Instagram is testing the new picture photography feature for viewing reels, the company confirmed to TechCrunch on Tuesday. This feature allows users to view reels in small floating windows on the screen, while allowing users to view other apps and multitasking.
This feature was first discovered by app researcher Radu Oncescu. Users who are part of the test will see a popup notifying them about the new feature and how to turn it on.
Picture-in-pictures are great for multitasking, but they could also increase longer video retention, especially in an era of reduced attention. For example, if someone comes across a long reel, they can play in the background while doing other things, such as answering text or browsing Browsing X.
Apps like Tiktok and YouTube have been supporting art drawing for quite some time.
Adding similar features to Instagram could make it more likely that creators will retain their audience for longer content. And for Instagram, this means spending more time on the app.
The test launch follows a comment made by Instagram head Adam Mosseri a few months ago. At the time, Mosseri said, “When will they provide PIPs (photographs) like TT and YT?”
Instagram is testing its functionality with a small group of users starting. Like other test features, it is unclear when Instagram will be rolled out more widely.