Instagram is testing a Picture in Picture feature that will let users watch Reels in a small floating window while they switch to other apps. TechCrunch confirmed the test and explained how the pop up explains the new control and how to turn it on for those selected.
How it works
The test appears on iOS and shows a small player that floats over other apps. People in the test see a message that explains the feature and offers an option to enable it. The feature keeps video playback running while a person answers messages browses other apps or looks up something online. The test was first posted by app researcher Radu Oncescu who shared a screenshot and brief details on Threads and X.
Why it matters
Picture in Picture is already common on other short video platforms. Instagram adding it could help creators keep viewers on longer and could help the app recover time that users now spend in other services. Adam Mosseri previously said the team should build PiP and he noted the idea as a sensible next step for Instagram. Adding PiP may raise average watch times for longer Reels and make multitasking viewing easier for busy users.
A few practical notes
The test is small and Instagram may change how it works before a wider rollout. Users who value uninterrupted full screen viewing can leave PiP off. Creators who publish longer Reels should watch engagement metrics if the feature arrives more broadly. App makers often roll features to a subset of users to check stability and to tune controls before launching them to everyone.
This test shows how short form video keeps evolving across apps. If Instagram rolls Picture in Picture out widely it will make multitasking while watching Reels easier and it will give creators a new way to keep attention. For now, wait to see if the feature expands beyond the initial testers and then check how it affects your own viewing and posting habits.
