Tech Desk 
Sep 03, 2025
Instagram announced on September 2 that it is testing a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for Reels, allowing users to watch short videos in a floating mini-window while browsing other content. The limited launch shows a “Try it” prompt, offering select users early access to the PiP feature.
TechCrunch reported that the feature was first spotted by app researcher Radu Oncescu. Users who are part of the test can see a pop-up notifying them about the new feature and how to turn it on.
According to the company, the Picture-in-Picture feature is great for multitasking, as it has the potential to increase retention for longer videos, especially in the era of shrinking attention spans.
“If someone comes across a long reel, they could have it playing in the background while doing other things like responding to a text or browsing X (formerly Twitter),” the company said.
The addition of a TikTok-like feature on Instagram could provide creators with an advanced option for retaining audiences for their longer content. And for Instagram, this would mean more time spent in its app.
Previously, Instagram Head Adam Mosseri suggested the possibility of introducing the PiP feature, which is currently in the testing phase.
At the time, Mosseri said he would “talk to the team and see if we can figure something out” in response to a question asking: “When will Instagram offer PIP like TikTok and YouTube?”
Instagram has yet to officially announce the launch of the PiP feature to the wider audience.
