Why cant I pause Instagram videos anymore?

For some reason I can't pause reels, if I tap the screen it just mutes the video. Anyone else have this issue?

Instagram allows users to upload videos of up to 60 seconds in posts added on the profile (and if a video is longer, you will get a posting error).

In case you miss the text or something else in a video there’s no way to go back in order to view it again. All you can do is wait for the video to complete and let it come to do that section again when it loops.

Similarly, there is no option to fast forward when you want to skip the dull moments or to pause when you have to look away for a while.

Well, to give you at least some sort of options we are here with a way to fast forward, rewind or pause Instagram videos.

You will also learn how to do the same for stories as well. So, let’s get to it.

Fast Forward, Rewind or Pause Instagram Videos

As of now, it is not possible to perform such operations on the Instagram app for iOS and Android. But you can do so on the Instagram website from PC/Mac. Again they are not available officially but a Chrome extension will help us out once again.

If you don’t have a Chrome browser installed already on your computer then it’s time to change that.

• Open Chrome browser and add Video Scrubber for Instagram extension from Chrome web store or use the following link.
• On adding the extension, you will be prompted to select a couple of settings. You can keep them as it is and click Save.

• After the extension is added successfully, open Instagram and log in to your account. Reload the web page if already opened.
• Go to any video and see the difference for yourself. The extension adds all the controls that a video player has. You will see a video progress bar from where you can rewind and fast forward a video. To pause click anywhere on the video or click on the pause icon.

The other options you are going to get are the full-screen mode, volume control and you can even download photos and videos. You can adjust the volume and it will remember your last setting for videos played in the future. Additionally, you will see a progress bar at the top of the page when viewing an Instagram video.

Also Read: How To Add Multiple Photos Or Longer Videos To Instagram Stories

This is your best shot to get controls for videos until Instagram introduces them in their app. Now, let’s move on to stories.

Fast Forward, Rewind or Pause Instagram Stories

While viewing Instagram stories tap on the right side of the screen to quickly move to the next photo/video in the story.

To go back to view the previous photo/video tap on the left side of the screen.

In order to skip the whole story swipe left or right to view the next or previous story respectively.

To pause tap and hold the screen while you are watching the story. Release your finger to resume.

Final Words

We hope that you were able to fast forward, rewind, or pause videos and stories on Instagram (and on WhatsApp as well if you use it).

Do you know any other ways to get video controls? Drop a comment to let us know. Don’t forget to share the article on social media if you found it informational.

Instagram’s in-the-moment approach to social media has brought along quite a successful amalgamation of features. Some of these features are flexible and work as you’d think, like sharing pictures and texting. Others might be confusing at times, like Reels. If you’re wondering how you can pause a Reel on Instagram then you are not alone. And here’s how you can get started. 

How to pause Instagram Reels

Here’s how you can pause Reels on Instagram depending on the device you are currently using.

On iPhone or Android

Open the Instagram app from your device’s home screen.

Navigate to the Reel you want to pause. You can do this by going to a profile, tapping on the Reels icon, or by searching for the Reel. You can also use your personalized Reels feed on Instagram’s home screen.

Wait for the Reel to start. Then tap and hold on the screen to pause this Reel.

Note: Make sure you tap and hold around the middle of the screen and not near the bottom. 

Related: How to Reverse a Reel on Instagram

On PC

Visit www.instagram.com from a web browser on your PC.

Log in with your credentials if you are logged out.

Navigate to the Reel you want to pause. You can do this by going to a profile, tapping on the Reels icon, or by searching for the Reel. Click on this Reel to open it.

Once the Reel starts playing in a loop, tap anywhere on the left side of the window (preferably around the middle of the Reel) to pause the Reel.

The Reel is now paused. You can play it again by clicking on the play symbol.

Related: How To Share Instagram Reels As A Story Or DM

How to download a Reel to pause it at your convenience

You can also download Reels to your local storage so you can pause and view them at your convenience. This also gives you the ability to edit the video to create your remixes offline. Use this comprehensive guide from us to download Instagram Reels to your local storage depending on your current device. 

FAQs

Here are a few commonly asked questions that should help you get up to speed with the latest available information regarding Reels on Instagram. 

Can you fast forward or rewind Reels or any other video post on Instagram?

Unfortunately, you do not have any playback controls when viewing Reels on Instagram. You could previously pause Reels by tapping and holding on the screen and then sliding up. Sadly, this bug has since then been fixed by Instagram. 

Can’t pause Instagram Reels? Try this trick

Open Google Chrome (or any other web browser) on your mobile device.

Visit www.instagram.com and tap on ‘Log In’ if you are logged out.

Enter your credentials and tap on ‘Log In‘.

Navigate to the Reel you wish to pause and tap on it.

Tap once on the play icon to play the Reel.

Once the Reel starts playing in a loop, tap anywhere on the video (preferably around the middle of the video) to pause the Reel.

Note: You can tap on the pause icon again to resume playing the Reel.

Why is there no dedicated pause button for Reels?

Instagram Reels are very close to infringing copyright laws when it comes to their similarities with similar features on other social media platforms. This seems to be one of the reasons why there are no playback controls for videos on Instagram anymore. However, there is no official word or confirmation for the same.  

Will Instagram add a pause button for Reels? 

This seems highly unlikely, but you can nonetheless submit a feature request with Instagram to make this a possibility in the future. Use the link below to help you get in touch with the support team. 

Can you pause Stories and video posts on Instagram?

Yes, you can use the same methods above to pause Stories and video posts on Instagram. Reels, videos, and stories all have the same playback controls on Instagram now. 

We hope this post helped you easily pause Reels on Instagram. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to us using the comments below.

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