Instagram's Auto Scroll For Reels: Convenience Or Just Another Addiction Button?

By Prashant for PuneriPages.in

Ever scrolled through Instagram Reels while eating snacks or brushing your teeth, only to wish the app could just swipe for you? Instagram heard you. They’re now testing a new feature called Auto-Scroll, and yes, it does exactly what it says—lets you watch Reels back-to-back without lifting a finger. But before you jump in, let’s talk about what it is, how you can get it, and whether it’s actually a good thing.

🔍 What is Auto-Scroll on Instagram?

In simple terms: Auto-Scroll allows Instagram Reels to automatically move on to the next video without you needing to swipe. It creates a hands-free, lean-back experience—almost like watching TV.

But here’s the catch: it’s still in testing.

Not everyone has access to it right now. Instagram is gradually rolling it out to select users to see how it’s received. If you spot an “Auto-Scroll” button on your Reel interface, congratulations—you’re one of the early testers.

🔮 The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Weird

Let’s break down what this feature really means for us.

🌟 The Good:

Accessibility Win: This is a great feature for people with mobility challenges who find swiping difficult.
Multitask-Friendly: Whether you’re cooking, working out, or lying down half-asleep, the content keeps flowing.
Chill Vibes: It transforms Instagram into a background entertainment source. Think: Netflix for Reels.

⚡ The Bad:

Addiction Amplified: Without the act of swiping, it’s easier to slip into mindless doomscrolling. Expect screen time to shoot up.
Less Engagement: You’re less likely to comment, like, or even read captions when the next video just auto-plays.

😶 The Weird:

Creator Metrics May Shift: If users watch passively, does that hurt creators? Will watch time replace likes as the key metric?

🧡 Why Instagram is Doing This (Let’s Be Real)

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Instagram wants you to spend more time on the app. TikTok has similar features, and this is Instagram trying to match up and win the time-war.

Auto-scroll means frictionless viewing = more time = more ads = more revenue.

❓ Should You Use Auto-Scroll?

Honestly, it depends on your vibe. Love passive content? Go for it. Want more control over your screen time? Maybe skip this one.

Here’s my take: use it mindfully. Enjoy the convenience, but don’t let it turn you into a scroll zombie. Maybe set a timer or use Instagram’s built-in screen time tracker.

🕵️ Final Thoughts

Auto-scroll is one of those features that sounds super handy but comes with baggage. It makes life easier, sure—but also sneakily encourages us to watch more than we probably should.

It’s the kind of update that says a lot about where social media is heading: towards less effort, more consumption.

What do you think? Are you excited to try it or a bit worried about its impact?

Let me know in the comments.