Instagram has launched a new “Watch History” feature that allows users to check out all the Reels they have previously seen. This update makes it easier to find that one lost Reel you could not locate before.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced the feature and explained that it works similarly to YouTube and TikTok’s Watch History. He said:
“You can find every Reel that you have seen in an orderly grid. You can filter them by newest to oldest, date, and creator.”
How to Access Your Reels Watch History
To try the new feature:
1. Head to your Instagram profile.
2. Tap the hamburger menu in the top-right corner.
3. Go to “Your Activity”.
4. Scroll down and select “Watch History”.
Users can now filter Reels by date, creator, or sort them from newest to oldest. This simplifies the process compared to previous workarounds like checking Liked posts or downloading your data.
Why This Feature Matters for Instagram Users
The Watch History feature has been highly requested by Instagram users. Previously, finding a lost Reel required multiple steps. Now, everything is accessible in one place.
Instagram has been emphasising Reels as the app’s biggest attraction. To encourage users to stay on the platform rather than switch to TikTok, Instagram has improved the Reel-watching experience with customised Reels preferences and now this “Watch History” feature. The latest app layout also places the Reels tab at the centre, making it easier to discover and revisit content.
This update enhances engagement and helps creators gain more visibility. Users can now quickly rediscover recipes, memes, or any content they enjoyed. It also reflects Instagram’s ongoing strategy to make Reels the core of the platform.