It looks like Instagram doesn’t plan to stop treating its users anytime soon, as Code Hacker Jane Manchun Wong recently tweeted about a much needed feature, which is being tested on Android by the social media platform. The same feature was also spotted by several iOS users back in 2017 and 2018.
According to Wong's tweet, Instagram is testing the video seekbar option on Android smartphones, which will allow users to find and access the parts of a video they want to watch. A Gif was also attached with the tweet, giving a sneak peek at how to use the feature.
Although the seekbar or playbar option is quite common, especially on media-oriented platforms, Instagram doesn’t provide this functionality publicly (though it does, on IGTV videos). It is believed that the main reason behind it is that the platform only allows videos of up to 60 seconds to be posted, so a seekbar might not be that important. However, for users looking for a specific moment or shot in a video, it can be very helpful.
Video: Ekşioğlu / YouTube
If the feature rolls out, chances are there will be a few restrictions initially. Firstly, swiping through posts will not be allowed as only one video will be viewable at a time. Additionally, links will not be allowed to be posted along with the captions.
It’s still unclear when Instagram plans on rolling out this feature to all users. Although the tweet by Wong suggested that it is close to be ready, it can be put on the shelf if the developers decides to take their time and do more with the feature before releasing it.
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According to Wong's tweet, Instagram is testing the video seekbar option on Android smartphones, which will allow users to find and access the parts of a video they want to watch. A Gif was also attached with the tweet, giving a sneak peek at how to use the feature.
Instagram is testing video seekbar pic.twitter.com/gyIZZhrh2y— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) March 27, 2019
Although the seekbar or playbar option is quite common, especially on media-oriented platforms, Instagram doesn’t provide this functionality publicly (though it does, on IGTV videos). It is believed that the main reason behind it is that the platform only allows videos of up to 60 seconds to be posted, so a seekbar might not be that important. However, for users looking for a specific moment or shot in a video, it can be very helpful.
Video: Ekşioğlu / YouTube
If the feature rolls out, chances are there will be a few restrictions initially. Firstly, swiping through posts will not be allowed as only one video will be viewable at a time. Additionally, links will not be allowed to be posted along with the captions.
It’s still unclear when Instagram plans on rolling out this feature to all users. Although the tweet by Wong suggested that it is close to be ready, it can be put on the shelf if the developers decides to take their time and do more with the feature before releasing it.
Read Next: Instagram Story Ads can now Include Poll Sticker to Maximize User Interactivity!
