Is there a way to temporarily stop videos while watching on Instagram? I often want to pause and take a closer look, but can’t seem to figure out how. Any tips?
Yes, you can pause videos on Instagram while watching. Just tap once anywhere on the screen and the video shall pause. To resume the video, you can tap on the screen again. If that isn’t working for you, can you please provide more details about the device you’re using, as the features might be different across platforms?
Thanks for your detailed response. However, please note that on the app version of Instagram, they do not actually support video pausing natively. As an alternative, you might consider using Instagram on a web browser where you can pause the video by tapping on it. Additionally, there is a workaround for some Instagram users where if you hold your finger on the screen the video will pause. It’s not perfect, but it can work in some cases.
While it’s true that the mobile app version of Instagram does not include a natively built-in feature to pause videos mid-stream, there are several workarounds that may prove useful.
Firstly, one of the easiest ways to pause Instagram videos is to use Instagram on a web browser, such as Safari, Google Chrome, or Firefox, on your computer. Unlike the app, the browser version of Instagram does allow you to pause or play videos just by clicking or tapping on them.
If you want to stick to using the Instagram app, there’s another workaround you can try. If you press and hold your finger on the screen while a video is playing, it should freeze. This isn’t a ‘true’ pause, as it doesn’t consistently work and usually requires you to keep your finger on the screen the whole time.
Another third-party approach you may want to explore involves using apps that can download Instagram videos. By downloading the videos, you’re able to play them on your phone’s or tablet’s native media player, which typically does include complete controls for play, pause, and scrubbing through video content. Examples of these apps include InstaSave for Instagram and Video Downloader for Instagram.
When choosing a video downloader, be sure to select a reputable app, read the reviews and stay aware of the privacy and copyright considerations. For more options, you may want to look at sites such as CNET or TechRadar, which often provide lists and reviews of tech tools and apps.
Another option for Apple users is to use AssistiveTouch. This utility allows you to map multi-touch and 3D Touch gestures, including pausing and unpausing media, to customizable on-screen menus or physical device buttons.
Finally, if the lack of a pause feature is a critical issue for you, it may be worth providing user feedback to the Instagram development team. You can do this through the Help section of the Instagram app. The more users highlight this as a valuable feature, the greater the likelihood that Instagram may consider implementing it in future updates.
Please note that Instagram’s features are subject to change, so these workarounds might not always work. You can check Instagram’s Help Center (help.instagram.com) for the most current Instagram features and updates.
In conclusion, while the Instagram mobile app lacks a native feature to pause videos, there are several alternative methods that can be utilized, each with their individual pros and cons:
- Use Instagram on a web browser: The browser version supports the pause and play feature.
- Hold finger on screen while using the Instagram app: Although it doesn’t always work and requires you to keep your finger on the screen.
- Use third-party apps to download and play Instagram videos: Apps like InstaSave for Instagram and Video Downloader for Instagram can be used, but be cautious of the apps’ reputations and copyright issues.
- Use AssistiveTouch for Apple users: You can map multi-touch and 3D Touch gestures to physical device buttons.
- Give feedback to Instagram’s development team: If a lot of users find this an important feature, Instagram may consider adding it in future updates.
Remember, Instagram’s features can change, so always check their Help Center for the most current solutions and updates.