Instagram is testing a transformative new feature that will allow Reels to “float” on your screen while you use other apps. This Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is designed to offer a non-stop viewing experience, fundamentally changing how users multitask while consuming video content on the platform.
The feature, currently available to a small test group, works by minimizing the Reel into a small, movable window when the user navigates away from the app. This means you can keep watching a creator’s latest video while ordering food, checking the weather, or browsing another social feed. The aim is to make video content a more persistent and integrated part of the daily mobile experience.
This update is a massive boon for content creators. By removing the need to choose between watching a video and doing something else, Instagram is paving the way for higher audience retention and increased watch times. A successful test phase, expected in the coming weeks, will likely lead to a global rollout. The platform has also confirmed that users can easily opt-out of the feature.
This push towards a more flexible video experience is further highlighted by the release of a brand-new Instagram app for iPad. Tailored for larger screens, the app provides an optimized layout that makes watching Reels and browsing content more immersive and enjoyable for tablet users.
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