❌ Don’t Read This If You Don’t Want a New Addiction: Instagram Is Testing Auto-Scroll
Aswin Lutchanah, Your Favourite Social Media Manager
Instagram is reportedly testing auto-scroll: a TikTok-style feature that automatically scrolls through posts and Reels for you.
That’s right.
No more tapping.
No more swiping.
Just sit back and let the algorithm do the work.
If you didn’t know TikTok already has this… sorry for the double addiction. 😅
So, what exactly is auto-scroll?
Auto-scroll does what it says on the tin: it automatically moves from one reel to the next, with no need for user interaction. The idea is to create a smoother, more passive content experience: one that mimics the never-ending flow we’ve all experienced (and maybe lost hours to) on TikTok.
Sounds convenient, right?
It is.
Especially when you’re multitasking: washing the dishes, folding laundry, or procrastinating your inbox away.
It’s hands-free, frictionless, and incredibly easy to just… keep watching.
But also… terrifying?
Here’s the catch. The small actions that once gave us a sense of control, tapping, swiping, pausing, are now removed. That means fewer moments to stop, reflect, or simply disconnect.
This feature might boost engagement, but it also raises serious questions about digital wellbeing.
Are we watching the content… or is the content watching us?
Instagram is taking a page out of TikTok’s playbook
It’s no secret that Meta often draws inspiration from competitors. First Stories (Snapchat), then Reels (TikTok), and now… auto-scroll.
From a social media manager’s perspective, it’s an interesting move that could reshape how we approach content engagement and retention.
But from a user’s perspective?
It’s worth asking whether we really need another way to lose track of time on our phones.
So, what now?
If auto-scroll becomes the norm, we may need to take a more active role in setting boundaries with our apps.
Here’s a gentle reminder:
✅ App time limits are your friends
✅ Mindful scrolling is still possible
✅ It’s okay to disconnect: the algorithm will survive 😉
Would auto-scroll improve your Instagram experience, or just make it harder to look away?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
And in the meantime… maybe finish those dishes first. 😉
Smile. Create. Inspire. 💛
Take care,
Your fav Social Media Manager 🌞
How to switch to auto-scroll reels on Instagram?
You first read this on my LinkedIn profile
About The Author
Aswin Lutchanah
Hybrid Social Media Manager with over 9 years of experience specialising in Social Media. Experienced with all aspects of Social Media Management. Having a Master degree in Computer Science, I have an in-depth knowledge of the digital world including Social Media, Community Management, Social Media......