Major Instagram update: Enjoy Reels and Stories on TV, not just on mobile...
Instagram, the popular platform, no longer wants to be confined to smartphones. The Meta-owned social media platform has expanded its TV app to Samsung Smart TVs in the US. Alongside this, the company has announced several new features aimed at making the big-screen video-watching experience more social and enjoyable.
Instagram stated that the TV app can now be used on Samsung Smart TVs launched in 2020 or later. Previously, the app was available on Amazon Fire TV and Google TV devices. With this expansion, the Instagram TV app is now supported on most connected TV devices in the US.
To further enhance the viewing experience, the company has also begun testing internet-based channels. These channels will aggregate videos across categories like comedy, sports, and creator content, making it easier for families and friends to discover their favorite content together.
Available on Google TV and Fire TV devices, this feature will also display videos that users have saved to their personal collections on the big screen, making it easier than ever to share content with friends and family.
**Stories Coming Soon**
The company is also adding support for Stories to the TV app. Additionally, a dedicated section for horizontal videos is being tested to ensure videos optimized for large screens can be viewed effectively. Instagram states that these features are currently in the early testing phase and are being developed with user viewing habits in mind.
Instagram believes that the availability of long-form videos and episodic content on TV will allow creators to tell their stories in greater depth. The company is collaborating with various creators to refine this new experience and gather their feedback.
**Not Yet Available in India**
Currently, the Instagram TV app and its new features are available only in the US. The company has not yet announced when this service will roll out to other countries, including India. However, this update clearly indicates that Instagram is preparing to strengthen its presence on connected TV platforms alongside smartphones.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
