Meta is testing a new pause feature for Instagram Reels, allowing users to start and stop videos with just one tap. The update brings Reels more in line with TikTok’s functionality, addressing a long-standing request from users. Currently, the feature is available to a limited group of users worldwide, with no confirmed timeline for a broader rollout.
Previously, pausing a Reel required users to tap and hold on the screen, while a single tap only muted the video. The new functionality simplifies playback control, making Instagram Reels more user-friendly. The move comes at a time when TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, following its brief disappearance from Apple and Google app stores earlier this month. The popular short-video app, owned by ByteDance, could face a permanent ban by April 5, providing Meta with an opportunity to attract more users.
Meta has been actively enhancing its short-form video offerings. In addition to the pause feature, the company announced a new video editing app called Edits, set to launch in February. The app will compete directly with ByteDance’s CapCut, offering creators more advanced editing tools. Furthermore, Meta has been paying influencers to promote Instagram across platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube Shorts, positioning itself as the go-to destination for short-form content.
User demand for the pause button has been strong, with thousands of comments on social media requesting the feature. Some users have even taken to platforms like X to express frustration over its absence. The latest update is expected to improve engagement on Reels, making it more appealing to TikTok users seeking an alternative.
Meta’s stock saw a slight uptick following the company’s strong fourth-quarter earnings report, which exceeded analysts’ expectations. CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized that Reels on Instagram and Facebook will continue to grow, regardless of what happens with TikTok.
With the competitive landscape shifting, Meta’s efforts to refine Reels and introduce new creator-focused tools indicate a strategic push to capture more of the short-form video market. As the company continues rolling out updates, users can expect a more seamless and engaging experience on Instagram.
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