- Instagram for TV is now in testing, bringing Reels to select Amazon Fire TV devices in the U.S.
- The app focuses on shared viewing, allowing users to watch Reels on the big screen with full sound.
- Multiple accounts are supported, letting up to five people personalize their viewing experience.
Instagram has begun testing a new television-focused app called Instagram for TV, designed to bring short-form Reels content to larger screens. The early test is currently available in the United States on select Amazon Fire TV devices. The test looks at how people enjoy watching Reels together on TV and identifies which features best enhance a shared viewing experience.
Instagram for TV, bringing Reels to the big screen
Instagram for TV is a dedicated app that allows users to watch Instagram Reels directly on their television. Meta said the initiative responds to feedback from its community indicating that Reels can be more enjoyable when viewed with others on a bigger screen.
In a statement shared by Instagram, the company said the test is intended to “learn which features make that experience work best on TV,” with plans to expand to additional devices and countries based on user feedback.
How to get started on Fire TV
To begin using Instagram for TV, users can install the app directly from the Amazon Appstore on supported Fire TV devices and sign in using their existing Instagram account. The app can also be launched from a Settings bookmark within the Instagram mobile app.
Instagram for TV supports up to five accounts on a single device, allowing multiple household members to maintain personalized viewing experiences. Users also have the option to create a separate account specifically for TV viewing.
Reels organized into interest-based channels
Once logged in, Reels are automatically organized into channels based on user interests. These channels include categories such as music, sports highlights, travel, trending moments, and more. Reels play automatically with full audio, allowing users to watch hands-free without scrolling.
Meta emphasized that Instagram for TV is still in an early testing phase, and the viewing experience is expected to evolve as the company evaluates how people interact with Reels on television screens.
Search, discovery, and planned features
The app includes search functionality, enabling users to find specific creators, browse Reels-focused profiles, and explore content aligned with their interests. Meta said future updates may introduce additional features, including using a smartphone as a remote control, improved channel navigation, shared feeds with friends, and tools to follow favorite creators more easily in one place.
Safety standards and teen protections
Instagram for TV is designed for shared and living-room viewing, and Meta applies content standards appropriate for a broad audience. Reels shown on TV generally follow the PG-13 rating system recently introduced on the mobile app, which helps determine what content is eligible to appear.
For teen users, Instagram for TV mirrors the safeguards already in place on the Instagram mobile app. These include restrictions on certain content, comments, and profiles, as well as time management tools. Time spent watching Instagram for TV contributes to a teen account’s overall usage limits, and reminders related to screen time and sleep mode remain active.
Availability and supported devices
The Instagram for TV app is currently available in the United States on select Amazon Fire TV devices. Supported models include:
- Fire TV Stick HD
- Fire TV Stick 4K Plus
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max (1st and 2nd generation)
- Fire TV 2-Series
- Fire TV 4-Series
- Fire TV Omni QLED Series
The app can be downloaded through the Amazon Appstore.
