Disable Instagram Reels: Instagram Reels have become a popular feature for users to create and share short-form videos. However, for some users, it may not be their preferred way of using the platform.
If you are one of those who find Reels distracting or prefer to focus on other aspects of the app, you may want to disable the feature. In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that and provide you with a step-by-step guide to disabling Instagram Reels.
Whether you’re using an Android or iOS device, this guide will walk you through the process of turning off the feature so you can have a more personalized and enjoyable experience on the app.
What are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels is a short-form video feature that allows users to create and share 15-second videos set to music, trending sounds, or their own audio. Reels can be edited with various creative tools and effects and can be shared on the user’s profile, as well as in the Reels section of the Explore page.
Since its introduction in August 2020, Reels has become a popular way for users to showcase their creativity and engage with their followers on Instagram. However, some users may find the feature distracting or may prefer to focus on other aspects of the app, leading them to seek ways to disable the feature.
There are several reasons why some users may want to disable the Instagram Reels feature. Some common reasons include:
- Distraction: The constant stream of Reels in the feed can be distracting for some users, making it harder for them to focus on other content on the platform.
- Privacy concerns: Some users may be uncomfortable with the idea of their Reels being publicly accessible on the Explore page and may prefer to limit the visibility of their content.
- Preference for other features: Some users may prefer to use Instagram for other features, such as posts, Stories, or IGTV, and may find Reels to be a less important aspect of the platform.
- Not interested in creating Reels: For those who don’t create or watch Reels, the feature may simply not be of interest and they may prefer to have it disabled.
Regardless of the reason, disabling Instagram Reels is a simple process that can be easily accomplished. By disabling Reels, users can have a more personalized and enjoyable experience on the app.
How to Disable Instagram Reels in 2023?
Currently, there is no way to disable reels in the Instagram app. But some users have claimed that they disabled Instagram reels by using the older version of the app. As the older version doesn’t support the Reels feature in the app.
If you want to get rid of this feature, then you’ll have to install any older version of the Instagram app before August 2020. However, there are chances that the app may not work properly and you’ll be prompted to update the app.
Moreover, you can follow the below steps to disable Instagram Reels on your Android & iOS smartphone:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap the three lines in the upper right corner of the screen to access your settings.
- Scroll down to the “Settings” section and tap “Privacy and Security“.
- Scroll down to the “Interactions” section and tap “Reels“.
- Toggle the switch next to “Allow Reels to be Shared with Me” to the off position.
- Confirm the change by tapping “Turn Off” in the pop-up window.
That’s it! You have successfully disabled Instagram Reels on your Android & iOS devices.
From now on, you will no longer see Reels in your feed or in the Reels section of the Explore page. If you ever decide to turn Reels back on, simply follow these steps and toggle the switch back to the on position.
Note: These steps may vary slightly based on the version of the Instagram app you are using and the operating system on your Android & iOS device.
Alternative to Disabling Instagram Reels
An alternative to disabling Instagram Reels is to simply hide the feature from your feed. This way, you can still use other features of the app, such as posts, Stories, and IGTV, without being distracted by Reels.
To hide Reels from your feed, follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram app and go to the Reels section of the Explore page.
- Scroll down to find the Reel you want to hide.
- Tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the Reel.
- Tap “Don’t Show For You“.
That’s it! The Reel will no longer appear in your feed or in the Reels section of the Explore page. To show a hidden Reel again, simply follow these steps and tap “Show For You“.
Note: Hiding Reels is a per-Reel setting, so you will need to repeat these steps for each Reel you want to hide. Additionally, this setting only applies to your account and does not affect the visibility of the Reel for other users.
Last Words
In conclusion, Instagram Reels is a fun and entertaining feature that allows users to create short, lip-sync, dance, or comedy videos. However, some users may not want to use the feature or may find it distracting.
In this article, we provided a comprehensive guide on how to disable Instagram Reels on both Android and iOS devices. We also provided an alternative to disabling Reels, where users can hide the feature from their feed without actually disabling it.
By following the steps outlined in this article, users can have a more personalized and enjoyable experience on the Instagram app, by removing features that they don’t want or need.
Whether you decide to disable Reels or simply hide them from your feed, the choice is yours. The most important thing is to make the app work for you and your needs.
