Introduction to Instagram’s Latest Update

Instagram has introduced an update for its Reels feature, allowing users to browse through them more quickly. According to a report by TechCrunch, the app now enables users to play Reels at twice the normal speed by long-pressing on the right or left edge of the screen. To resume watching at normal speed, users simply need to release the pressure.

Background and User Experience

Some users have had access to this feature for a while now, while others used to have it until Instagram removed it from their accounts, likely due to the app testing the feature. However, an Instagram representative has informed CNET that the feature is now being rolled out to all users. This update has been confirmed, as it was previously unavailable and has been accessible within the past few hours.

The Need for Faster Reel Playback

The option to fast-forward Reels has become increasingly necessary for many users, given that Instagram’s short-form videos are no longer limited to 15 seconds in length. Reels can now be as long as three minutes, and there are indications that the app may allow uploads as long as 10 minutes in the future. This development is not surprising, considering the history of feature adoption between Instagram and TikTok. Notably, TikTok allows videos recorded within its app to be up to 10 minutes long, and the app has had the option to watch videos at twice the speed for some time, which is particularly necessary given that users can upload videos up to an hour in length.