Instagram wants to ensure you can keep your eyes on a Reel, even when you’re busy with other things. The platform is testing a new Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature that keeps videos playing in a floating window, enabling a new level of multitasking for its users.
This functionality, which is currently being tested by a select group, will allow a Reel to be minimized into a small, movable overlay on your screen when you switch to another application. This means you can continue to watch a creator’s content without being confined to the Instagram app, a convenience long offered by rivals like YouTube.
This is a strategic update designed to boost video consumption metrics. The longer a video is visible, the more engagement it can accrue, which is great news for content creators. They can expect viewers to stick with their longer Reels even if they get distracted by a notification. A simple toggle in the menu will allow users to turn the feature off.
In a related move to improve the viewing experience, Instagram has also released a fully optimized app for the iPad. The new application features layouts designed for larger screens, making it easier and more enjoyable to watch Reels and browse through your feed.