Instagram Introduces TikTok-Style Fast-Forward Feature for Reels—Here’s How It Works

Meta announced on Thursday the introduction of a new feature for Instagram users. This enhancement is particularly aimed at those who enjoy viewing Reels, Instagram’s short video platform that rivals TikTok. With this update, users will have the ability to fast-forward through Reels videos.

Fast-forwarding is now available for Instagram Reels

In recent years, both TikTok and Instagram Reels have significantly extended the maximum duration for videos. Previously limited to just 15 seconds, videos can now last several minutes. Consequently, some users have expressed a desire to skip or fast-forward through content.

While TikTok has long offered a fast-forward option, Instagram is now adding a similar feature for Reels. Users who have received the update can watch videos at double speed by pressing and holding either side of the screen during playback (as reported by TechCrunch).

While some users are certain to like the new feature, others, particularly creators, could be worried about how people’s attention spans for longer content are being affected by the short video format.

In relation to this, Instagram has been developing a new app called Edits for mobile video editing. The software was scheduled to launch this month, but Meta has postponed it once more. With features for recording and editing videos on smartphones, the software will compete with CapCut, which is owned by TikTok.

The App Store offers Instagram for free. To enjoy the new features, make sure you have the most recent version of the program loaded.