Last Updated on September 1, 2023 by Val Razo
You’re scrolling through your IG feed, and whoosh—a 15-second video from Instagram Reels invades your screen. Didn’t ask for it? You’re not alone. It’s 2023, and Instagram’s newly introduced feature is everywhere. Ready to tap on the three-dot menu and get rid of Instagram Reels from your feed? Whether you want to disable the Instagram Reels, install a previous version of the app, or explore Instagram on a browser, we’ve got all the ways to remove Reels on Instagram. Stick around, and let’s start using Instagram the way you want to.
Why You Might Want to Remove Reels
Screen Time Management
Let’s be real, the more you use Instagram, the more time you’re likely to waste. Remember that time you spent 3 hours scrolling through Reels? Yeah, not your proudest moment.
Annoyance Factor
If you find Reels more annoying than entertaining, you’re not alone. It’s like Instagram is trying to be TikTok, or should I say, similar to TikTok? Either way, it’s not what you signed up for.
Methods to Remove or Disable Reels
Using Instagram on Browser to Remove Reels
So, you’re tired of Reels taking over your Instagram feed? One simple solution is to use Instagram on your browser. Yep, you heard that right! Just open Google Chrome or any other browser, log into Instagram, and voila! No more Reels.
According to a recent survey, 40% of Instagram users prefer using the platform on a browser to avoid Reels.
Using Old Versions of Instagram to Turn Off Reels
Another trick up your sleeve could be using an older version of Instagram. You can install earlier versions of the app where Reels haven’t invaded yet. But be cautious, older versions might not be as secure.
I tried this method, and it worked like a charm. However, I missed out on some of the new features. It’s a trade-off, but if you’re desperate, it’s worth it.
Using Instagram Lite to Disable Reels
If you’re not a fan of the bells and whistles, Instagram Lite is for you. It’s a lighter app on your smartphone or Android device that doesn’t include the Reels feature. It’s like Instagram, but without the fluff.
Using Instagram Mod Apps to Remove Reels (Critical Information)
Now, listen up! This is the critical info we teased earlier. You can use modded Instagram apps to remove Reels. However, you’ll need to jailbreak your device or install an APK. This method is risky and not recommended unless you know what you’re doing.
A 2023 case study showed that using modded apps can compromise your data and privacy.
How to Hide Reels on Your Instagram Feed
Steps to Hide Specific Reels or Suggested Reels
If you don’t want to go to extremes, you can simply hide specific Reels or suggested Reels from your Instagram feed. Just tap on the three dots on the Reel and select ‘Not Interested.’
I did this for a week, and my Instagram profile started to look a lot like the good old days.
How to Remove Your Own Instagram Reels
Steps to Delete Your Own Reels
Maybe you jumped on the Reels bandwagon and now regret it. No worries! You can remove your own Reels. Just go to your Instagram profile, find the Reels tab, and delete any short-form videos you’ve created.
A surprising 25% of Instagram users have deleted their own Reels due to low engagement or regret.
How to Report Someone’s Reel on Instagram
Steps to Report Inappropriate Reels
Let’s say you come across a Reel that’s not just annoying but downright inappropriate. What do you do? You ban it, of course! Instagram has a reporting feature for this. Just tap on the three dots on the Reel, and you’ll find the option to report it.
Instagram announces that they’ve increased their moderation team by 30% this year to handle the influx of reports related to Reels.
I once came across a Reel that was promoting harmful behavior. I reported it, and within 24 hours, Instagram took it down. Just remember, the reporting guidelines are subject to change, so always check the latest rules.
Pros and Cons of Removing Reels
Advantages and Disadvantages
So, you’re on the fence about whether to remove Reels or not? Let’s weigh the pros and cons. On the one hand, if you like Reels or are a fan of TikTok, you might enjoy the added entertainment. On the other hand, if you’re not a fan of the new features Instagram introduced, you might want to disable or hide them.
Initially excited about Reels, I found them distracting over time. I decided to disable them and, honestly, my Instagram experience improved.
Conclusion
Summary and Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, folks! You now have a smorgasbord of options to disable Reels on Instagram. Whether you’re looking to turn off Instagram Reels, get rid of specific reels, or even install a previous version of the app on your Android device, the choice is entirely yours. You can even report reels that cross the line, especially those that are similar to TikTok but not quite your cup of tea.
After trying all these methods, I can say my Instagram feed is much more peaceful. I can finally focus on photos and videos that I actually care about.
Interestingly, a recent survey showed that 35% of Instagram users have either hidden or disabled Reels in 2023.
If you’re someone who wants to start using Instagram without the clutter of reels, remember there’s always a way to remove Instagram Reels. Whether you opt for the latest version that’s recently introduced a new feature or you want to jailbreak your device, there’s a way to get rid of those pesky 15-second distractions.
So go ahead, reclaim your Instagram experience and make it all about what you want to see. After all, social media should be a tool for connection, not a source of frustration. Happy scrolling!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct option to disable Instagram Reels?
Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t offer a direct option to disable Reels entirely. However, you can use some of the methods mentioned above to minimize or eliminate their presence on your feed.
Can I prevent Instagram from updating to keep the old version without Reels?
Yes, you can prevent Instagram from updating to keep an older version of the Instagram app that doesn’t have Reels. However, this might make your Instagram account more vulnerable to security risks.
Are there any browser versions of Instagram that don’t support Reels?
Yes, using Instagram on the browser often doesn’t support Instagram Reels, especially on some less common browsers. This way, you can enjoy Instagram without Reels cluttering your feed.
What are the alternatives to Instagram if I don’t like the new Reels feature?
If you don’t want to see Reels and are looking to remove them entirely, you might want to explore other social media platforms. Some bunch of apps allow users to create short-form videos similar to TikTok but without the Instagram-like interface.
Can I remove Reels from my Instagram feed on both iOS and Android?
Yes, most methods to remove Reels from Instagram work on both iOS and Android devices. Just follow the steps mentioned in the article, and you should be good to go.
Author Bio
Val Razo
Val Razo is a skilled professional in the field of Instagram Marketing. With over five years of experience as a freelance Social Media Marketing consultant, Val has assisted numerous small and medium-sized businesses in achieving their goals.
