Instagram Reels can now be paused with a single tap

Instagram is getting a new update, which changes how you watch reels on the popular photo and video sharing platform. This comes after the Meta-owned social network announced voice effects for voice notes in direct messages (DM). Read on to know everything about the two new features.

Instagram updates reels playback controls

Previously, pausing a reel on Instagram meant tapping and holding the screen of your device. This was quite a struggle on smartphones. The social media platform has introduced ‘Tap-to-Pause’ functionality. As the name suggests, users can pause videos with a single tap on the screen once and tap again to resume playback. 

The update seems minor, but it improves usability in a big way. The earlier hold-to-pause method made it challenging to follow tutorials, on-screen text, or read captions. Pausing the reel now also shows a mute option. It’s worth mentioning that users could simply click on a reel to pause it on Instagram’s web version.

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The feature is rolling out to both Android and iOS users. It is being released in a phased manner, so it can take some time to arrive on your devices.

Alongside the improved playback control options, Instagram recently introduced AI-powered voice effects, that lets users modify their audio using eight different filters to their voice notes in DMs. The feature is currently live in India and is expected to release in more markets. 

In another news, Instagram has confirmed that it is discontinuing end-to-end encryption in DMs, which you can read here. 

Stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for more tech updates.