Autoplay videos have become one of the most frustrating parts of using social media. You’re scrolling casually, and suddenly a video starts blasting sound or eating up your data. While platforms say autoplay keeps users “engaged,” the reality is that many people find it intrusive, distracting, and even harmful for their mental health. The good news is: you don’t have to put up with it. Almost every major platform now lets you turn off autoplay—if you know where to look.
Why Autoplay Can Be a Problem
Autoplay might feel like a small annoyance, but it has bigger implications. For one, it can drain your mobile data quickly, especially if you’re on limited plans. It also contributes to doomscrolling, since platforms use autoplay to keep you hooked longer. And for younger users, autoplay often means stumbling onto content they didn’t choose to see. Turning it off puts control back in your hands.
Turning Off Autoplay on Facebook
On Facebook, head to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Media. There, you’ll see the option to turn off autoplay videos. You can choose to stop autoplay completely or only when using mobile data.
Turning Off Autoplay on Instagram
Instagram ties its settings closely to Facebook. Open your profile > Settings > Account > Cellular Data Use, then toggle off Autoplay Videos. This ensures videos won’t automatically play when you’re scrolling.
Turning Off Autoplay on X (formerly Twitter)
Go to Settings and Privacy > Accessibility, display, and languages > Data usage. There you’ll find the Autoplay option. Set it to “Never” if you want full control.
Turning Off Autoplay on YouTube
On YouTube, autoplay applies to both the main feed and when you finish a video. To stop it, tap the Autoplay toggle at the top of the video player. For the feed, go to Settings > Autoplay and switch it off.
TikTok: The Exception
Unlike other platforms, TikTok doesn’t let you disable autoplay entirely, since the whole app is built around it. However, you can reduce distractions by turning on “Reduced Motion” in your device accessibility settings or limiting usage with TikTok’s built-in Screen Time controls.
Why Taking Control Matters
Turning off autoplay won’t magically fix social media’s attention traps, but it’s a small step toward reclaiming your browsing habits. Instead of letting algorithms dictate what you see next, you decide when and how to engage with content.
Autoplay is designed for platforms, not for you. By switching it off, you’re choosing a more intentional, less overwhelming way to use social media.
