Instagram Now Allows Users to Speed up Reels, Similar to TikTok

Meta-owned Instagram is once again borrowing a feature from TikTok—this time, allowing users to play Reels at 2x speed by long pressing on either side of the screen.

TikTok’s Evolution in Video Length and Speed

When TikTok first launched, videos were limited to 15 seconds. As the platform grew in popularity, it expanded support for longer videos. To keep up with users’ fast-paced viewing habits, TikTok introduced a speed adjustment feature, enabling quicker content consumption.

Instagram Reels Expands Video Length and Speed Controls

Instagram Reels initially limited videos to 15 seconds, but now users can upload clips up to three minutes long. With the new fast-forward feature, Instagram, like TikTok, aims to help users consume more content in less time.

The fast-forward feature increases the likelihood that viewers will reach the end of longer videos, aligning with Reels’ goal of delivering quick, bite-sized entertainment. This reflects broader concerns that the rise of short-form video may be diminishing attention spans and making it harder to engage with longer content.

Since Instagram Reels was designed as a direct competitor to TikTok, it’s no surprise that the platform continues to adopt similar features. This isn’t the first instance either—Instagram’s Remix tool closely mirrors TikTok’s Duet feature.

Read the original article on: TechCrunch

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