Meta-owned Instagram has rolled out the much-awaited feature for Reels that offers users the option to pause the video.

It's been close to five years since Instagram introduced Reels.

Since then, billions have been actively consuming content on the platform, but they didn't have an option to pause.

Finally, Instagram seem to have heard the prayers of the billions of users to bring a simple 'tap-to-pause' feature.

Before this March 2026 update, users had to press and hold their finger down on the screen to pause the reel video. And, the user had to be in that position or else lifting the finger would resume the video. This was a serious user interface limitation.

Instagram brings Tap-to-Pause feature for Reels.

Quick summary - click for full detailsConcise summary of key highlights

Meta brings tap-to-pause feature for Instagram Reels

In one lineInstagram introduces tap-to-pause for Reels and discontinues end-to-end encryption in DMs by 2026.Key points• Tap-to-pause featureInstagram Reels now allows users to pause videos with a single tap, replacing the previous press-and-hold method. The feature also includes a mute option upon pausing.• End-to-end encryption removalMeta will discontinue end-to-end encryption in Instagram Direct Messages by May 8, 2026, citing high costs and complexity as reasons for the change.• User transition supportUsers will receive pop-up messages to download and transfer photos/videos before the encryption removal takes effect.• Reels' five-year milestoneThe tap-to-pause feature arrives nearly five years after Instagram introduced Reels, addressing long-standing user feedback.Key statisticsFiveYears since Reels introductionMay 8, 2026End-to-end encryption removal dateProcessed with AI. Reviewed by DH Digital Team.

Now, with the 'tap-to-pause' Instagram has provided more control. With this change, users will also see the 'Mute' option after tapping to pause.

In a related development, Meta has announced that it will discontinue end-to-end encryption on Direct Messages on Instagram.

In the revised Instagram FAQ page, Meta has confirmed that it will discontinue the user-privacy-centric feature effective May 8, 2026.

The E2EE tech is complex and expensive due to high development, infrastructure, and maintenance costs, so Meta has made the decision to remove it in Instagram DM.

As the deadline gets close (May 8, 2026), Instagram users will begin to see pop-up messages with instructions on how to download photos and videos, and transfer them to their phone or a computer storage.