Instagram has begun testing a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature for Reels, allowing users to watch videos in a floating window while navigating other apps. The Meta-owned platform confirmed the trial to TechCrunch on Tuesday.
First spotted by app researcher Radu Oncescu, the feature notifies selected users via a pop-up explaining how to enable it. With PiP, viewers can keep Reels playing in the background while replying to messages, browsing X, or using other applications — an option designed to prevent drop-offs during longer videos.
TikTok and YouTube already offer PiP playback, and Instagram’s move signals an effort to match its rivals’ user experience. For creators, this addition could help increase retention rates, while Instagram benefits from longer user engagement and more active app usage.
The test comes after Instagram head Adam Mosseri earlier this year acknowledged user interest in PiP, saying he would “talk to the team and see if we can figure something out.” Currently, the feature is being trialed with a small group of users, and Instagram has not confirmed if or when it will roll out globally.
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