Option to disable instagram Reels for more productivity

[FramedbyPhilipp]

Hey Meta Community,

I’ve been thinking about how Instagram could be even better if there was an option to disable Reels. Don’t get me wrong, I get why Reels are popular, but some of us would love a way to turn them off. Sometimes it feels like Reels end up being a big distraction, and without a choice to remove them, it can make the app feel overwhelming or even push people to think about deleting it altogether. I wanted to share a few reasons why this feature could be a game-changer:

1. Better User Control

Not everyone wants endless video scrolls. For some, Instagram is about connecting with friends, sharing photos, or engaging in stories, and Reels can take away from that. Giving users control over their experience could make them feel more at ease on the app.

2. Supports Mental Well-being

A lot of us try to be mindful of our time and mental health, and constant Reels can pull us into a time-consuming loop. Having the option to turn them off could help people use Instagram without feeling unproductive or overwhelmed, which I think would be a huge positive for everyone’s mental health.

3. Personalized Experience

Instagram has such a wide range of users, from photo lovers to story posters to Reel fans. By letting people customize their experience more, Instagram could appeal to all of these different groups, making it a platform that truly adapts to its users.

4. Keeping Users Engaged, Not Burnt Out

If people had more choice in how they interact with Instagram, they might actually stay on the app longer and feel better about using it. For some, that would mean browsing without the urge to endlessly scroll through videos. It’s a small option that could make a big difference in keeping users engaged and happy.

5. Respecting Time and Productivity

Let’s face it: many of us have moments where we get sucked into Reels when we didn’t plan to. For those who value productivity or want a more intentional online experience, having a “disable Reels” feature could make Instagram more enjoyable and a better fit for their lifestyle.

Just wanted to put this out there and see what others think. I think having the choice to disable Reels could be a win-win for users and Meta!

What do you all think? Would you use this feature if it existed?