Instagram is rolling out two major updates designed to refine how users interact with its platform. A native, fully optimized iPad application is now available, and the company is testing a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature that makes Reels virtually unpausable when multitasking.
The launch of the native iPad app is a significant milestone, addressing years of user requests. The app features an interface designed specifically for the tablet’s larger display, providing a much-improved experience for browsing, watching videos, and engaging with content compared to the previous scaled-up iPhone version.
The second major update is the PiP trial for Reels. This functionality allows a video to continue playing in a compact, floating window when a user switches to another application. It’s a direct solution to the common scenario where a viewer has to abandon a Reel to answer a quick text, thereby merging content consumption and communication.
For content creators, the PiP feature is particularly exciting. It has the potential to significantly increase video completion rates, as viewers will no longer be forced to drop out of a video to handle a notification. These updates collectively demonstrate Instagram’s focus on creating a more seamless and engaging user environment.