Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for Reels allows users to watch short videos in a floating window even after leaving the app. This is considered a step forward to increase the multi- tasks experience and compete directly with competitors such as YouTube or TikTok.
This new feature was first discovered by applied researcher Radu Oncescu on Threads. Meta ( Instagram's parent company) confirmed to TechCrunch that the PiP mode is being tested to a small group of users.
When available in the account, Instagram will display the notification: "Try Image mode in the photo. turn on this feature to continue viewing floating window footage on your device after you leave Instagram.
According to experts, PiP mode not only makes it more convenient for users to watch videos while doing other things such as answering messages, booking a car or finding food, but can also significantly increase the application usage time and video storage time.
This brings great benefits to content creators, especially for long-term Reels. Users can also turn off this mode if they don't want to use it.
However, there is currently no official information on when the feature will be expanded to all global users.
Notably, at the beginning of the year, Instagram Director Adam Mosseri revealed the addition of PiP mode to answer the community's question: "When will Instagram support PIP like TikTok and YouTube?".
Compared to two rival platforms that have adopted this feature early, Instagram is considered slow, but the new move shows efforts to catch up with the trend.
Instagram's testing of Picture-in-Picture for Reels is expected to bring a more flexible experience to users, while expanding reach and audience retention for content creators on the platform.
