forward in making a platform that is more about moments and memories than a constant noise of information. Instagram is made for you, and then you chose if you want to share or keep it just for you. Your moments in time.

Photo copies of your moments and memories

If you wish to save your memories in paper back format I’ve one of the Founders of the service Copygram which allows for printing photo copies of your moments, delivered to your doorstep. Where ever you are. - http://copygr.am