Instagram's New Fast-Forward Feature Lets You Skip Ahead in Reels

[MacRumors]

Instagram has introduced a new fast-forward feature for Reels that allows users to speed through videos by holding down on either edge of the screen. The action plays content at double speed, similar to a feature already available on TikTok.

The Meta-owned platform initially limited Reels to 15-second clips but has since expanded the maximum duration to three minutes, making playback controls increasingly necessary for users who want to quickly navigate through longer content.

To use the new feature, simply press and hold on the right or left side of their screen while watching a Reel. The video will then play at 2x speed, enabling you to skip to the parts that interest you most.

Instagram users have become accustomed to consuming quick, bite-sized content, so the ability to fast-forward increases the likelihood that they will watch Reels through to completion rather than scrolling past longer videos.

It's the latest in a series of TikTok-inspired features that Instagram has added in its ongoing effort to compete in the short-form video market. Previously, Instagram introduced Remix, a direct copy of TikTok's Duet functionality, which allows users to create content alongside existing videos.

(Via TechCrunch.)

Article Link: Instagram's New Fast-Forward Feature Lets You Skip Ahead in Reels

 

[contacos]

I finally got a PAUSE function. No longer do I have to listen to the same audio 10 times over, trying to read comments

 

[Jashar7]

Dopamine receding ADHD super pro max

 

[aries81]

well, that’s a feature nobody wanted/needed. What we do need is the chronological feed. AS IT USED TO BE

 

[Plutonius]

It should make for some entertaining videos .

 

[Michael Scrip]

Fast-forward is welcomed.

I'd also like to have playback controls on every video. Sometimes I just wanna skip to the end of the video but some videos don't offer it.

 

[DBZmusicboy01]

Stories need a fast forward or pause option.

 

[txa1265]

Why doesn't it just honestly say "Meta copies yet another feature from TikTok in an attempt to get people to like them while simultaneously spending millions fear-mongering and trying to get the ban reinstated"?

 

[Jonas Danielsson]

Oh wow forward , pause etc has been s thing since internet firts time in middle 90s but later most removed that

 

[tsandekidis]

Dopamine receding ADHD super pro max

Yeah, this

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

I’m getting closer to abandoning Instagram. Every video feature they add pushes me further away. I miss looking at all the photos without being assaulted by all the videos.

 

[gpat]

When regular brainrotting just isn't fast enough.

 

[Aeronauts]

Given the huge popularity of these short video clip apps among young people maybe it’s time for Apple to re-enter the social media landscape with their own app.

 

[vegetassj4]

The quicker you get through an ad you’re not paying attention to, the quicker you get to an ad you will

 

[Sophytaylor6@]

It's just a feature copied from TikTok, although Instagram does need it as it will speed up the reels.

 

[fredrik9]

Yes! Yet another way to diminish my already lacking concentration span and waste my life on the great digital wasteyourlifetoday.com

 

[wanha]

well, that’s a feature nobody wanted/needed. What we do need is the chronological feed. AS IT USED TO BE

but if you have a chronological feed, Meta isn't able to inject as many ads/celeb posts/random viral posts into your feed.

their whole business model is to feed your addiction, to keep you watching and engaged for as long as possible

 

[bhirt37]

Meta can pound dirt. People should use the delete account feature and uninstall feature, IMO.

Letting algorithms control what information you consume, algorithms that prioritize profit over truth, is terrible. Meta is morally bankrupt.

 

[turbineseaplane]

What I've done is skip through all of them ... by not watching them to begin with

 

[Cameront9]

Fast-forward. Absolutely ground-breaking.

/s

 

[Ad47uk]

Another App I don't see the point of, but if it floats your boat, then fine

 

[MacAddict1978]

How about a dedicated skip ahead button like everyone else or a jog bar?
PS. Insta - it is the year 2025. Such things have been around since Windows XP.

 

[usmanity]

another feature copied from TikTok

 

[freedomlinux]

The video will then play at 2x speed, enabling you to skip to the part

I guess that's kinda "skipping", except 2x isn't very fast and you still have to go linearly back and forth.

If these these things can be minutes long, why not use a normal video UI where you can go to any point on the timeline that you wish? I've never understood this "shorts" stuff.

 

[ajonymous]

Meta can pound dirt. People should use the delete account feature and uninstall feature, IMO.

Letting algorithms control what information you consume, algorithms that prioritize profit over truth, is terrible. Meta is morally bankrupt.

Glad I left that dumpster fire in January. Wish I’d done it sooner. It’s amazing during the deactivation process, one realizes how deep the tentacles of your Meta footprint goes.