Instagram brings Watch History to Reels
Instagram is rolling out a new feature that lets users revisit Reels they’ve already watched. The update, called Watch History, gives users quick access to previously viewed short videos—something creators and fans have been requesting for a long time.
The feature puts Instagram on par with TikTok, which has offered Watch History for years. Now, if you’ve ever lost a Reel because you got a call, switched apps, or simply forgot to save it, you can find it again with ease.
How to find your Watch History
According to Instagram head Adam Mosseri, users can access the new feature by going to their Profile > Settings > Your Activity > Watch History. There, you’ll see every Reel you’ve ever watched.
You can sort videos by date, week, month, or even a custom range. For better organization, the app also lets you arrange them in chronological or reverse chronological order. Plus, users can filter by author or delete specific Reels from their history if they want to.
A highly requested update
Before this rollout, users often relied on complex workarounds to retrieve lost videos—like downloading all their app data and digging through it manually. The new Watch History removes that hassle, making it simpler to rewatch favorite clips or rediscover creators.
Instagram said the feature was one of the most requested additions from its global community. It’s designed to make Reels exploration smoother and reduce the frustration of losing track of content.
Matching TikTok’s features
Instagram Reels, launched as Meta’s response to TikTok, continues to gain features already available on the rival platform. Recently, Instagram added Reel Series, allowing creators to link multiple videos together, and Picture-in-Picture viewing support.
With Watch History, Instagram further bridges the gap, giving users a more flexible and complete Reels experience. The platform’s steady updates reflect Meta’s focus on keeping users engaged and competitive in the fast-growing short video market.
The Watch History feature is now rolling out globally and should appear in users’ apps over the coming days.
