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Instagram Features: Does It Pay for 90-Minute Videos?
Short answer: not through any public program. Instagram's new Features format lets selected creators post horizontal videos up to 90 minutes long, but as of November 7, 2026, there is no ad revenue share, no public sign-up and no announced date for a wider rollout. A small number of creators are reportedly being paid directly by Meta. Everyone else earns the way they always have on Instagram: brand deals.
Here is exactly what is confirmed, what is only reported, and what it means if you make long videos for a living.
What Is Instagram Features?
Instagram announced Features on October 26, 2026. It is a long-form, horizontal video format aimed at podcasters, comedians, interviewers and other creators who already make longer shows. Videos can run up to 90 minutes, and creators can post short Reels that point viewers to the full video.
Two details matter for US creators:
- It is a test. Access is limited to selected creators in the US, and the format was tried earlier with some creators in Brazil.
- It is built for TV screens too. Instagram's TV app is now available on Apple TV in the US, so long videos can be watched on a big screen.
Does Instagram Pay for Long Videos?
No ad revenue share (yet)
Instagram has not announced a revenue-sharing program for Features. Adam Mosseri said there are currently no plans for one across short-form and long-form video, and a Meta spokesperson said it is too early to share a long-term monetization model. In a follow-up post, Mosseri said Instagram is exploring options to help long-form creators get paid, but nothing concrete has been announced.
Some creators are paid directly
An Instagram representative told Variety the company is funding long-form content directly with some creators during the test. Business Insider reported that these deals range from roughly $50,000 to $500,000. Instagram has not confirmed those figures, so treat them as reported, not official. There is no way to apply for such a deal through the app.
Brand deals still carry the income
Existing sponsorships carry over to Features videos. In practice that means your income from a 90-minute Instagram video depends on the sponsors you already have, not on views paid by the platform.
Who Can Post 90-Minute Videos on Instagram?
Only creators included in the test. There is no public application, no published eligibility rules and no announced rollout date. Reports say Instagram plans to widen the US test to tens of thousands of creators, but that is a plan, not a schedule.
If you do not see the option in your app, you have not been included yet. Be wary of any site that promises a sign-up link for Features.
Instagram Features vs YouTube vs Instagram Bonuses
The difference that matters is how you get paid:
| Program | What it covers | Who gets paid | Public sign-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instagram Features | Horizontal videos up to 90 minutes | Only creators with direct Meta deals (reported); no ad share | No |
| Instagram Bonuses | Reels, photos, carousels | Invited creators, based on performance | No (invite-only) |
| YouTube Partner Program | Long-form videos, Shorts | Eligible creators via ad revenue share | Yes, if you meet the eligibility rules |
Instagram's own creator page says Bonuses are limited-time and invite-only. For a full breakdown, see our guide to Instagram Bonuses for photos and carousels. On YouTube, eligibility rules and thresholds change, so check YouTube's official Partner Program page before you plan around any number.
Should You Post Long Videos on Instagram Right Now?
If you are not in the test, there is nothing to post to yet. If you are, the math is simple:
- Repurpose, don't replace. Reports indicate Instagram is not asking for exclusivity, so the same episode can live on YouTube and Instagram. Uploading an existing video costs little.
- Use clips as the funnel. Short Reels that link to the full video are the main discovery path Instagram has described.
- Do not give up your YouTube income. YouTube shares ad revenue with eligible creators. Features does not, so moving your best work off YouTube could cost you money.
- Bring your sponsors. The money on Features comes from brand deals, so negotiate Instagram placement into your sponsorship terms.
Is This Instagram's Second Try at Long Video?
Yes. Instagram launched IGTV in 2018 and shut it down in 2022. Mosseri has said he spent years against long-form video on Instagram before changing his mind. The key difference this time is the pairing of Reels as a discovery funnel with TV viewing, but the missing payout model is the same weakness that critics point to.
What to Watch Next
- An announced revenue-share or subscription model for Features
- Public eligibility rules or an opt-in form
- The expansion of the US test beyond selected creators
We will update this article when Instagram announces any of these. Details here reflect reporting as of November 7, 2026; figures from news reports are labeled as reported and may change.
