Instagram for TV expanding to a major TV brand in the US

Instagram introduced the Instagram for TV app last December, initially available on Amazon Fire TV devices in the US, and expanded to Google TV devices in February. Now, Instagram has expanded the app to Samsung TVs in the US for 2020 models and newer.

In addition to announcing the expansion of Instagram for TV to Samsung TVs, Instagram also said it's testing new features that are "designed to make discovering, sharing, and enjoying Instagram easier with the people around you."

This includes organizing Channels around your interests, including comedy, sports, or your favorite creators. Users can also cast Reels from their phone to their TV, and they can also cast videos from the Saved tab. However, the casting feature is available only on Google TV and Fire TV.

Aside from that, you can watch Stories from your friends and creators on a TV. Speaking of creators, Instagram is testing a dedicated home for horizontal videos, giving creators more ways to reach audiences while also making it easier to enjoy content designed for the TV screen.

Apart from testing new features, Instagram is exploring new formats built for the living room.

• Longer-form creator content: Exploring ways for creators to tell deeper stories and build stronger connections with their audiences through longer-form video on TV.
• Episodic series: Exploring content that unfolds across multiple episodes, building on viewing behaviors we've already seen on Instagram mobile app.
• Live on TV: Exploring ways to bring live creator experiences to the big screen and create new opportunities for people to watch and participate together in real time.

Instagram hopes to roll out these formats soon.

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