Picture-in-picture mode on YouTube allows users to minimize videos into a floating window, enabling multitasking while watching. This feature is accessible on Android, iPhone, iPad, and desktop computers with specific requirements.
Before utilizing picture-in-picture mode, it’s crucial to note that users outside the US must have an active YouTube Premium subscription. Additionally, users must be signed in to their YouTube account on all devices. Disabling system-level permissions for YouTube on mobile devices can prevent the mini player from functioning correctly.
To enable picture-in-picture mode, users can follow device-specific steps. On Android, this involves enabling system-level permissions by opening device Settings, selecting Apps & notifications, tapping Advanced, and choosing Special app access. Users then select Picture-in-picture, find YouTube, and toggle the switch to Allow. Within the YouTube app, users tap their profile picture, open Settings, select Playback, and toggle on Picture-in-picture. Playing a video and pressing the Home button or switching to another app triggers the mini player, which can be moved by tapping and dragging or closed by tapping the X.
On iPhone or iPad, users open the device Settings app, tap General, select Picture in Picture, and toggle on Start PiP Automatically. They then open the YouTube app, tap their profile picture, open Settings, select Playback, and toggle on Picture-in-picture. Playing a video and swiping up from the bottom or pressing the Home button switches to the home screen, displaying the video in a floating window that can be moved or closed.
On desktop computers, users open YouTube in a web browser, start playing a video, and hover their cursor over the video player to reveal the control bar. Clicking the picture-in-picture icon in the bottom right corner opens the video in a floating window, which can be moved by clicking and dragging. The window can be resized by dragging one of the corners, and picture-in-picture mode can be closed by hovering over the window and clicking the X.
A useful tip is that standard video playback controls, including play, pause, and skip, are available within the PiP window, similar to the main player. Picture-in-picture mode enhances productivity by allowing users to reference video content while working in other applications, such as watching tutorials, following recipes, or catching up on live streams without keeping the YouTube tab or app in the foreground.
This feature is particularly beneficial for multitasking on smaller screens where space is limited. Whether replying to emails on a phone or browsing documents on a desktop, the floating video ensures that users never miss a moment while navigating their device.
