Instagram, part of Meta’s social media portfolio, is actively experimenting with a new Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for Reels. This feature will let users play short videos in a floating window while continuing to use other apps on their devices. The addition aims to increase engagement by encouraging users to watch more content without interruption.
With competitors such as YouTube and TikTok already offering PiP modes, Instagram’s move signals a clear step toward parity in functionality, while also opening doors for longer and more continuous video sessions.
What is Picture-in-Picture (PiP)?
Picture-in-Picture is a multitasking feature that allows a video to play in a small, movable window that floats above other apps. This means a user could start watching a Reel on Instagram, exit the app, and still keep the video running while checking email, messaging friends, or browsing the web.
For Instagram, this means that Reels are no longer confined to app-only sessions but can be part of a user’s multitasking habits.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Name | Picture-in-Picture (PiP) for Instagram Reels |
| Purpose | Allows Reels to play in a floating window while using other apps |
| Discovery | Found by app researcher Radu Oncescu on Threads |
| Confirmation | Confirmed by Meta |
| Activation | Prompt “Try picture in picture” with toggle in the three-dot menu |
| Primary Benefit | Enables multitasking while consuming video content |
| Comparisons | Similar to TikTok and YouTube PiP modes |
| Status | Limited test rollout, timeline for global launch not announced |
Official Site: Meta Newsroom
How the Feature Works
According to reports and early testers:
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When users open a Reel, a pop-up prompt appears with the invitation: “Try Picture in Picture.”
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Once enabled, the Reel continues to play in a smaller floating window.
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The floating window can be moved across the screen for convenience.
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PiP can be disabled at any time from the three-dot menu inside the Reel playback screen.
This straightforward activation flow ensures even casual users can experiment without additional settings.
Discovery and Confirmation
The test was first revealed by app researcher Radu Oncescu, who posted screenshots on Threads. His discovery quickly gained traction, showing how the new feature looked in practice.
Meta later confirmed that the PiP experiment is being tested with a limited group of users. However, the company did not specify whether the rollout is global or restricted to certain regions.
Why Meta is Testing PiP
Meta’s primary goal with PiP appears to be user engagement and retention. Reels are one of the platform’s strongest growth drivers, but they also compete directly with TikTok and YouTube Shorts. By allowing users to keep Reels active in the background, Meta ensures that people spend more cumulative time watching, even when switching tasks.
This is especially useful for longer Reels, which might otherwise be skipped if users felt constrained to remain inside Instagram during playback.
User Benefits
The new feature offers several advantages for end users:
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Multitasking freedom – Users can watch videos while replying to messages, reading articles, or browsing.
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Time efficiency – Reels play seamlessly in the background without pausing app usage.
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Flexibility – The PiP window can be repositioned, minimizing disruption to other activities.
Such benefits could encourage greater loyalty among users who juggle multiple apps at once.
Instagram Leadership’s Input
Earlier in 2025, Instagram head Adam Mosseri acknowledged that the team was exploring PiP following frequent user requests. He hinted that the feature was under review and would be tested when ready. This current rollout is a direct outcome of those discussions.
Comparisons with Competitors
Both TikTok and YouTube already provide PiP features, particularly for premium or app-based users. Instagram has been slower to adopt this functionality, but its addition could help close competitive gaps.
With PiP, Instagram Reels may become a stronger rival for audiences who want multitasking convenience.
Availability and Rollout
Currently, PiP is limited to a small test group. Meta has not provided:
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A timeline for global release
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Information about which regions are included in the initial rollout
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Whether PiP will be available on both iOS and Android simultaneously
Given Meta’s approach to feature testing, the rollout will likely expand gradually once technical performance and user response are validated.
FAQs
Q1: What is Instagram’s Picture-in-Picture feature?
A. It allows users to keep Reels playing in a floating window while using other apps.
Q2: Who can access it right now?
A. Only a limited group of users selected by Meta are included in the current test.
Q3: How do I enable it?
A. Users receive a pop-up prompt saying “Try picture in picture.” After enabling, PiP can be managed in the three-dot menu.
Q4: Can I turn it off?
A. Yes, PiP can be disabled at any time via the menu options during playback.
Q5: Is it available on both iOS and Android?
A. Meta has not confirmed exact availability yet.
Q6: When will it launch globally?
A. No official launch date has been provided.
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