Instagram could soon let you watch Reels while offline with automatic downloads

Instagram could soon let users continue their Reels binge even when they’re offline. A new leak suggests the app is working on automatic downloads for short-form videos, a move that would bring it closer to YouTube, which already allows offline viewing of Shorts.

What is Instagram working on?

According to a recent X post from app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, Instagram is developing a feature that could automatically download Reels for offline viewing. Early screenshots suggest the app may download videos in the background, so you can keep watching even if you lose connectivity.

The settings also point to some level of user control. Instagram may let you restrict downloads to Wi-Fi and set a download cap, with presets for 10, 30, or 50 Reels. There also appears to be a download status indicator, along with a section where you can view all saved Reels.

It’s not yet clear how Instagram will decide which Reels to download, but it could be based on your viewing habits or saved content. As with most features spotted this early, there’s no guarantee the feature will roll out widely.

Why does offline download for Reels matter?

Offline playback may not matter to everyone, but it can be useful in regions with inconsistent connectivity or if you’re trying to save mobile data. Instead of dealing with buffering, you’d have a ready queue of videos to watch anytime.

By giving users uninterrupted access to Reels even without an internet connection, Instagram could help boost engagement and keep them on the app longer. Whether the feature is enabled by default remains to be seen, but the company may offer an option to turn it off, which would be useful for those looking to conserve storage or who aren’t interested in offline viewing.