Instagram has released an update to its Reels app that will allow users to watch more videos faster. According to TechCrunch, the app now allows users to play Reels at double the speed by long-pressing on the right or left edge of the screen. To continue watching at normal speed, you just need to release the button. Some users have had access to this feature for some time now, while others used it until Instagram removed it from their accounts, probably because the app was only being tested. Now, an Instagram spokesperson told CNET that the feature is available to everyone. Previously, we did not have this feature and we can confirm that we have gained access to it within the last few hours.
The representative said that this option was highly requested by the app’s users. The ability to fast forward through videos has become somewhat of a necessity for many people today, as short videos on Instagram are no longer limited to 15 seconds as they used to be. Now, videos can be up to three minutes long, and there are indications that the app may allow you to upload videos up to 10 minutes long. We would not be surprised if Instagram starts allowing videos of the same length in the future. Instagram and TikTok have already had experience with introducing new features that were previously introduced by others, and TikTok allows videos recorded on its app that are up to 10 minutes long. In fact, TikTok has long had the ability to watch videos at twice the speed, which is even more necessary for the app as its users can upload videos of up to an hour in length.
