Instagram’s new auto-scroll feature lets you watch Reels hands-free by toggling “Auto-scroll” in the Reels menu. Learn how to enable it, how to turn it off, and how creators can adapt their content and DM strategy to this change.
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TL;DR
TL;DR
Instagram is rolling out a new auto-scroll feature for Reels that lets you binge videos hands-free.
Instead of swiping up after every Reel, you can now toggle “Auto-scroll” from the Reels menu. Once enabled, Instagram automatically moves you to the next Reel when the current one ends.
It’s a small UX change on the surface… but it could mean more views for creators, more passive doomscrolling for users, and a new way to think about Reels hooks and CTAs.
The Reels auto-scroll feature is exactly what it sounds like:
Instagram has tested similar behaviour via third-party tools and browser extensions in the past, but this is now a native feature inside the app on mobile.
This is rolling out gradually:
So don’t panic if it’s not in your app yet — you’re probably just not in the test or rollout group yet.
Here’s how to scroll Reels hands-free using the new built-in toggle.
From now on, Instagram will automatically move to the next Reel when each video finishes. You can literally put your phone down and let it run.
If you prefer a visual walkthrough, this is also where you’d link to your “how to scroll Reels hands-free” tutorial for readers who want a step-by-step video.
If you try it and hate it (fair), you can turn it off just as easily:
Some users also report that the setting can reset after a period of time (e.g. 30 days), so you might need to re-enable auto-scroll occasionally.
This might feel like a pure UX tweak, but it affects how people consume your content—and how you should design Reels going forward.
When Reels auto-scroll, viewers are more likely to:
For you, that can mean:
It’s not guaranteed growth, but it’s another way for the algorithm to keep feeding your content to people who are in binge mode.
Auto-scroll also means people are touching the screen less. They’re not swiping, reading captions, or making deliberate choices as often.
So:
Think of auto-scroll as the algorithm pitching your Reel to a distracted user: your hook has to do 90% of the work.
Even in an auto-scroll world, people still:
So while auto-scroll boosts passive views, there’s still a significant slice of viewers who:
That’s where your DM strategy matters more than the feature itself.
Here’s how to play smart with this update.
Your Reel should:
For example:
“Comment ‘PLAN’ and I’ll DM you the step-by-step”
“Reply ‘MENU’ if you want our full cocktail list”
“DM me ‘CHECKLIST’ and I’ll send you the free PDF”
These CTAs work whether someone is actively engaged or half-zoned in auto-scroll mode.
Auto-scroll gives you more at-bats. Inrō helps you not waste them.
You can use Inrō to:
REELS-AUTOSCROLL, REELS-TUTORIAL, REELS-OFFER)So even when auto-scroll is sending you a stream of semi-passive viewers, every meaningful interaction (comment, reply, DM) gets captured and nurtured automatically.
Attract more leads, target them with DM campaigns, and automate your interactions on Instagram!
Instagram Reels auto-scroll is a feature that automatically moves you to the next Reel when the current one finishes, so you can watch Reels hands-free without manually swiping each time.
If you don’t see the option, the feature may not have rolled out to your account yet; make sure your app is updated.
Follow the same steps and toggle “Auto-scroll” off in the three-dots menu on a Reel. You can switch it on or off at any time.
Probably not. Instagram’s Reels auto-scroll feature is still being tested and gradually rolled out. Some users and regions have it, others don’t yet. Updating your app can help, but in many cases you just need to wait for the rollout.
Instagram doesn’t share exact details, but auto-scroll is designed to increase watch time and the number of Reels watched per session. That likely benefits creators whose content hooks viewers quickly and keeps them watching, as those are the videos the algorithm will be more inclined to serve next.
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