Instagram Launches Apple TV App With Reels and More
Meta has released a dedicated Instagram app for Apple TV, introducing short-form Reels, longer videos, and live shows to the living room screen for the first time. The free application, version 66.0, went live on October 23 and requires tvOS 26.0 or later to operate. The interface automatically plays videos within interest-organized channels, bringing the social media platform's video library to a communal display. However, the television app omits direct messaging capabilities, standard photo feeds, and interactive elements such as text commenting and polls.
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- ✓ Meta launched a dedicated Instagram app on Apple TV on October 23, 2026, bringing Reels, longer videos, and live shows to the device.
- ✓ The Instagram application is free to download and requires tvOS 26.0 or later.
- ✓ The Apple TV application excludes direct messaging, traditional photo feeds, text commenting, and polls.
What changed
Instagram has officially debuted its first-ever dedicated application for Apple TV, bringing video content to the television screen.
Live updates
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Instagram Launches Dedicated Apple TV App With Reels Support
Meta has released a dedicated Instagram app for Apple TV, introducing short-form Reels, longer videos, and live shows to the living room screen for the first time. The free application, version 66.0, went live on October 23 and requires tvOS 26.0 or later to operate. The interface automatically plays videos within interest-organized channels, bringing the social media platform's video library to a communal display. However, the television app omits direct messaging capabilities, standard photo feeds, and interactive elements such as text commenting and polls.
Why it matters
This release follows Meta's expansion of Instagram to the iPad in September 2025, marking another step in pushing video offerings beyond mobile devices. It also coincides with separate platform tests involving horizontal long-form videos up to 90 minutes. The omission of text input features like comments and direct messages emphasizes passive viewing over social engagement on the television platform.
What is confirmed
- Meta launched a dedicated Instagram app on Apple TV on October 23, 2026, bringing Reels, longer videos, and live shows to the device.
- The Instagram application is free to download and requires tvOS 26.0 or later.
- The Apple TV application excludes direct messaging, traditional photo feeds, text commenting, and polls.
Still unconfirmed
- Instagram is testing horizontal long-form videos up to 90 minutes long called Features with select US creators to compete with YouTube.
What to watch next
- Broader rollout of horizontal long-form video formats to standard users
- Future tvOS updates adding social interaction features like comments or messaging
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (21)
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- The News International — Instagram Apple TV app launches: 3 things you can watch
- Digital Trends — You can now watch Instagram Reels on Apple TV, because why not?
- The Verge — Now you can watch Instagram Reels on your Apple TV
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- BetaNews — Instagram launches a new app for Apple TV
- Daily Tech News Show — Instagram Now Available on Apple TV – DTH
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- cashwalklabs.io — Instagram Launches Apple TV App With Reels and More | Global Cashwalk
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