Instagram has introduced a ‘Watch History’ feature for Reels, enabling users to easily find and revisit videos they’ve previously watched. Announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, this tool directly addresses the common frustration of losing track of interesting Reels.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram’s new Watch History feature lets you find previously watched Reels
- Accessible via Profile → Settings → Your Activity
- Similar to TikTok’s Watch History functionality
- Includes options to save, share, and manage watched content
“Have you ever tried to get back to a reel that you’d seen on Instagram and you just can’t find it?” Mosseri asked in his announcement. “Well, there is a new feature that should help. 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.”
How to Access Instagram Reels Watch History
- Open the Instagram app on your phone
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner
- Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right
- Select Settings from the menu
- In Settings, tap Your activity
- Tap Watch History to view your recently watched Reels
- Scroll through the list and tap any item to open that Reel
What You Can Do in Watch History
- Play any Reel again by simply tapping on it
- Use the three-dot menu on any Reel to save, share, report, or view the posting account
- Filter or search through your watch history using the top menu (when available)
The feature provides a comprehensive solution for users who want to rediscover content they’ve engaged with, making it easier to manage your Instagram viewing experience.



