Instagram has launched a new feature allowing users to speed up Reels playback, mirroring a popular function on TikTok.
The update enables viewers to fast-forward videos at 2x speed by long-pressing the right or left side of the screen.
The feature is designed to help users consume content more efficiently, particularly as video lengths on Instagram continue to increase.
Initially, Reels were limited to 15 seconds, but the platform now supports videos up to three minutes long. By introducing speed controls, Instagram aims to keep engagement high, ensuring users can quickly navigate through longer content.
Instagram’s latest update further highlights its strategy of integrating TikTok-inspired functionalities. The platform has previously introduced features such as Remix, a direct competitor to TikTok’s Duet tool.
The addition of speed controls aligns with broader trends in short-form video consumption, where rapid engagement and quick content turnover drive user retention.
With social media platforms competing to refine their video offerings, Instagram’s move reinforces its commitment to enhancing the Reels experience while staying competitive in the fast-evolving digital landscape.