Meta’s latest update brings a game-changing convenience to Instagram Reels: the ability to fast-forward through videos. This new feature, announced Thursday, is a nod to shifting viewer habits, as both Instagram Reels and TikTok have increased their maximum video length limits from mere seconds to several minutes.
Longer videos have led to a growing need to skip or speed through content. TikTok already offered a fast-forward option, and now Instagram is playing catch-up. To activate the feature, users with the update can press and hold either side of the screen while watching Reels, allowing them to watch at 2x speed.
The implications are two-fold. On one hand, viewers will appreciate the increased control over their watching experience. On the other, creators might worry that the short-form format is eroding audiences’ ability to engage with longer content – a concern that will likely spark further debate.
TikTok, Netflix and more could be exposed by Next.js auth bypass
In related news, Instagram’s forthcoming mobile video editor app, Edits, has been delayed once again. Initially expected this month, Edits aims to rival CapCut (owned by TikTok) with robust shooting and editing capabilities for smartphone users. To access Instagram’s latest features, including fast-forward for Reels, ensure you’re running the most up-to-date app version, available for free on the App Store.
By conceding to the reality of dwindling viewer patience, Instagram’s fast-forward feature for Reels acknowledges a harsh truth: even short-form content can sometimes feel too long. This nod to TikTok’s existing functionality may enhance user experience, but it also underscores the perpetual conundrum for creators: how to captivate audiences conditioned to speed through content.
