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New Delhi: Scrolling through Instagram Reels has become a common escape for many, but every time a WhatsApp message or email pops up, the video has to stop. Now, Instagram is testing a solution that could make that problem history. For several users, that could mean uninterrupted entertainment, right on their screens.
App researcher Radu Oncescu first spotted the test. Instagram isn’t launching the feature platform-wide just yet. Instead, a small group of users will see a pop-up, inviting them to try out PiP and learn how to activate it. In a digital world where attention spans are shrinking by the day, this feature might be the right fit at the right moment.
With PiP, users can minimize a Reel into a small floating window, freeing up their screens to multitask with other apps. Whether checking messages, firing off emails, or browsing on X, viewers won’t need to stop their video. For now, only users selected for the test will have access, but Instagram’s approach is simple—watch a Reel, shrink it down, and carry on with the rest of your screen.
Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head, hinted back in June that PiP was on the way, stating, “I would talk to the team and see if we can figure something out” after a user queried him about a PiP option similar to TikTok and YouTube.
For creators, this could be more than just a fresh tool. Longer Reels could see more eyes on them, since viewers can let a video play in the background while focusing elsewhere. Engagement, watch time, and creative reach may get a boost, changing how people consume longer-form content on Instagram.
TikTok and YouTube have offered PiP for quite some time, letting users multitask while videos keep playing. Now, even X(formerly Twitter) offers PiP for videos. Instagram’s new test brings it closer to these rivals, aligning with modern user habits. Those who like to keep their screens busy will undoubtedly find value in the new function.
People can, for example:
For now, Instagram’s PiP experiment is limited to a select group. It means the rest of Instagram’s audience will wait to see whether the feature gets a broader launch.
