Ever watched a super fast or slow-motion video on Instagram Story and thought, “How do they do that?” Good news—adjusting video speed is now easier than ever! Whether you’re sipping coffee in slow-mo or dancing at lightning speed, let’s break down how to speed up or slow down your videos for Instagram Stories.
We’ll keep this fun, simple, and beginner-friendly. Ready? Let’s go!
What’s the Big Deal About Video Speed?
Changing video speed is more than just a fun trick. It can:
- Make content more dramatic or exciting
- Add humor (hello slo-mo fails!)
- Keep your followers engaged
- Help you match the beat of a song perfectly
So yeah, it’s kind of awesome.
Using Instagram’s Built-In Features
Yes, Instagram has a few speed options built right in. But here’s the catch—it only works before you record.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open your Instagram app.
- Swipe right to open the Stories camera.
- On the left side, tap the “Speed” icon (it looks like 1x).
- Choose your speed:
- 0.3x or 0.5x to slow it down
- 2x or 3x to speed it up
- Now hit record and do your thing!
This method works great for real-time fun, like dancing, running, or flipping hair dramatically!
Want to Change Speed After Recording?
Instagram doesn’t let you change speed after recording in the app. Sad face, we know. 😢
But don’t worry. You’ve got options!
Option 1: Use a Third-Party Video Editing App
Apps like these make it super easy to adjust your video speed:
- CapCut (free and fabulous)
- InShot
- Adobe Premiere Rush
- iMovie (for all you iPhone folks)
Let’s take CapCut as an example:
- Download and open CapCut.
- Tap “New Project” and choose your video.
- Select the video on the timeline, then tap “Speed.”
- Use “Normal” to set one speed for the whole clip, or “Curve” to adjust parts.
- Tap Export when done, and upload it to your Instagram Story!
Easy peasy.
Option 2: Use Instagram Reels
Wait—aren’t we talking about Stories?
Yes. But here’s a trick… you can create a Reel using custom speed, then download and share it to Stories.
Here’s how:
- Open Instagram and go to Reels.
- Tap the Speed icon on the left.
- Choose your speed (same options as before – 0.3x to 3x).
- Record your video.
- Before posting it as a Reel, tap the Download button (usually a down arrow).
- Now go to your Story section and upload the saved Reel video. Boom!
Can You Slow Down or Speed Up a Live Video?
Unfortunately, no. Once a video is Live or already posted without speed changes, you can’t adjust it in Instagram.
Your best bet? Download it. Then edit it in a third-party app like we mentioned earlier.
Tips to Make Your Speedy Stories POP!
- Add music – Match slow videos with dreamy tunes, or fast ones with upbeat tracks.
- Keep it fun – Don’t overdo slow or fast effects. Use them to highlight moments.
- Use filters and stickers – A cool effect looks even cooler with some flair!
Final Thoughts
Speeding up or slowing down a video for your IG Story is easier than ever. Whether you use Instagram’s built-in tools or an app like CapCut, you’ve got creative power at your fingertips.
So go ahead—make your coffee pour slower, your dog run faster, or your laugh echo in slo-mo. Play around, have fun, and show off your style!
And remember: in the world of Instagram Stories, speed is everything—literally!
