Instagram’s auto-scroll is rolling out, and your thumb might finally get a rest

Instagram is quietly testing a new feature that could change the way we watch Reels. It’s called auto-scroll, and as the name suggests, it allows Reels to play one after another without you needing to swipe.

The feature hasn’t been rolled out to everyone yet, but some creators already have access. It’s currently available to a limited number of creator and business accounts, especially in India.

If you’re one of them, you’ll see the option in the three-dot menu while watching a Reel. Once turned on, the next video plays automatically after the current one ends—no tapping, no swiping, no effort at all.

A small change that could change how we scroll

At first, it might not seem like a big deal. But for people who spend a lot of time watching Reels, this small update could really shift the experience. Some users have said they didn’t even realise the feature was active until they noticed they’d watched several Reels in a row without touching their phone.

On one hand, it feels effortless and relaxed. You can lean back and just let the videos keep coming. But on the other hand, it’s easy to lose track of time. Without the pause between swipes, you might end up watching more than you planned to—which, of course, is good news for Instagram.

That extra time spent in the app means more ads viewed, more content consumed and more data collected about what you like. So while auto-scroll seems like a helpful tool, it’s also designed to keep you engaged.

Still in testing, but likely to roll out wider

Instagram often tests new features with creators before deciding whether to release them to everyone. India is a common testing ground, since it’s one of the platform’s biggest and most active markets. In the past, early experiments here have included tools like Notes and music in carousels. Auto-scroll appears to be the latest one.

There’s no official timeline yet for when the feature might be available to all users. But if the test goes well, it could soon become a regular part of the Reels experience.

If your Reels start moving on their own, don’t worry—it’s not a glitch. Instagram might just be giving your thumb a little break, whether you were ready for it or not.

Sci/Tech