Instagram’s Answer to Interrupted Videos: Floating Reels Are on the Way

If you’ve ever felt the frustration of having to cut a great video short to answer a text, Instagram has heard you. A new feature, currently in a limited trial, introduces Picture-in-Picture (PiP) for Reels, allowing videos to continue playing in a small, floating window while you navigate elsewhere on your phone.
This functionality is designed to be intuitive and automatic. As soon as you switch from a Reel to another app, the video player will shrink and hover on your screen, ensuring you don’t miss a moment. This removes the friction between staying entertained and staying connected, letting both activities happen at once. The option to disable the feature will be available for those who prefer the traditional, full-screen experience.
The implications for content creators are profound. Video completion rate is a key metric for success, and this PiP mode is expected to provide a significant boost. By keeping the content visible even during interruptions, creators can better retain their audience’s attention, leading to better performance for their Reels.
This user-centric update is being launched alongside another major enhancement: a dedicated iPad application. Providing an optimized tablet experience makes the platform more accessible and enjoyable on larger screens, perfect for a more leaned-back, immersive viewing session. These updates demonstrate Instagram’s commitment to refining its core user experience.