Google TV is getting another top doomscrolling app, for better or worse
Source: Android Authority
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Instagram expands to Google TV
Instagram is bringing its dedicated TV app to Google TV devices after an earlier test on Amazon Fire TV. The rollout marks another step in Meta’s plan to make short‑form videos a shared, couch‑side experience.
How the TV experience works
The app organizes Reels into themed channels that group videos by interests such as sports highlights, cooking, travel, or viral moments. Users can browse these channels with a remote, allowing passive viewing from the couch.
Core interactions
- Like, comment, and share posts just like on the mobile app.
- Full‑audio playback with autoplay.
- Navigation designed for TV remotes, keeping the experience familiar without feeling like a merely enlarged phone app.
Strategic context
Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, announced the expansion on Threads, indicating that the company views TV as the next major platform for Reels. This follows the trend set by TikTok and YouTube, which already see substantial TV viewership. By launching a native TV app, Instagram aims to retain both creators and viewers on its platform.
Technical considerations
Reels are primarily vertical, which doesn’t naturally fit widescreen TVs. Instagram addresses this by curating collections and tweaking the design so vertical videos appear natural on a TV screen rather than looking out of place.
Availability
The Instagram TV app is currently limited to Google TV devices in the United States. Broader device support and regional expansion are expected as Instagram gathers user feedback.