Instagram Launches Reels Watch History Feature
Instagram has introduced a new feature that allows users to revisit previously watched Reels without needing to save them first. This addresses a common frustration of losing entertaining clips after accidental page refreshes or being unable to share them with friends.
Key Takeaways
- Find the feature in your profile under Settings > Your Activity > Watch History.
- Sort Reels by date, filter by specific accounts, and browse your entire viewing history.
- The feature mirrors similar options already available on TikTok and YouTube.
How to Access Your Reels Watch History
Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced the feature, explaining:
“If you go to ‘profile’ and under settings, under ‘your activity’ there’s ‘watch history’ now. So you can see every reel that you’ve ever watched.”
He detailed the customization options:
“You can sort it from oldest to newest or newest to oldest. You can go to a specific date or date range, and you can even filter it down to a specific person or account that posted that reel.”
User Reactions and Platform Comparisons
The announcement was met with enthusiastic responses from users, with comments like:
“THIS is helpful!!”
and
“Omg I need this!!! Thank youuuu.”
This feature brings Instagram in line with competitors. TikTok users can find their watch history via Profile > Settings and Privacy > Activity Center. YouTube also maintains a watch history for Shorts and longer videos, accessible through the Profile > History section.
Instagram’s Recent Platform Updates
This Reels update is part of a series of recent changes. Earlier this month, Instagram unveiled the “Rings” award for top creators, recognizing creativity. Winners receive a physical ring designed by Grace Wales Bonner and a digital ring on their profile.
Award recipients will see a gold ring around their profile picture on stories and gain the ability to customize their profile backdrop and like button.
“It’s more about a special visibility and sort of incentive for people to work towards a really cool elevated recognition,”
stated YouTuber Marques Brownlee, a member of the selection panel.
