How To Pause Instagram Reels? In 2020, Instagram unveiled reels as a means for its users to display their inventiveness or for brands to promote their offerings through brief, captivating, and informative videos. Initially, reels were limited to a 15-second duration, but presently, users can create reels that last up to 90 seconds. If you are a frequent user of the platform, chances are you have encountered reels that have piqued your interest or contained valuable insights. However, you may find yourself desiring to pause the video but unsure of how to do so. So the question remains, what is the method to pause an Instagram reel?
Overview of Pausing Instagram Reels
Instagram reels are brief, engaging videos that can last up to 90 seconds, with the most common lengths ranging between 15 and 60 seconds. Unlike Instagram stories, reels lack a 24-hour timeline, remaining visible on a user’s profile until deleted.
The popularity of Instagram reels has been steadily rising, primarily due to the platform’s algorithm recommending reels to non-followers more than posts. Moreover, creators and users gravitate towards reels due to the availability of distinct editing tools and an extensive audio tracks library containing old classics and popular or trending music.
Users can augment the entertainment value of their reels by incorporating filters, backgrounds, captions, and video clips. Notably, Instagram has a dedicated section solely for reels, further contributing to their burgeoning popularity.
Although it would be ideal to pause short videos like reels, Instagram lacks a designated pause button for this feature. However, this article outlines a practical method that users can utilize to temporarily stop the video playback without the pause function.
Step-by-Step Guide on Pausing Instagram Reels
There exist two distinct methods for pausing an Instagram reel, depending on the specific platform being used:
Method #1: Instagram Mobile App
To pause a reel on the Instagram mobile app, adhere to the following instructions:
- Launch the Instagram mobile app on your device.

- Tap the reel icon situated in the center at the bottom of the screen.

- Scroll down the feed to locate the reel you want to pause.

- To pause the reel, place your finger on the video and hold it without releasing it. Remove your finger from the screen when you want to continue watching the reel.

Method #2: Instagram Desktop Version
To pause a reel on the Instagram desktop version, kindly follow the outlined steps below:
- Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the Instagram website.

- Browse through your feed to locate the reel you wish to pause.

- To pause the reel, click once in the middle of the video. This action prompts a white play icon to appear in the center of the reel.

- To continue playing the reel, click on the play icon.

Summary
Reels have proven to be an excellent option for users seeking to boost engagement and increase their Instagram following.
To create engaging and visually captivating reels, leverage the diverse range of editing and innovative tools at your disposal, such as filters, effects, backgrounds, captions, and video clips. Furthermore, you can select suitable audio from Instagram’s vast library to complement your reel.
Unfortunately, the Instagram mobile app lacks a pause reel feature. However, an effective alternative is to pause the reel by placing your finger on it for the desired duration, then releasing it to continue playing.
On the other hand, pausing a reel on the Instagram desktop version requires clicking once in the middle of the reel.