Changing the video speed on Instagram Story is a fun way to grab attention. Want to slow down a moment for drama or speed it up for energy? You can do it easily with the right tools.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to speed up or slow down a video before posting it to your Instagram Story.
Let’s dive in and give your stories a creative twist!
How to Change Video Speed in Instagram
Instagram does offer some tools to change video speed. But it’s important to know where these tools are and when you can use them.
You’ll find the built-in speed controls while recording with the Instagram camera. These features are mainly available in Reels or Stories creation mode.
Recording with Speed Effects Directly on Instagram
When you open the camera in the Instagram app to create a Story or Reel, you’ll often see various icons on the side.
1. Go to create a Story or Reel, and look for the speed icon on the side of the screen. It’s usually labeled with numbers like 0.5x, 1x, 2x, or 3x.
2. Pick a speed setting. Tap the speed you want to use before you start recording.
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0.5x – Slow-motion
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1x – Normal speed (default)
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2x / 3x or more – Fast-motion
3. Once you press the record button, Instagram will film at the speed you chose. The effect is applied instantly—no need to edit afterward!
To use this, you simply select the desired speed *before* you start recording. The video will then be captured at that altered speed from the moment you press the record button until you release it. This method is great if you’re shooting new content specifically for your Story and want to apply the speed change instantly.
The Challenge with Existing Videos
Here’s the key point that often confuses users: Instagram’s speed tool only works during live recording. You can’t use it on videos already saved to your camera roll.
Once you upload a video into the Instagram Story editor, there’s no built-in way to change its speed. There’s no slider or button for that.
If you want to speed up or slow down a video you didn’t record live in the app, you’ll need to use other tools.
Using External Apps to Change Video Speed
Since Instagram’s Story editor doesn’t allow post-capture speed adjustments for uploaded videos, the most effective and common method is to use a third-party video editing app *before* you bring the video into Instagram. There are numerous free and paid video editing apps available for both iOS and Android devices.
How External Apps Work:
The process using an external app is generally straightforward:
1. Download and open a video editing app of your choice.
2. Open the app and import the video from your camera roll.
3. Tap on the video and find the speed option in the editing tools.
4. Choose your desired speed (e.g., 0.5x for slow or 2x for fast).
5. Preview the video and check if you’re happy with the result.
6. Save or export the edited video to your camera roll.
7. Open Instagram and upload the edited video to your Story.
Popular examples of apps with speed adjustment features include InShot, CapCut, Adobe Premiere Rush, KineMaster, and even your phone’s built-in photo/video editor might offer basic speed changes.
Tips for Creative Speed Effects in Stories
Changing video speed can make your Stories more eye-catching. Use slow motion to add drama or highlight small details. Fast motion works well for time-lapses, how-to clips, or adding humor.
Keep in mind that Stories are short, so make your speed edits quick and fun. After adjusting the speed, add music or text in the Instagram editor to make your video even better.
Instagram’s built-in speed tools only work while recording live. If you want to edit a saved video, you’ll need a third-party app.
These apps let you speed up or slow down clips before uploading. With just a few edits, you can add style and energy to your Stories—whether it’s a dramatic slow-mo or a fast-forward burst of action.
Final Thoughts
Changing the speed of your video can make your Instagram Stories more fun, dramatic, or exciting. While Instagram doesn’t let you adjust the speed of videos already saved to your phone, easy workarounds are using other apps.
Now that you know how to speed up or slow down your videos, try it out and see what fits your style best.
Ready to make your next Story stand out? Start editing and share something awesome today!
FAQs: How to Speed Up Video on Instagram Story (and Slow It Down Too)
Can I change the speed of a video already on my phone?
Instagram doesn’t let you adjust the speed of videos you’ve already recorded and saved. The speed tools only work when recording directly inside the app. To speed up or slow down an existing video, you’ll need to edit it in another app like CapCut or InShot. Once edited, you can upload it to your Story as usual.
Which apps can I use to change video speed before uploading to Instagram?
There are many free apps that let you control video speed. Popular ones include CapCut, InShot, VN Video Editor, and iMovie for iOS users. These apps are easy to use and let you choose exact speed settings. After editing, just save the video and upload it to Instagram.
Does changing video speed affect sound?
Yes, it does. Speeding up a video will make the sound higher and faster, while slowing it down makes the sound deeper and slower. Many people choose to mute the original sound and add music instead. You can add music using the Instagram Story tools after uploading.