If you have been frequenting Instagram Reels lately and suddenly realized you wanted to save, share or revisit a past Reel that you had watched, you may have struggled to find it again. This is due in part to the lack of an obvious search or history log feature on the platform. Thankfully, there are ways you can approximately pinpoint the video and remember what you watched. In this article, we will discuss several methods you can use to track down the Reels you had previously watched on Instagram.
1. What are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels is a tiktok-like feature on Instagram that allows users to record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos set to music. The videos can be up to 30 seconds long when edited. This feature is available in 50 countries, including the US.
This is what separates Instagram Reels from other Instagram features. It offers users a chance to create playful and entertaining content. It also allows users to get creative with their approach to storytelling, making it ideal for marketers. Instagram Reels incorporates the popular swipe-up feature, enabling users to include links to products, websites, and more.
Instagram Reels also provides access to a wide range of content creators, which can be used to reach a larger audience. It is also well-suited for influencer marketing, as it enables users to create longer content that can include a variety of visuals. Additionally, Instagram Reels offers tools for editing videos such as filters, effects, music, and more.
- Multi-clip videos: Users can record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with Instagram Reels.
- Swipe-up feature: This feature allows users to include links to products, websites, and more.
- Content creators: Instagram Reels offers access to a wide range of content creators.
- Tools for editing: It includes editing tools such as filters, effects, music, and more.
2. How to View Recently Watched Instagram Reels
Understanding Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels are 15-second, multi-clip videos set to music and other audio. They can be edited with Augmented Reality effects, and allow users to create fun and engaging content. Not only can you watch Reels posted by your friends, but you can also discover new Reels, tailored to your interests.
What are Recently Watched Reels?
Recent Watched Reels is a section in Instagram where you can view videos you’ve watched from other accounts before. Within this section, you can revisit all the content you have already seen. Here, you can review clips that were recommended to you, and you can also follow new accounts.
To view the videos you’ve watched prior to the current session, you will need to follow these simple steps:
- Switch to the Instagram Reels tab by tapping on the ‘Reels’ icon in the navigation bar
- Once in the Reels section of Instagram, tap the ‘Recently Watched’ tab at the top of the screen
- Videos that you have watched previously will be shown, allowing you to catch up on clips you’ve seen, or follow accounts you have discovered
Any Instagram Reels that you view in the future will be automatically saved in this section, and can be accessed by following the same steps.
3. Benefits of Viewing Reels History Log
Reels lets you take a look into your Login History, so you can have more control of who is accessing your accounts. Plus, the more you know about your history log, the better your security and the better chance you have of avoiding vulnerabilities.
Track Who Has Accessed Your Account
- See who has logged in to each of your accounts
- Find out which device was used and at what time
- Get a list of IP addresses associated with each account
Stay On Top Of Potential Security Issues
- Be alerted whenever suspicious logins occur
- Track when your accounts were last accessed
- Check for any suspicious patterns in login activity
Be Proactive When It Comes To Account Security
- Change passwords regularly to improve security
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on key accounts
- Enable security alerts to stay informed of suspicious logins
4. Potential Issues with Instagram Reels
Copyright Infringement
Instagram Reels are meant to foster creativity, and yet the possibility of copyright infringement is one of the main challenges the platform has to confront. Users can easily unwittingly or deliberately use copyrighted material in their Reels, leading to legal disputes. As a way to battle it, Instagram includes a Rights Manager in Reels and Stories to help content creators protect their original work.
Illegal and Inappropriate Material
Just like other social media platforms, Instagram Reels can be used for sharing material some people could consider inappropriate or even illegal. To ensure an appropriate environment for everyone, especially children, Instagram has activated several procedures for deleting offensive content. The platform also offers guidelines and a reporting system for users to report any illegal or inappropriate material.
Advertising Limitations
As of now, Instagram Reels cannot be used for paid advertisements or promotions. Moreover, this could also be a limitation for influencers who use Reels to promote other brands they work with. Instagram is still working on a long-term solution that would allow users to advertise effectively and in compliance with legal regulations.
5. Tips for Finding Viewed Reels in the Future
Finding already-viewed reels can be a challenge but with these tips you are sure to make it easier.
- Check back periodically – As someone may have gone back and watched your reel, always ensure you check back after some time has passed. This may be once a month, or even more often.
- Follow-up with potential employers after they have viewed your reel – It is a good idea to message the employer directly if they have already seen your reel to check in and see if they have any further questions.
- Sign up for a reel-viewing service – These services are a great way to keep track of who has viewed your reel and find out what kind of feedback you are getting from potential employers.
Secondary means of advertising – You can also take advantage of other platforms like social media to get more views on your reel. Post it on your LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and any other platform you may have and take the opportunity to answer any questions potential employers may have.
Keep it up to date – It is essential to keep the information on your reel up to date and relevant. Add any updated projects and make sure you showcase only the best work that applies to the job you are looking for.
In conclusion, users can now easily find videos they have already viewed on Instagram Reels by searching for them on the “History” tab or enabling post notifications. With this feature, users can now easily track their view history and revisit their watched content. Thanks for reading!