Instagram is currently tinkering with the possibility of working on a dedicated app for TV. The app in question will primarily focus on video content, somewhat similar to its iPad counterpart. The app will allow users to continue to follow content published on the platform from their living room.
During the Bloomberg Screentime conference, Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, said that “If behaviour [and] the consumption of these platforms is moving to TV, then we need to move to TV, too.” He also added that he believes that Instagram vertical video content can work in a TV format.
According to a Bloomberg report, if this app ever gets released, it will provide more competition for YouTube and TikTok TV. While on the topic, the existence of TikTok TV might be the reason why Instagram is looking to develop a TV of their own, but that is mainly conjecture.
Despite this mention of a TV app, Mosseri clarified that nothing is announced as of yet and that the team are only “exploring” things. He also further elaborated that he is not interested in licensing any sporting events or exclusive Hollywood content.
That said, it is worth mentioning that this isn’t the first time Meta dipped its toes in introducing its apps to television. Previously, the social media giant had previously experimented with Facebook video, which had the same premise as Instagram TV but with horizontal videos. There was also the Portal TV that allowed users to have video calls with, you guessed it, the TV. Both have been discontinued, which may be the reason why Meta is a bit skittish about Instagram for TV this time around but that is, again, conjecture.
