Instagram is finally bridging a major feature gap with its competitors by testing Picture-in-Picture (PiP) support for Reels. This functionality, a standard on apps like YouTube and TikTok, allows users to multitask by continuing to watch videos in a small, floating window while using other apps. The move signals Meta’s commitment to making its video content more accessible and less restrictive.
The test is currently live for a small subset of users, who are being introduced to the feature via pop-up notifications. When active, leaving the Instagram app while a Reel is playing will automatically minimize it into a PiP window. This is especially useful for longer-form content, as it reduces the chance of a viewer leaving the video entirely just to answer a quick message. The implementation is expected to be straightforward, with a simple toggle in the three-dot menu to disable it if desired.
This is a strategic move that benefits both viewers and creators. Viewers gain the convenience of multitasking without interruption, while creators stand to gain higher watch times and more sustained engagement on their content. By keeping the video on-screen, Instagram hopes to boost its video consumption metrics and keep users locked into its ecosystem for longer periods.
In a parallel development aimed at enhancing the viewing experience, Instagram has also released its long-awaited native app for the iPad. This version is designed from the ground up for the tablet’s larger display, offering a refreshed interface and easier navigation. The simultaneous rollout of these two features underscores a major push to improve Instagram’s video capabilities across multiple devices.