Instagram Rolls Out YouTube-Like Watch History For Reels: All You Need To Know

Instagram is rolling out a YouTube-style watch history for Reels, letting you revisit videos you’ve seen before. From searching by date to finding content by creator, this long-awaited feature could change how you scroll forever.

New Delhi: Instagram is taking another big step toward making its platform more Reels-focused by introducing a watch history feature. This update allows users to revisit previously watched Reels, a functionality that has long been requested by the app’s community.

The feature aims to make it easier for users to find videos they enjoyed but couldn’t locate again.

A Long-Awaited Feature

For years, Instagram users have struggled to go back to Reels they’ve previously watched. Until now, there was no built-in way to track or revisit content without relying on workarounds like sharing videos with friends or saving them manually. The new watch history feature eliminates this frustration by creating a centralized log of all watched Reels.

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According to Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, the watch history function will go beyond the basic tracking tools seen on other platforms. Users will be able to search their Reels history by the date they viewed a video, the recency of the content, or even the creator who posted it. This will make it much easier to locate specific Reels without endless scrolling.

How It Works

The watch history will likely appear as a dedicated tab within the Reels section of the app. Once rolled out, users will be able to scroll through their previously viewed videos, filter them, and revisit content with just a few taps. The search options will allow users to find Reels by the exact date or by the creator, making it simple to reconnect with favorite videos or explore content again.

Unlike some premium tools or subscriptions, the watch history feature will be free and accessible to all Instagram users. However, the update is being rolled out gradually, so it may take a few days or weeks for all accounts to receive the functionality.

A Step Toward Reels-First Experience

Instagram’s push for watch history reflects its broader strategy to make Reels the centerpiece of its platform. Short videos have become a key driver of engagement and revenue, with advertisers increasingly targeting Reels for promotions. By making it easier for users to find and re-watch content, Instagram is encouraging longer viewing sessions and boosting overall user engagement.

The company is testing this feature in India first, targeting a limited group of mobile users. This initial rollout is part of Instagram’s plan to refine the functionality before launching it to a wider audience. The eventual public release is expected within the next few months, bringing the feature to users globally.

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Looking Ahead

As Instagram continues to evolve, Reels are taking center stage. The watch history update is just one of many changes designed to enhance the user experience, make content more discoverable, and increase time spent on the app. For creators, this feature also provides a new way for audiences to engage with their content repeatedly, potentially boosting visibility and engagement metrics.

With Instagram making Reels its core function, features like watch history are likely to become standard expectations for users. This update not only brings a YouTube-style convenience to the platform but also highlights Instagram’s commitment to staying competitive in the fast-growing short video market.