Instagram expands to Samsung Smart TVs with Reels, Stories, and big-screen viewing
Instagram is making a bigger push into the living room. The platform’s TV app is now available on Samsung Smart TVs in the United States, giving users another way to watch Instagram content beyond the phone screen.
The launch brings Instagram’s big-screen experience to one of the most popular smart TV ecosystems, following earlier availability on Amazon Fire TV and Google TV. With this rollout, Samsung Smart TV owners can watch Instagram Reels and Stories directly on their television, turning short-form social media content into a more relaxed, shared viewing experience.
One of the key features is the ability to browse Reels through organized collections. These collections can be based on topics or channels, making it easier to find content around interests such as music, sports, travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and more. Instead of endlessly scrolling alone on a smartphone, users can now enjoy curated Instagram videos with friends or family from the couch.
Instagram Stories are also supported on the TV app, allowing users to view updates from creators, brands, and people they follow on a larger screen. This could make casual viewing more convenient, especially for users who already spend a lot of time watching videos through smart TV apps.
Meta is also working on additional features designed to make Instagram more useful on televisions. One feature being tested would let users send saved Reels or videos directly to the TV, making it simple to continue watching favorite content on a bigger display. Another planned addition is a dedicated area for horizontal videos, helping viewers discover content that is better suited for widescreen TVs.
The company is also exploring support for long-form video and live streaming on TV. If these features arrive, Instagram could become more than just a short-video platform on smart TVs. It may start competing more directly with other entertainment apps that focus on creator content, live broadcasts, and longer viewing sessions.
This move shows Instagram’s growing interest in becoming a living room entertainment platform, not just a mobile-first social app. To make that happen, collaboration with creators will be important. Content made specifically for larger screens could help Instagram build a stronger TV experience and attract viewers who want more than quick clips on a phone.
For Samsung Smart TV users in the US, Instagram’s arrival adds another entertainment option to the home screen. With Reels, Stories, curated collections, and future plans for casting, horizontal videos, live content, and long-form viewing, Instagram is clearly looking to expand how and where people watch social media content.
