App Watch
By: Nick Gambino
In a move toward more video-centric content, Instagram is adding a suggested video channels feature to their Explore section.
After adding video channels to Explore back in April with “Videos You Might Like” and the lengthening of videos to 60 seconds it’s been clear Instagram wants in on the videos game. You can only look at still photos for so long before you start fiending for some moving pictures.
These new suggested channels or topic-themed channels will be offered to you through a “Picked for You” title. By using an algorithm and curation by Instagram they’re pretty certain these are videos and topics you’d be interested in.
Though the social media giant hasn’t explained how these videos are curated, it’s safe to say it has something to do with what you like, post and follow.
Here’s a full list of the new channels being added immediately. Other channels will follow closely behind:
- Cheerleaders
- Dancers
- Ballet Dancers
- Singers
- Oddly Satisfying
- Calligraphy
- Special Effects Makeup
- Ceramics
- Cake Decorating
- Barbers
- Comedians
- Comic Book Artists
- Hair Tutorials
- Nail Artists
- Makeup Tutorials
- Gymnasts
- Pitbulls
- Bakers
- Skateboarders
- Baseball Players
- Trickshots
- Artists
- Makers & Artisans
Instagram reports that time spent watching videos increased 150 percent over the past 6 months so it’s no wonder they are putting some real effort into bolstering their video presence.
Like earlier features these “Picked for You” channels will only be available in the U.S. for the initial rollout with the rest of the world coming soon.
In other Instagram news, the platform is planning to add a translate button that you’ll be able to click on to read bios and stories not in your language.
Per a recent post on – no surprise here – Instagram, they explained “The Instagram community has grown faster and become more global than we ever imagined. And we’re excited that you’ll soon be able to understand the full story of a moment, no matter what language you speak.”
So there are some new jacked up features for you Instagram junkies out there. Do you think Instagram should continue to go the way of video or stick to photos?
Don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments below or give us a shout-out on Instagram.
Also be sure to check out our friends at PRNewsStand.org.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nick Gambino is a regular script writer and tech beat reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and daughter.
