Instagram, which is owned by Meta, is introducing a new feature reminiscent of TikTok’s functionality. Users will now have the ability to play a reel at double speed by long-pressing on the right or left side of their screen.
Originally, TikTok only supported 15-second videos. However, as the platform’s popularity grew, TikTok began supporting longer videos and provided users with the option to speed up video playback. This change accommodated users’ preference for consuming content rapidly.
Instagram Reels initially launched with a 15-second video limit, similar to TikTok’s original format. Nowadays, Instagram users can upload videos up to three minutes long. To keep up with user demands for swift content consumption, Instagram is implementing a new fast-forward feature, akin to that of TikTok.
The option to fast-forward a video increases the likelihood that a viewer will watch the full length of longer videos. This aligns with the goal of Reels: delivering quick, engaging content to users. This trend reflects broader concerns about the impact of short-form video content on attention spans and concentration levels in relation to longer-form media.
Since Instagram Reels is directly inspired by TikTok, it is not unexpected that the platform would adopt certain features from the popular short-form video app. This is not Instagram’s first adaptation from TikTok; for instance, Instagram’s Remix feature closely mirrors TikTok’s Duet tool.
