Product Introduction

1. Stop Reels is a Chrome extension that allows users to toggle social media reels on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok on or off while preserving other platform functionalities. It operates by selectively blocking reels and short-form video feeds without interfering with core features like direct messaging, profile management, or content posting. The extension integrates directly into the browser and requires no additional configuration beyond installation.
2. The core value lies in enabling users to avoid algorithmic video traps that contribute to excessive screen time while maintaining full access to essential communication and social networking tools. It prioritizes user control over content consumption without requiring complete platform abandonment.

Main Features

1. The extension provides a one-click toggle to disable or enable reels across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok through a unified interface. This toggle applies changes instantly without requiring page reloads or browser restarts.
2. It employs CSS/HTML element targeting combined with domain-specific script injection to selectively hide reel containers while leaving other page components fully functional. The technical implementation ensures compatibility with dynamic page updates common in single-page applications.
3. Users retain full access to non-reel features including direct messages, story viewing, comment sections, and profile customization tools. The extension maintains platform-specific functionality through whitelist protocols for critical UI elements.

Problems Solved

1. It addresses the compulsive consumption cycle caused by infinite-scroll video feeds that negatively impact productivity and mental health. By removing visual triggers for reel content, users avoid unintended browsing sessions.
2. The product serves professionals, students, and anyone seeking to minimize distractions while maintaining social media presence for communication or networking purposes. It specifically targets users who require partial rather than full platform restriction.
3. Typical scenarios include maintaining work focus during business hours while preserving after-work social media access, studying without video feed interruptions, or reducing addictive behaviors without social isolation from peer groups.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike full-site blockers that disable entire platforms, Stop Reels uses surgical content filtering that preserves 98% of platform functionality according to developer testing. This distinguishes it from nuclear options like website blockers or session timers.
2. The extension implements real-time DOM manipulation that adapts to platform UI changes through automated selector updates, requiring no manual user intervention for maintenance. This technical approach ensures compatibility with frequent social media interface updates.
3. Competitive advantages include zero data collection practices verified through Chrome Web Store disclosures, minimal performance impact (1.15MB size), and cross-platform support covering three major social networks in a single package.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Stop Reels affect messaging or other non-reel features? The extension specifically targets reel containers through element-level blocking, leaving all messaging systems, story features, and profile tools fully operational without performance degradation.
2. Which platforms and browsers are supported? The current version 1.0 supports Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok on all Chromium-based browsers including Chrome, Edge, and Opera, with no mobile browser compatibility at this time.
3. How does privacy protection work? As stated in the Chrome Web Store listing, the developer confirms no data collection occurs through the extension, with all filtering logic processed locally on the user's device without external server communication.
4. Can I temporarily re-enable reels? Users can toggle the extension on/off through the Chrome extension menu or custom keyboard shortcuts, allowing instant temporary access to reel content when desired.
5. Why does the extension show "No ratings" in the store? As a new release (launched April 2025), the extension has not yet accumulated user reviews, though similar products from the developer maintain high ratings across other workflow-focused tools.