Instagram is preparing to let its Reels “pop out” of the main application, thanks to a new Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature currently in testing. This will allow users to keep watching short or long-form videos in a floating mini-player while they navigate their device and use other apps.
The platform is rolling this out to a select group of users for initial feedback. For these testers, a Reel will no longer stop when they switch applications; instead, it will transition into a small, movable window. This is a significant quality-of-life improvement that modernizes the Instagram experience and aligns it with user expectations set by other video-heavy platforms.
The introduction of PiP is also a strategic move to bolster creator metrics. The longer a video stays on screen, the better the engagement. This feature directly encourages longer viewing sessions by removing the need for a user’s undivided attention. Of course, for those who prefer the current system, a simple off-switch will be included in the Reel’s menu.
In other platform news, Instagram has also launched a dedicated app for iPad users. This new app is fully optimized for the tablet’s larger screen, offering a more comfortable and immersive way to interact with content, from photos to long-form Reels.