Instagram now lets you speed up reels just like on TikTok

Tech Crunch - Mar 27th, 2025
Open on Tech Crunch

Meta-owned Instagram is introducing a new feature that allows users to play Reels at double speed by long pressing on the right or left side of their screens. This addition mirrors a similar feature on TikTok, which initially rolled out the ability to speed up videos as it expanded beyond its original 15-second format. The update comes as part of Instagram's ongoing effort to emulate TikTok's successful short-form video model, making it easier for viewers to engage with more content quickly and increasing the likelihood of users watching videos to completion.

The move highlights the competitive nature of social media platforms as they strive to capture user attention in the rapidly evolving landscape of short-form video content. Instagram's adoption of TikTok-like features, including the fast-forward option, underscores the broader industry trend of adapting to changing consumer habits, where quick, digestible content is increasingly favored. This shift raises concerns about the potential impact on users' attention spans and their capacity to engage with longer-form content, reflecting a deeper cultural shift in media consumption patterns.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a generally accurate and timely account of Instagram's adoption of a new feature similar to TikTok's, with a clear and concise presentation of the facts. However, it lacks depth in terms of source quality, transparency, and balance, as it does not cite specific sources or offer diverse perspectives. The focus on feature mimicry between platforms is informative but lacks broader societal or cultural insights, limiting its public interest and impact potential. While the article is engaging for readers interested in social media trends, it does not provoke significant controversy or drive meaningful discussion. Overall, the article serves as a straightforward update on social media developments but could benefit from more comprehensive analysis and diverse viewpoints.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides several factual claims that align with known developments in social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok. For instance, it accurately states that TikTok initially supported 15-second videos, a fact that can be verified through historical data on the platform's video length capabilities. However, the claim that Instagram allows users to speed up Reels by long pressing on the screen requires further verification, as this specific feature implementation isn't widely documented in official sources. The narrative about Instagram's evolution in video length from 15 seconds to 3 minutes is consistent with platform updates. The claim regarding the negative impact of short-form content on attention spans needs support from research studies or expert opinions. Overall, while the story largely aligns with known facts, certain claims need more robust evidence or official confirmation.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents a single perspective, focusing on Instagram's adoption of features from TikTok without exploring broader implications or alternative viewpoints. It highlights Instagram's mimicry of TikTok features, which could suggest bias towards portraying Instagram as a follower rather than an innovator. The narrative lacks input from industry experts or user perspectives that could provide a more balanced view of the implications of these features for social media users. Additionally, the story does not address potential benefits or drawbacks of such feature adoption from a user experience standpoint, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, making it accessible to a general audience. It presents information in a straightforward manner, with a logical flow from the introduction of Instagram's new feature to a comparison with TikTok's history. However, the lack of detailed explanations or supporting evidence for some claims may lead to confusion or misinterpretation. The tone remains neutral, but the absence of diverse perspectives or expert insights limits the depth of understanding that readers can achieve from the article.

5
Source quality

The story does not cite specific sources, which raises questions about the credibility and reliability of the information presented. Without attribution to official announcements from Instagram or TikTok, or insights from industry experts, the article's authority is weakened. The lack of diverse sources, such as user testimonials or expert analyses, further limits the depth and reliability of the reporting. This absence of source variety and authority suggests a potential gap in the story's ability to provide a well-rounded and substantiated account of the developments discussed.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of disclosing the sources of its claims or the methodology behind its information gathering. There is no explanation of how the information was obtained, whether through official statements, leaks, or user reports. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for readers to assess the basis of the claims and the potential for bias or conflicts of interest. Additionally, the article does not address any potential impacts these developments might have on users or the industry, leaving readers without a clear understanding of the broader context.

Sources

  1. https://multimedia.easeus.com/ai-article/speed-up-videos-on-instagram.html
  2. https://www.techdirt.com/2025/03/27/under-cover-from-other-trumpy-bullshit-fccs-carr-quietly-starts-rubber-stamping-att-and-comcasts-policy-wishlist/
  3. https://www.descript.com/blog/article/how-to-make-instagram-reels
  4. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=391130%3Futm_source%3Dakdart
  5. https://later.com/blog/instagram-reels/