The days of saying “hold on, watching a video” might be numbered. Instagram is experimenting with a much-anticipated Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, a feature that will let users keep watching Reels while they reply to messages or use other apps, making multitasking on the platform smoother than ever.
The new function, which is currently being tested with a small group of users, works by shrinking the Reel into a compact, floating window as soon as you navigate away from it. This seamless transition is designed to make the platform feel more integrated with your device’s core communication functions, acknowledging that social life doesn’t stop for content.
This is a strategic move that could significantly boost engagement metrics for creators. When viewers can watch a video to the end even while handling a quick text, video completion rates are likely to soar. This allows content to coexist with a user’s social life, rather than being in direct competition with it for their undivided attention.
In another major platform enhancement, Instagram is also launching a dedicated application for the iPad. Tablet users will no longer have to settle for an imperfect, scaled-up phone app. The new, optimized experience promises to make browsing and engaging with content on a larger screen more intuitive and visually pleasing.