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Instagram has launched a new TV app focused on Reels so people can watch short videos on smart TVs starting with Amazon Fire TV devices in the United States only for now. The app is called Instagram for TV and it brings a lean back channel style Reels experience to the big screen.
What Instagram for TV is?
Instagram for TV is a standalone TV app built to stream Instagram Reels on televisions instead of phones or laptops. Videos play in continuous streams arranged in channels so viewers can sit back while clips keep playing one after another.
The app uses the same recommendation system as the mobile app so it suggests Reels based on accounts you follow and how you usually watch content. It also keeps core actions like like view comments and share so the viewing experience still feels connected to Instagram.
Supported devices and regions
For now Instagram for TV is limited to select Amazon Fire TV hardware in the US. Supported models include Fire TV Stick HD Fire TV Stick 4K Fire TV Stick 4K Max and recent Fire TV Series 2 and Omni televisions.
Meta and Amazon describe this rollout as an early test with plans to expand to more countries and more smart TV platforms later based on user feedback and performance. Until that happens viewers outside the US or on other TV systems will not see the app in their store.
How to Install and Sign in?
On a compatible Amazon Fire TV device open the Find section from the main menu then search for Instagram. Select the Instagram app on the results page choose Get or the cart icon then wait for the installation to finish.
After installation open Instagram for TV and sign in using your existing Instagram account credentials. The app supports multiple profiles so you can add up to five accounts which helps households that share the same television.
Watching Reels on your TV
Once logged in the home screen shows rows of channels that group Reels by topics like sports music cooking comedy and seasonal themes. You select a channel to start a stream of Reels tailored to that topic with the next video loading automatically without manual scrolling.
Reels still appear in vertical format with the video centered and interface elements such as caption likes and share options placed beside or around the frame so the layout works on wide TV screens. A search option lets you find specific creators or browse profiles that focus on Reels content.
Key Features and Future Plans
Key features include continuous autoplay of Reels interest based channels personalized recommendations multi account support and basic interactions like like view comments and reshare. The app is built for viewing only so creating or uploading Reels still happens through the mobile app not from the TV interface.
Meta executives have signaled that early feedback from this Fire TV launch will shape how fast Instagram for TV expands to other smart TV platforms and more markets. The move also fits a wider push to compete with YouTube and TikTok which already offer short video experiences on connected TVs.
Disclaimer:
This article contains information about the Instagram for TV app, which is currently available for select Amazon Fire TV devices in the United States. Features and availability may change based on user feedback and future updates.
