Get Ready to Multitask: A Closer Look at Instagram’s New PiP Mode

Instagram is preparing to change the way you interact with Reels by introducing Picture-in-Picture (PiP) functionality. Let’s take a closer look at what this means for your daily scrolling habits. This new feature, currently in a test phase, is all about letting you do more at once.
At its core, PiP mode decouples the video from the app’s main interface. When you’re watching a Reel and switch to another app, the video will automatically shrink into a small, floating player. You can drag this player to any corner of your screen, allowing you to watch and listen while you text, email, or browse. This mirrors the functionality popularized by YouTube and is a major quality-of-life improvement.
The primary goal is to increase user engagement by reducing friction. Creators of longer content, in particular, will benefit as the “cost” of starting a video is lower when you know you won’t be trapped. A simple toggle in the three-dot menu will be available for anyone who wishes to disable this feature.
This video-focused enhancement is part of a larger update cycle that also includes the launch of an official Instagram app for the iPad. This provides a vastly superior experience for tablet users, ensuring that Instagram’s interface is optimized and enjoyable, no matter the device.