Instagram's New Fast-Forward Feature Lets You Skip Ahead in Reels

Instagram has introduced a new fast-forward feature for Reels that allows users to speed through videos by holding down on either edge of the screen. The action plays content at double speed, similar to a feature already available on TikTok.

Instagram Feature 1
The Meta-owned platform initially limited Reels to 15-second clips but has since expanded the maximum duration to three minutes, making playback controls increasingly necessary for users who want to quickly navigate through longer content.

To use the new feature, simply press and hold on the right or left side of their screen while watching a Reel. The video will then play at 2x speed, enabling you to skip to the parts that interest you most.

Instagram users have become accustomed to consuming quick, bite-sized content, so the ability to fast-forward increases the likelihood that they will watch Reels through to completion rather than scrolling past longer videos.

2x Speed Still 2
It's the latest in a series of TikTok-inspired features that Instagram has added in its ongoing effort to compete in the short-form video market. Previously, Instagram introduced Remix, a direct copy of TikTok's Duet functionality, which allows users to create content alongside existing videos.

(Via TechCrunch.)

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Top Rated Comments

Jashar7 Avatar
3 weeks ago
Dopamine receding ADHD super pro max
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
3 weeks ago
I finally got a PAUSE function. No longer do I have to listen to the same audio 10 times over, trying to read comments
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gpat Avatar
3 weeks ago
When regular brainrotting just isn't fast enough.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
3 weeks ago
What I've done is skip through all of them ... by not watching them to begin with

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
aries81 Avatar
3 weeks ago
well, that’s a feature nobody wanted/needed. What we do need is the chronological feed. AS IT USED TO BE
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bhirt37 Avatar
3 weeks ago
Meta can pound dirt. People should use the delete account feature and uninstall feature, IMO.

Letting algorithms control what information you consume, algorithms that prioritize profit over truth, is terrible. Meta is morally bankrupt.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)