Instagram is rolling out a pair of user-first updates designed to make the platform more convenient and enjoyable. The company has launched a native iPad application and has begun testing a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode that will allow Reels to play in a floating window.
The new iPad app is a massive quality-of-life improvement, offering an interface specifically designed for the tablet’s screen. This optimized experience makes scrolling, viewing photos, and watching videos feel natural and immersive, a stark contrast to the previous, less-than-ideal scaled-up phone app.
The PiP feature test is all about multitasking. It lets you continue watching a Reel in a small, resizable window even after you’ve switched to another app. This means you can answer a message from a friend without having to pause your video, seamlessly blending your social and entertainment activities.
These changes are also a win for content creators. The improved iPad experience provides a better canvas for their work, while the PiP mode helps combat viewer drop-off. By allowing videos to play through interruptions, Instagram is helping creators achieve higher completion rates and maintain audience engagement.