Instagram has quietly introduced a new feature that allows users to increase the playback speed of Reels to double the normal speed. Earlier this year, the platform extended Reels’ maximum duration to three minutes, and this enhancement aims to provide users with a quicker way to consume longer content. This initiative aligns with Instagram’s ongoing strategy to favor short-form content, which the Meta-owned platform sees as central to its identity of fostering connections among users.
Increased Playback Speed on Instagram Reels
According to TechCrunch, the feature enables users to speed up Reels by tapping and holding either the left or right side of the screen. Users can pause the video by tapping the center of the screen, consistent with the app’s earlier functionalities. A clear 2x speed label appears at the bottom of the video when playback speed is increased.
The introduction of this convenience feature follows Instagram’s decision to allow longer Reels. With the new 2x playback speed, users are expected to have an easier time watching these extended videos. Reports confirm that this feature is now available on Instagram Reels for both Android and iOS devices.
A similar playback option exists on TikTok, the popular video platform owned by ByteDance, which recently faced scrutiny over a proposed temporary ban in the United States. The rollout of the 2x speed feature for Instagram Reels is seen as a way for the platform to enhance its appeal by providing additional features tailored to short-form video content.
In a broader context, Instagram is reportedly contemplating the launch of a dedicated app focused on short-form video. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, has conveyed to the company’s staff that a project called Project Ray could potentially bring a standalone app for Reels, which may also include the three-minute video format. This new app is anticipated to feature a vertically-scrolling interface akin to TikTok’s.
