Instagram* is testing a picture-in-picture feature for viewing Reels

Instagram* has confirmed that it is testing a new “picture-in-picture” feature for viewing Reels. It allows users to watch Reels in a small floating window on the screen while continuing to use other apps at the same time, making it easier to multitask.

While picture-in-picture is useful for multitasking, it can also increase audience retention for long videos, especially in an era of shrinking attention spans. For example, a user could run a long video in the background while replying to messages or viewing X at the same time. Such features have previously been supported in TikTok and YouTube.

Implementing a similar feature on Instagram* could give content creators a better chance of keeping viewers engaged with long videos, and for the platform itself, it means more time spent in the app. Testing of the feature began with a small group of users. As with any test features, it’s not yet known when or if Instagram* will roll it out more broadly.

* Owned by Meta, it is recognized as an extremist organization in Russia and its activities are banned.