How to Stop Videos from Automatically Playing on Instagram

Introduce

Consider this: You're relaxingly going through your friends' stories on Instagram and taking in all of the beautiful pictures. You are startled out of your browsing ecstasy when a loud video bursts into action. Not only is it annoying, but if you're not using Wi-Fi, it uses up all of your valuable mobile data.

This is the regrettable truth about Instagram autoplay. For some, it may be convenient, but for many, it comes as an unpleasant surprise. But fear not, fellow scrollers! Here's your guide to silencing the autoplay mayhem and taking back control of your Instagram experience.

The Autoplay Dilemma

There's no denying the appeal of autoplay. It keeps the content flowing and can be a great way to discover new accounts. However, the downsides are significant.

• Data Drain: Autoplaying videos can eat through your mobile data allowance in a flash. This can be particularly problematic if you have a limited data plan.
• Disruption: Unexpectedly loud videos can be startling, especially in quiet environments. It can throw off your browsing rhythm and make it difficult to focus on specific content.

How to Stop Videos from Automatically Playing on Instagram?

The good news is that you can turn off autoplay on Instagram. Whether you use an Android or iPhone, here's how to accomplish it on your mobile app.

1. Navigating Your Settings (Mobile App):

• iOS Users:

Step 1. Launch the Instagram app and tap the lower right corner of your profile photo.

Step 2. To open the Settings menu, tap the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner.

Step 3. Scroll down and select "Account".

Step 4. Within "Account," tap on "Cellular Data Use".

Step 5. Toggle on the switch next to "Use Less Data".

• Android Users:

Step 1. Open the Instagram app and tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner.

Step 2. Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to access the Settings menu.

Step 3. Scroll down and select "Settings".

Step 4. Tap on "Account".

Step 5. Within "Account", select "Cellular Data Use".

Step 5. Toggle on the switch next to "Data Saver".

2. Wi-Fi vs. Cellular Data Considerations:

Videos won't automatically play on cellular data if "Use Less Data" or "Data Saver" is enabled, but they won't always stop on Wi-Fi. You're set if all you want to do is avoid playback when using cellular data. However, if you want complete control over autoplay regardless of connection, keep reading!

Muting the Madness: Additional Control Options

Here are some additional ways to manage autoplay on Instagram:

• Muting Individual Reels: Reels, Instagram's short-form video format, can be particularly disruptive. Fortunately, you can mute individual Reels. Simply tap on the video to unmute the sound if needed.
• Third-Party Apps (Android Only): It's important to note that unlike iOS, Android offers limited options within the Instagram app itself for further controlling autoplay. Although some third-party programs assert to provide more precise control over autoplay, you should use caution before downloading any software. Before installing an app, always check its reputation and reviews, and give preference to those that have robust privacy policies.

Additional Tips for Data-Conscious Browsing

Disabling autoplay is a great first step, but here are some additional tips for data-conscious browsing on Instagram:

• Pre-loading Comments and Likes: Instagram pre-loads comments and likes when you hover over a post. To disable this, turn off "Pre-load Comments" and "Pre-load Likes" in the "Cellular Data Use" settings.
• Using Wi-Fi Whenever Possible: Connecting to Wi-Fi hotspots whenever available is the best way to save on mobile data. This ensures smooth browsing without worrying about data consumption.

Conclusion

By taking control of autoplay and utilizing these additional tips, you can transform your Instagram experience. No more unexpected blasts of music or data-draining surprises. Now you can scroll through your feed peacefully, enjoying content at your own pace and saving precious mobile data for what truly matters.

Bonus Tip: Save Pictures and Videos from Instagram Directly

Saving pictures and videos from Instagram can be a bit tricky, especially when you want to keep those precious moments without a hassle. Fortunately, there are tools that simplify the process, making it easier to archive your favorite content. One standout option is MultCloud, a powerful cloud management service that allows you to effortlessly transfer, manage, and save your media across multiple cloud platforms. With features like direct downloads, bulk transfers, and seamless integration with various cloud services, MultCloud provides the ultimate solution for anyone looking to streamline their Instagram media collection.