Instagram wants its users to see Reels on the TV app, not just on phones, and here are a few vital things to remember
Instagram has launched a new TV app called Reels-first, which will let users view Instagram Reels on bigger screens. Here's how the app works, the supported devices, features, and availability details.
image for illustrative purpose
If you love scrolling through Instagram Reels but wish the screen was bigger, Instagram has got good tidings for you. Instagram now has a fresh Reels-first TV app designed specifically for large screens that debuting on the platform. It marks the first time that the vertical video experience that is popular on Instagram comes directly to television, giving an element of sharing and living-room-suitable experience to Reels.
This is because creators have observed the simple fact that many people enjoy watching Reels with friends or family, and a TV screen does seem to add to that immersive and social experience.
So What Could This Instagram Reels TV App Do?
Contrary to the basic, already existing Instagram mobile app, the TV app is primarily devoted to Reels in every sense. There are no other distractions here like physical posts, Stories, and direct messages - it is just a hassle-free experience for Reels on TV.
Logging in will categorize the Reels into different interest-driven channels like music, spots highlights, and travel, trending moments and many more. This particular arrangement facilitates the new discovery of content without any unnecessary scrolling.
TV Navigation
The feed presents rows of Reels with vertical character/thumbnails, which can easily be maneuvered by the TV remote. Once a thumbnail has been mounted, the Reel will launch fully and victoriously in the portrait symphony matching the presentation found across an individual's smartphone.
The TV app has details of captions and likes displayed along the sides of the screen to provide a distinctly familiar browsing experience. A swipe up using your remote takes you from one reel to another, reflecting the Reels user experience on mobile.
Switching Between Accounts
Also among the niceties of the Instagram Reels TV app is the fact that different accounts can exist on the same TV. They are probably family members, each logging on to view their own special Reels content thrust onto their suggested page by their interests and viewing behavior.
Users could search for creators, explore profiles, or even browse content beyond their home feeds to experience something equally (or more) interactive than passive viewing.
Availability and Future Plans
Instagram is currently piloting its Instagram Reels TV app for the U. S. market with the sole distribution medium through Amazon Fire TV devices. It has further been affirmed by Instagram that this is a pilot phase, and the app will launch in more regions and television platforms according to user feedback.
Remote control from the smartphone and options to watch feeds together with friends will be a part of exciting new features, which will elevate the level of engagement via Reels on TV.
Concluding Remarks
With this television app, Instagram is taking Reels on a direct line out of the smartphone to be as close as shared living space. If the pilot is successful, watching Reels on television might soon be as normal as streaming any other channel on TV!.
