Instagram officially announced the launch of its first app designed specifically for television: IG for TV, allowing users to watch short videos (Reels) directly on the big screen. This service is currently being tested on the Amazon Fire TV platform, and there is a possibility of expanding to more television platforms in the future.
Instagram's television version debuts, first appearing on Amazon Fire TV
Meta's Instagram recently announced the official launch of its first 'dedicated television app', aimed at allowing users to watch Reels short videos on the big screen.
This app is currently debuting on Amazon's Fire TV platform. Instagram stated that this launch is experimental, and future expansion to other television platforms will depend on user feedback, with the goal of reaching as many consumers as possible.
Personalized recommendations are available after logging in, with content categorized by theme.
Instagram states that users can log into the TV version of the app, and the system will provide personalized video recommendations based on individual accounts.
At the same time, the app will organize videos into different 'channels', such as comedy, sports, lifestyle, etc., allowing users to continuously watch similar types of Reels. An Instagram spokesperson stated that this design aims to make the TV viewing experience closer to traditional video platform usage habits.
The competition in short videos has become fierce, with Reels becoming the core battleground.
Currently, Instagram is facing fierce competition from TikTok and YouTube, especially in the short video domain. Reels has become one of the most important content formats on Instagram and Facebook, with internal observations showing that users are spending more time on Reels.
In some tests, Instagram even directs users to the Reels screen when they open the app, instead of the traditional photo and post feed, indicating that the company is actively betting on this feature.
Scrolling through short videos makes you dull and leads to insomnia, significantly weakening self-control.
According to previous reports, a meta-analysis led by Griffith University in Australia indicates that repeated exposure to fast-paced, highly stimulating short video content may lead users to experience 'impatience' and 'decreased focus' when engaging in slower-paced activities that require sustained attention (such as reading or problem-solving).
If the time spent on short video platforms is concentrated before sleep, it may disrupt melatonin secretion, affecting sleep quality and further weakening psychological regulation abilities. The author suggests deliberately reducing the frequency of short video usage to help maintain focus and overall health, which is a more long-term and stable approach.
(Scrolling through short videos makes you dull and leads to insomnia? A study involving 90,000 people reveals the hidden costs.)
This article introduces Instagram's new IG for TV: Amazon Fire TV is testing it first, bringing short videos to television, originally appearing in Linked News ABMedia.
