Instagram is reportedly testing a new feature that would allow users to continue watching Reels even while using other apps. According to early reports, the update introduces a picture-in-picture (PiP) mode for Reels, giving users greater flexibility to multitask without pausing their video entertainment.
Picture-in-Picture Experience on the Horizon
The PiP functionality is already common in video streaming apps like YouTube and Netflix, and now Instagram appears to be adopting it for short-form video content. This move is expected to significantly enhance user engagement, as people can browse, chat, or switch tasks on their devices while keeping Reels playing in a small floating window.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Use
Meta has consistently been pushing updates to make Instagram more interactive and video-focused. Over the past year, the platform has integrated longer Reels, collaborative features, and cross-platform sharing options. The addition of background play or PiP mode could position Instagram more competitively against TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
Availability and Testing Phase
As of now, the feature is in limited testing and has not been rolled out widely. Instagram has yet to provide an official confirmation or timeline for global release. If successful, this experiment could transform how users consume Reels, making it easier to stay entertained while navigating across multiple apps.