Instagram is testing something new, and people are definitely talking: an auto-scroll option in the main feed. Picture this—you don’t have to keep swiping up for every new post. Instead, Instagram moves things along on its own, smoothly showing you what’s next without you lifting a finger.
If you’ve spotted a little “Auto Scroll” switch in your feed settings, you’re one of the lucky testers. Tap it on and your feed just keeps moving—no taps, no swipes, just posts drifting by every few seconds.
Important to note: This isn’t for Reels. It’s all about the main feed—photos, videos, carousels. Right now, most people don’t have access—it’s just a small-scale test for now, probably to see how we all feel about it before any big announcements.
So, why add this? Instagram wants us to stick around longer. More feed time means more chances to see posts and yes, more ads too. It’s not exactly a surprise, but it’s smart business for them.
There are some real upsides. Think about the times you’re juggling a cup of coffee or holding your bag on a crowded train. You just want a little entertainment with zero effort—auto-scroll is perfect for that. Plus, you might actually end up seeing more content than you would swiping on your own, including suggestions from new accounts.
For creators and brands, this could mean more eyes on posts with practically no extra effort from viewers. That’s definitely a win for anyone trying to boost their reach.
But here’s where I’m on the fence. Watching the feed just go on its own feels a little strange. It’s pretty easy to lose all sense of time when you’re not even interacting. I’ve tried this kind of passive feed with Reels, and suddenly twenty minutes have disappeared—just like that.
There’s already a fine line between convenience and mindless scrolling. This feature makes it even harder to see where that line is. Some people like the new pace and control, others say it feels too much like the algorithm’s just running the show.
A quick rundown of what you need to know:
- This is just a test with a select group.
- It’s only for the main feed, not Stories or Reels.
- You can turn it off anytime, which is great.
There's no word yet about when it might roll out for everyone, but let’s be honest—if people spend more time watching, you’ll probably see the feature soon.
My honest opinion? I’ll try it out of curiosity, but long-term I’m cautious. Social media is already a time sink, and auto-scroll could make it way too easy to keep watching without even realizing it. But I understand why Instagram’s doing it—apps like TikTok and YouTube Shorts already work this way, and Meta’s obviously not about to get left behind.
What do you think? Do you want things this hands-off, or do you like taking your time and swiping at your own pace? Let me know how you feel—whether you’ll turn it on, leave it off, or just forget it’s there after a marathon sitting.
Stay curious, and maybe keep a finger ready to pause the scroll if you need a break.