Meta has officially confirmed that it is piloting a floating video player for Instagram Reels. This feature, technically known as Picture-in-Picture (PiP), allows users to multitask by keeping a video on-screen even when they are using other applications.
The pilot program is currently limited to a small number of users who are providing feedback on the new functionality. For these users, leaving the Instagram app during Reel playback minimizes the video into a movable overlay rather than stopping it completely. This is a direct response to long-standing user requests for more flexible video controls.
This is a strategic move aimed at boosting key video metrics. By making it easier to watch content to the end, Meta hopes to increase total watch time on Instagram, which benefits the platform’s advertising model and its creator ecosystem. A successful pilot will likely lead to a broader rollout, with user controls to disable the feature.
In a related and equally significant announcement, a new Instagram app has been launched for the iPad. This dedicated app replaces the previous scaled-up iPhone version and offers an experience fully optimized for the tablet’s larger display and form factor.