Instagram users are receiving a major two-pronged upgrade to the platform, with the company testing Picture-in-Picture (PiP) for video and launching official tablet support with a new iPad app. These updates work together to create a more modern and versatile user experience.
The first prong, PiP for Reels, addresses the need for seamless multitasking. This feature, currently in a limited trial, allows a video to continue playing in a floating window when a user switches to another app. This is a critical functionality for a video-heavy platform, aimed at increasing viewer retention and session length.
The second prong, the native iPad app, provides a long-awaited, optimized experience for tablet users. The new app features a redesigned interface that takes advantage of the larger screen, with a dedicated Following tab and refreshed layouts. This makes browsing and watching content more intuitive and visually appealing.
Together, these two upgrades signal Instagram’s commitment to improving its core functionality across multiple devices and use cases. While PiP is still in testing, its potential, combined with the new iPad app, points to a more flexible and user-friendly future for the platform.