Instagram has announced several changes coming to its Live video feature. In addition to extending the maximum length of Live videos, the platform is also adding a Live video archive.

Going Live for Longer on Instagram

In a Tweet, Instagram outlined a number of updates that it's rolling out to Live. But perhaps the most exciting change coming to Live is its extended length limit.

Now, you can record Live videos for up to four hours, which is a huge jump from the previous limit of only one hour.

An extended Live length gives users the opportunity to create longer videos without having to chain several Lives back-to-back. Users from around the world can take advantage of this extension—they just need to have a violation-free record on the platform.

Besides the new lengthy Live timeframe, Instagram has also created a Live video archive. Whenever you record a Live video, Instagram will automatically save your video for 30 days after it airs.

You can find this private archive the same way you access your old Stories and posts. Simply head to your profile, hit the three bars in the top right corner of the screen, and then select Archive.

From here, choose Live Archive from the dropdown menu at the top of the screen, and you can view all of your previous Lives. If you want to hang onto any of your videos, Instagram gives you the option to download them or post them to other social media sites.

Lastly, Instagram also announced that Live is coming to IGTV. This means that you'll now see a Live Now section in the IGTV app. Additionally, Instagram is adding that same Live Now tab to Instagram's Explore page as well.

These three updates may seem minor, but they definitely show Instagram's dedication to live content. A longer maximum Live length lets users host longer virtual classes, and gives them more time to connect with followers.

Instagram Prioritizes Live Streams

Although Instagram already has a large base of Live hosts and viewers, the platform's updates may give rise to more virtual experiences on Instagram.

With the explosion of virtual classes, concerts, shows, and other types of live content online, it seems that Instagram is vying to compete with other social platforms that offer live streams. After all, big names like TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch already give users the ability to host their own live streams.

That said, the extended length limit will likely keep users on Instagram longer, and may even attract creators who are looking to expand their fanbase.