Instagram launches long-awaited ‘Watch History’ feature for Reels

Instagram has introduced a new “Watch History” feature, allowing users to view Reels they have previously watched, a capability that rival platform TikTok has offered for several years.

The update aims to help users rediscover Reels they lost or forgot to save. Instagram head Adam Mosseri said in a video statement that the feature was developed to make it easier for people to locate reels they had seen but could not find again.

Users can access the new option by navigating to Profile → Settings → Your Activity → Watch History, where all previously viewed Reels will appear.

Unlike TikTok’s version, Instagram’s watch history provides additional tools for sorting and managing viewed content.

Users can filter videos by date, such as the past week, month, or a custom period and also delete specific items from their history. Sorting options include chronological, reverse chronological, and creator-based order.

Instagram said Watch History has been one of the platform’s most requested features, offering a simpler and more organised way for users to revisit content without endlessly scrolling through the Reels feed.