Instagram has introduced a new feature that allows users to revisit their watched Reels, picking up from where they left off. This update, which mirrors a similar feature on YouTube, was designed to help users rediscover content they may have forgotten to like or save. The feature was first reported on October 24, 2025, with additional details emerging shortly thereafter.
What the Watch History Feature Entails
The latest feature from Instagram offers a way for users to track their viewing sessions automatically. This means that users can now go back and watch old Reels, with the added convenience of resuming playback from the point of interruption. This feature is specifically designed for Reels, and does not extend to other content types like posts or Stories. This focus on Reels demonstrates Instagram’s commitment to enhancing the user experience for this popular short-form video format.
How Users Can Access Watched Reels
Accessing the watch history on Instagram is straightforward. Users simply need to tap into the Reels tab and select the history option. The interface for browsing past watched Reels includes chronological ordering and search capabilities for specific videos. This allows users to easily navigate their viewing history and find the content they’re looking for. Additionally, users can like, save, or share Reels directly from the history view, making it easier to interact with content they may have forgotten to engage with during their initial viewing.
Benefits of Revisiting Reel History
The ability to revisit Reel history offers several benefits to users. For one, it helps users go back in time to see old Reels they forgot to like or save, reducing the frustration of lost content. It also provides convenience for casual viewers who want to rewatch entertaining or informative Reels without the need for endless scrolling. Furthermore, the feature can aid in better content discovery, as viewing history can reveal patterns in user preferences over time.
Comparisons to YouTube’s Watch History
Instagram’s implementation of a watch history feature for Reels bears similarities to YouTube’s watch history. Both platforms track and provide easy access to past views, meeting user expectations for such a feature. However, Instagram’s feature is tailored to short-form video consumption, unlike YouTube’s focus on longer videos. This addition brings a familiar tool from YouTube to Instagram’s ecosystem, enhancing the user experience for Reels viewers.
Rollout and Announcement Timeline
The initial reporting on Instagram’s latest feature for revisiting watched Reels was on October 24, 2025. Follow-up coverage later that day provided more details about the feature. On October 25, 2025, the feature was framed as Instagram finally adding a YouTube-like watch history for Reels. A guide on how to use the watch history feature was published on October 26, 2025, providing users with a comprehensive overview of the new feature.
User Tips for Managing Reel History
Users have control over their watch history and can clear or pause it to maintain privacy. They can also use the feature to organize saved Reels, such as exporting favorites from history to collections. If users encounter issues, such as their history not updating, they can troubleshoot using the app’s existing tools. This ensures that users can effectively manage their viewing history and get the most out of this new feature.
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