Instagram has introduced a new speed-up feature for Reels. This update addresses growing user demand for more video playback control, with social media users increasingly preferring customizable viewing options for short-form content.
The Meta-owned social media platform launched their current video feature in 2022 as a replacement for IGTV, and now a new update will allow users to double the speed of the already short-form video content. Instagram Reels has become one of the platform’s most engaged-with features since its introduction, transforming how users create and consume content.
“This has been a highly requested feature from our community, and we hope being able to fast forward helps give you more control over your Reels,” a rep for Meta told CNET. The statement highlights Meta’s focus on implementing user-requested features as they compete in the evolving social media landscape.
A long press the right or left edge of the screen while watching the Reel will activate the 2x playback speed and releasing from the screen will put the content back at its normal play rate. This intuitive gesture control makes the feature easily accessible while maintaining the immersive viewing experience that Reels offers.
Just days ago, it was reported that Meta are also trialing a new system which would allow users to talk online together in a manner similar to group chat platform Discord, according to software developer Alessandro Paluzzi who shared what appeared to be screenshots of the new feature in a post on Threads. This development suggests Meta is working to enhance community interactions across its platforms.
“Instagram keeps working on Community Chats … Chats hold up to 250 people and admins can remove messages and members,” he wrote. The substantial capacity of these chats indicates Instagram’s intention to facilitate larger community conversations within its ecosystem.
The screen shot featured a blurb which explains the chats can be monitored by admins and will have to adhere to set guidelines. Content moderation continues to be a priority for social media platforms as they balance open communication with community safety.
“Admins can remove messages and members to keep the channel safe … We also review Community Chat against our Community Standards,” the message explained. This approach combines human moderation with Instagram’s established community standards framework to maintain appropriate discourse.
The latest updates come as Instagram continues to evolve its platform to compete with rapidly growing competitors like TikTok. Meta’s strategy increasingly focuses on short-form video content as user engagement trends show strong preference for video formats across demographics.
Digital marketing experts note that these feature additions are part of Meta’s broader strategy to create a more comprehensive social ecosystem. By incorporating features popularized on other platforms, Instagram aims to provide users with a one-stop social media experience that keeps users engaged within their family of apps.
The speed-up feature also addresses changing content consumption patterns, allowing users to browse more videos in less time. This adaptation reflects the platform’s understanding of modern viewing habits, where users often scroll through numerous short videos in a single session.
Instagram’s development team has carefully implemented the feature to ensure it maintains the platform’s user experience standards while adding new functionality. The design balances creator needs with viewer preferences, maintaining video integrity even at increased playback speeds.
Privacy advocates have responded positively to the Community Chat moderation capabilities, noting that clear guidelines and active oversight are essential for maintaining safe online spaces. The moderation tools demonstrate Meta’s ongoing commitment to platform safety.
The platform’s continuous evolution reflects the highly competitive social media landscape, where features are rapidly developed and deployed. Instagram’s updates often set trends that influence the broader social media industry, with competitors frequently adopting similar features.
These updates are expected to roll out globally over the coming weeks, with Meta planning a phased approach to ensure system stability and gather user feedback before full implementation. This gradual deployment allows for refinements based on real-world usage patterns.
The speed-up feature joins other recent Reels enhancements, including improved editing tools, expanded music libraries, and enhanced sharing options. Together, these updates strengthen Instagram’s position in the short-form video market while giving creators more ways to engage with audiences.
For content creators, these new features provide additional tools to understand audience engagement patterns and better tailor their content to viewer preferences. The speed control option may influence how creators structure their videos, potentially encouraging more information-dense content.
