Instagram is testing Picture-in-Picture for Reels, letting users keep a video playing in a small floating window while they hop into other apps. The idea is simple: watch a Reel while replying to messages, browsing X, or checking email—without losing your place.
The feature was first spotted by app researcher Radu Oncescu. Participants in the test will see a pop-up explaining the new option and how to turn it on. For now, it’s limited to a small group, and there’s no confirmed timeline for a wider rollout.
Why it matters: Picture-in-Picture can boost multitasking and improve watch time on longer Reels. Instead of abandoning a video when something else demands attention, users can let it play in the corner of the screen. That’s a win for creators looking to retain viewers on extended content and, naturally, for Instagram as it encourages more time spent in-app.
Instagram’s move follows months-old comments from head Adam Mosseri, who indicated PiP support was on the roadmap after being asked when Instagram would offer a feature similar to what’s available on other platforms. TikTok and YouTube have supported Picture-in-Picture for some time, so Instagram adding it helps close a gap for users who prefer to multitask.
As with any test, availability may change, and Instagram hasn’t committed to a full release. If it expands, expect to see more creators experimenting with longer Reels, knowing viewers can stick around even while juggling other tasks.
