To reverse a video for Instagram, reverse the clip before you post it, then upload it as a Reel or Story. Meta's free Edits app has a Reverse button, and the free MobileStudio Reverse Video tool does it in your phone's browser for clips up to 30 seconds, with no app. For a forward-and-back loop instead, use Instagram's Boomerang camera, or make your own boomerang from any video.
The short answer
| Goal | What to do |
|---|---|
| A Reel that plays backwards | Reverse in the browser or in Meta's Edits app, upload as a Reel |
| A Story that plays backwards | Same, then post to your Story |
| Forward-then-back loop | Boomerang mode in the Stories camera |
| Reverse part of a Reel | Reverse that clip, then add it to the Reel |
Can Instagram reverse a video?
Instagram's own Reels editor focuses on trimming, text, stickers, music, and effects. Meta's separate Edits app, made for Reels creators, added a Reverse button: select a clip in the timeline and tap Reverse. It started rolling out on iOS in the US in late 2025, as INMA reported, and reversing a clip there removes its audio. If Edits isn't available to you, reverse the clip in your browser before uploading, which also gives you a file for TikTok and Shorts.
How do I reverse a video for Instagram Reels?
- Open Reverse Video in Safari or Chrome on your phone.
- Pick the clip (up to 30 seconds).
- Tap Reverse & export and download the MP4.
- In Instagram, tap +, choose Reel, and select the reversed video.
- Add music from Instagram's library, then share.
The reversed MP4 is silent, so Instagram's audio fits on top.
How do I make an Instagram Boomerang?
Open the Stories camera, swipe to Boomerang, and hold the button for a burst. Instagram plays it forward and backward in a loop. Boomerang only works when you're recording in the app. To make a boomerang from a video you already have, see how to make a boomerang video.
What size should a reversed Reel be?
9:16 vertical, 1080×1920. Instagram accepts Reels between 1.91:1 and 9:16, according to its Reels help page, and recommends at least 30 fps. If your clip is landscape, crop it with the crop tool first, and keep the reverse tool's frame rate at 30 fps for smooth motion. See how to crop a video for Instagram.
How do I reverse a video on iPhone for Instagram?
iPhone's Photos app can't reverse video, so use the browser tool in Safari. On Android, Google Photos can't either, as its editing help shows; use Chrome. Details in how to reverse a video on iPhone.
How do I reverse a Story that's already posted?
You can't edit a posted Story's playback direction. Save it to your phone from the Story viewer, reverse the saved video with the browser tool, and post the reversed version as a new Story. Delete the original if you only want the reversed one visible.
What reversed Reels work well?
| Idea | Tip |
|---|---|
| Transformation reveals | Film the "after" first, then reverse |
| Liquid or food | Pouring and splashing look great backwards |
| Throw and catch | Drop something, then reverse it |
| Rewind gag | Reverse the last second of a fail |
Keep the camera still and the motion simple. For more ideas, see how to reverse a video. On a Mac, you can also reverse with iMovie's speed controls, as Apple's iMovie speed guide describes.
Where MobileStudio fits
Reverse Video is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns screen recordings of your app into polished demos ready for Reels. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
How do I reverse a video on Instagram?
Use the Reverse button in Meta's Edits app, or reverse it with Reverse Video, then upload it as a Reel or Story.
Is Boomerang the same as reverse?
No. Boomerang plays forward then backward; reverse plays only backward.
Can I make a Boomerang from an existing video?
Yes: reverse a copy and join it to the original. See the boomerang guide.
Why is my reversed Reel silent?
The reversed MP4 has no audio. Add music in Instagram.
What frame rate should a reversed Reel be?
30 fps or more, for smooth playback.
