Instagram has introduced a new “Watch History” feature that allows users to revisit Reels they have previously watched, marking another step toward feature parity with TikTok. The social media platform said the addition aims to make it easier for users to rediscover videos they may have lost track of while browsing.
The new option is accessible under the “Your Activity” section in user settings and displays every Reel a user has viewed. Instagram head Adam Mosseri described the feature as a solution to a common frustration, saying it will help people “get back to a reel that you’d seen on Instagram and you just can’t find.”
Users can sort their Watch History by date, including the past week or month, or select a specific range. The feature also allows removal of individual Reels from the list. Instagram’s version goes further than TikTok’s by letting users organize content in chronological or reverse chronological order, or by creator.
According to Instagram, Watch History has been one of the most requested tools among users. Previously, those wishing to recover lost videos had to download their account data and manually locate the viewing information. The new system streamlines that process, removing the need for such workarounds.
Since introducing Reels as a competitor to TikTok, Meta has gradually added features found on its rival platform. Recent updates have included the ability to connect multiple Reels in a series and support for Picture-in-Picture viewing, both mirroring capabilities already available on TikTok.
Source: TechCrunch