Instagram Reels how-to
How to change the speed of an Instagram Reel (slow-mo or fast)
Short answer
In the Reels camera, tap Speed in the tool menu on the left and choose a speed before recording; Instagram says this affects both the video and the audio of the clip. For a clip you upload, adjust speed in the Reel editor's clip tools if your app shows it, or change the speed in a video editor before uploading.
Checked against: Instagram app for iPhone and Android, October 2026.
Method 1: While recording
Open Speed
When you record a reel, tap Speed in the tool menu on the left.
Choose a speed
Pick a slower or faster option, then record. The speed applies to video and audio.
Method 2: Uploaded clip
Speed in an editor
Change the clip's speed in a video editor, export 1080 × 1920, and upload the result.
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If it doesn't work
| What you see | Fix |
|---|---|
| Speed option missing | Update the app; tool menus differ between versions and regions. |
| Voice sounds chipmunk-like | Speed changes audio too; use music instead of voice, or add a voice-over after. |
| Slow motion is choppy | Record at 60 fps in your phone camera and slow it in an editor. |
Questions people ask
How do I slow down a Reel on Instagram?
Tap Speed in the Reels camera before recording and choose a slower speed.
Does speed change the audio too?
Yes. Instagram says the speed affects both video and audio.
Can I change speed after posting?
No. Edit the clip and post it again.
More Instagram Reels guides
Sources and how we checked
- Instagram Help: Add music, effects and more to your reel (checked 2026-10-05)
Reviewed October 5, 2026 by the Koldflux team. Each step is compared with Instagram Reels's own documentation (linked above) and with the top search results for this task; where they disagree, the maker's documentation wins. Steps without a source link follow the menu names that several current guides agree on.