Instagram introduced the Instagram for TV app last December, initially available on Amazon Fire TV devices in the US, and expanded to Google TV devices in February. Now, Instagram has expanded the app to Samsung TVs in the US for 2020 models and newer.
In addition to announcing the expansion to Samsung TVs, Instagram also said it is testing new features designed to make discovering, sharing, and enjoying Instagram easier with the people around you.
New Features in Testing
The updates include organizing Channels around your interests, such as comedy, sports, or your favorite creators. Users can also cast Reels from their phone to their TV, as well as cast videos from the Saved tab — though the casting feature is currently available only on Google TV and Fire TV.
You can also watch Stories from friends and creators directly on a TV. Instagram is additionally testing a dedicated home for horizontal videos, giving creators more ways to reach audiences while making it easier to enjoy content designed for the larger screen.
New Formats Built for the Living Room
Beyond new features, Instagram is exploring formats specifically designed for TV viewing:
- Longer-form creator content: Exploring ways for creators to tell deeper stories and build stronger connections with their audiences through longer-form video on TV.
- Episodic series: Exploring content that unfolds across multiple episodes, building on viewing behaviors already seen on the Instagram mobile app.
- Live on TV: Exploring ways to bring live creator experiences to the big screen and create new opportunities for people to watch and participate together in real time.
Instagram hopes to roll out these new formats soon. You can read more about the expansion on the official Instagram blog.
