Instagram and TikTok are about to make watching videos at home even more exciting!
What used to be an experience tailored for mobile devices is now aiming for the heart of the home: the television. Instagram and TikTok, leaders in the world of short videos, are getting ready to enter smart TVs to compete with YouTube’s dominance in this format. What are these platforms looking for and how could they transform our screens? Let’s find out.
### A new battle for the biggest screen at home
For years, Instagram and TikTok ruled the mobile video sphere. But now, their creators are planning to conquer the main screen at home: the Smart TV. Inspired by YouTube’s resounding success in this environment, both Meta and ByteDance are developing optimized versions of their platforms.
YouTube took the lead in this race and reaped the rewards: it is currently the second most used app worldwide, with 2.7 billion users, and in the United States, it is already more viewed on television than on mobile devices. Their focus on short videos, podcasts, live streams, and interactive formats has set a precedent that other platforms are trying to replicate.
### The challenges of adapting the mobile experience to the TV
The transition to the television format won’t be easy. Adapting vertical videos and quick, intuitive user experiences designed for mobile to an environment dominated by remote control poses a significant challenge in terms of design and functionality.
TikTok had already tried to venture into this field in 2021, launching an app for Samsung and LG TVs that was later withdrawn. Instagram, on the other hand, never dared to take that step. But technology has evolved: current operating systems like Google TV, Android TV, or Fire OS allow for a smooth and appealing experience.
However, it remains to be seen how they will make navigation and interaction feel natural from the couch, without losing the essence of the content that made them popular.
### When will these versions be available?
There are no official confirmations yet about the release date. However, it is known that both Meta and ByteDance are making progress in developing their apps for Smart TVs. It is likely that the first versions will be available on Samsung and LG.
The key will be to offer comfortable, frictionless navigation that allows users to discover and enjoy content from the remote control, without sacrificing the agile and immersive style that characterizes Instagram and TikTok.
