Instagram Introduces 2x Speed Playback for Reels

The new feature allows users to fast-forward videos by pressing and holding on either side of the screen, mirroring TikTok's functionality.

Instagram's 2x speed playback feature for Reels was officially announced on March 27, 2025, and is now available to users.
The feature enables viewers to fast-forward Reels by pressing and holding on the left or right side of the screen, offering quicker content consumption.
This update reflects user demand for faster ways to engage with longer videos, addressing attention span and time constraints.
Reels, originally launched in 2020 with a 15-second video limit, now supports videos up to three minutes long, with the 2x speed feature exclusive to Reels.
The addition aligns with Instagram's ongoing strategy to compete with TikTok, which introduced a similar playback option in 2023.