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Instagram is taking multitasking on your phone to a whole new level. Meta’s beloved platform is reportedly testing a Picture-in-Picture feature for Reels, letting users watch short videos in a floating window while scrolling through other apps. The experiment, confirmed by Meta, is currently in the hands of a select group of users and was first spotted by app researcher Radu Oncescu, who shared screenshots on Threads.
Here’s how it works: eligible users receive a pop-up prompt inviting them to “Try Picture in Picture.” Once activated, Reels continue playing in a small floating window even after you leave the Instagram app. You can toggle the feature on or off anytime in the app settings. It’s simple, sleek, and designed to keep videos alive while your attention flits elsewhere.
Instagram may have taken its sweet time rolling out PiP, especially while competitors like TikTok and YouTube have already offered similar functionality. But the wait seems worth it. Running Reels in the background could boost engagement and retention, especially for longer videos that might otherwise be skipped. Users get to multitask, and creators get more eyeballs on their content.
For Meta, it’s a strategic play. With shrinking attention spans and mobile users juggling apps constantly, PiP could help content stay visible and relevant even while people switch tasks. It also strengthens Instagram’s hold in the short-form video space, giving creators more ways to connect with audiences.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri teased the idea months ago, responding to user requests by promising to “talk to the team and see if we can figure something out.” Now, that promise is finally coming to life, bringing floating Reels, multitasking magic, and a little more joy to scrolling addicts everywhere.
**This news was published on Times of India on 3rd September, 2025
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