New Instagram Update: Picture-in-Picture Viewing for Reels
Instagram is currently testing a new feature for its Reels: picture-in-picture (PiP) mode. This new option lets users keep watching a Reel in a small window even when they leave the app. The feature is being shown to some users with a prompt to try it out, and a new setting for PiP has also appeared. This is a big step for Instagram, as it lets people do other things on their phone, like checking messages, while a video keeps playing.
Bringing a Popular Feature to Instagram
This change is all about making the app more useful for people who like to multitask. Both TikTok and YouTube already have this PiP function, which allows users to watch videos outside of their apps. By adding this feature, Instagram is catching up to its rivals.
The goal is to keep users engaged and watching content for longer, as they won’t have to stay in the app to finish a video. This new viewing option could help increase how long people watch content and boost a video’s reach.
How it Benefits Both Viewers and Creators
For regular users, picture-in-picture makes watching Reels much more flexible. You can start a video and then switch to another app without the video stopping. This makes the experience smoother and more convenient.
For creators, this is good news too. The ability for viewers to keep watching while doing other tasks means a higher chance of a video being watched all the way through. This can improve a creator’s “retention rate,” a key metric for success. This new feature shows that Instagram is listening to what users want and is working to improve the Reel experience for everyone.
