Boost Engagement with Instagram’s Fast Forward Trick + 10 Reel Ideas for Small Businesses
Instagram recently added a subtle but powerful new feature: viewers can now press and hold on a reel to temporarily fast-forward it. This opens the door to a fun, interactive trend: where the creator invites their audience to hold a certain part of the screen to “speed things up.”
You’ve probably seen it in action:
A waiter walking toward the camera with a note saying “Hold the circle to make him go faster.”
A long coffee pour: “Hold here to speed things up.”
A dog doing something slowly: “Can you make him move faster?”
The result is that viewers stay longer, interact more, and feel like part of the moment. The added benefit is that Instagram sees this added engagement as a signal that the content is high-quality, and boosts it in the algorithm.
How to Use Fast Forward in Your Instagram Reel
Plan your clip: Choose a moment where something happens slowly or awkwardly. It could be a long walk, a slow reveal, or something intentionally boring.
Record your reel as usual: No special effect needed.
Add visual cues:
Use Instagram’s native text tool or upload a graphic from Canva.
Place a circle or button graphic about 1/3 from the top of the screen, on the left or right side. If it’s too far into the middle, it will trigger “pause” instead of “fast forward.”
Add a line of text telling the user what you want them to do.
Publish and watch engagement go up: Viewers love the feeling of doing something in a reel, even if they’re just holding their thumb down.
Reel Ideas for Small Businesses
Here are some fun and easy ways local or small businesses can use this trend to entertain their audience:
Cafés or Coffee Shops
Visual: Pouring a cup of coffee
Text: “Hold to speed up the pour…you know you want it faster ☕️”
Restaurants
Visual: Server walking slowly with a dessert
Text: “Hold the circle to get your tiramisu faster”
Boutiques or Retail Stores
Visual: Scrolling slowly through a rack of clothes
Text: “Hold to fast forward to the good stuff”
Visual: Stocking a shelf or rack
Text: “Hold to help me finish”
Salons or Spas
Visual: Applying a face mask or dying hair
Text: “Hold to skip to the results ”
Fitness Studios or Trainers
Visual: Doing a plank with a timer
Text: “Hold to help him/her get through this core burner faster”
Real Estate Agents
Visual: POV house tour, ending in the kitchen
Text: “Hold to get to the kitchen”
Florists
Visual: Arranging flowers slowly
Text: “Hold to see the bouquet come together”
Pet Groomers or Daycares
Visual: A dog slowly walking into a bath
Text: “Hold to end this dramatic boy’s pain quicker”
Photographers
Visual: Setting up a shoot
Text: “Hold to skip to the magic moment”
Event Planners
Visual: Slowly placing decor
Text: “Hold to see the transformation faster ”
Artists or Creators
Visual: Timelapse of you working
Text: “Hold to see the finished piece”
Pro Tips:
Place your text and circle high enough that people don’t accidentally trigger Instagram’s “pause” when they tap the middle.
Keep it light, funny, or dramatic — don’t over-explain.
Bonus: Use a trending sound underneath to increase reach.
👋 Want Help Turning Trends Into Leads?
At Chestnut Marketing, I help small businesses stay relevant, visible, and strategic, even on platforms that change every week. If you’re overwhelmed trying to keep up, let’s talk about a content strategy that makes sense for your goals. I’m based in North New Jersey, but can work with businesses anywhere.
