Meta has rolled out its Instagram for TV application to Samsung smart TVs across the United States, expanding its presence on the living‑room screen and letting viewers glide through Reels directly from their television.
The platform frequently faces criticism for fostering addictive habits that keep users glued for extended periods.
Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has downplayed prolonged use, labeling a 16‑hour session as “problematic use” rather than a clinical addiction, and likened scrolling to binge‑watching Netflix.
The app now supports Samsung models from 2020 onward, while it already exists on Amazon Fire TV and Google TV, which together dominate the connected‑TV market. Meta plans to trial new features aimed at enhancing family and communal viewing.
When scrolling through Reels on your phone, you can now project them onto your television. Instagram for TV is currently in beta on Google TV and Amazon Fire TV, and the feature will also let you play videos saved in your account.
The platform is piloting interest‑based Channels that group content by genre—think comedy, sports, and fan‑favourite creators—while also enabling viewers to stream Stories directly to their living‑room screens.
Beyond its signature bite‑size clips, Instagram is opening new avenues to retain viewers. The company is testing long‑form creator pieces that dive deep into subjects, serialized shows that keep audiences coming back for more, and live creator broadcasts tailored for the television experience.
These enhancements position Instagram as a direct challenger to entrenched players such as YouTube and Netflix, both of whom already dominate the TV space. Recent platform tweaks also allow creators to add separate captions to each carousel image, rearrange posts manually, and even access a premium, subscription‑based version of the app.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which Samsung TV models support the new Instagram for TV app and how can I install it?
The Instagram for TV app is available on Samsung smart TVs manufactured in 2020 or later. To install it, open the Samsung Smart Hub, go to the App Store, search for "Instagram," and tap "Install." Once installed, launch the app and log in with your Instagram credentials to start browsing Reels and Stories on your TV.
How is Instagram addressing concerns about prolonged TV usage and potential addiction?
Instagram’s chief, Adam Mosseri, has stated that a 16‑hour session is considered "problematic use" rather than clinical addiction, comparing scrolling to binge‑watching Netflix. The company is also testing features that encourage family and communal viewing, hoping to promote more balanced, shared experiences rather than solitary, extended sessions.
What new features are being piloted on Instagram for TV, such as interest‑based channels and story streaming?
Meta is testing interest‑based Channels that group Reels by genre—like comedy, sports, or fan‑favorite creators—making it easier to discover content. Additionally, users can stream Stories directly to their living‑room screens and play videos saved in their account. These features aim to enhance engagement and provide a more curated, TV‑friendly viewing experience.
News Source: Neowin
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