Hello and welcome to our comprehensive guide on Picture-in-Picture (PiP) on YouTube. This feature has been around for a while now, but it’s still not widely used by many YouTube users. In this article, we’ll be exploring the ins and outs of PiP on YouTube, including how to enable it, its benefits, and how it works on different devices. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to make the most of PiP on YouTube. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- What is Picture-in-Picture on YouTube?
- How to Enable Picture-in-Picture on YouTube
- Benefits of Picture-in-Picture on YouTube
- Picture-in-Picture on YouTube: Compatible Devices
- Picture-in-Picture on YouTube: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Picture-in-Picture on YouTube?
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is a feature that allows you to watch videos while doing other things on your device. It’s a bit like having a mini-video player that floats on top of your screen, so you can continue browsing the web, checking your email, or using other apps while still watching your favorite YouTube videos. PiP is particularly handy for multitasking, and it can be a real time-saver for busy people who want to stay on top of their work and entertainment.
YouTube introduced PiP in 2018, and it’s available for both Android and iOS devices. However, not all devices are compatible with PiP, and some countries may not have access to the feature due to licensing restrictions.
How Does Picture-in-Picture on YouTube Work?
When you enable PiP on YouTube, the video you’re watching will shrink to a small window that you can move around your screen. You can resize the window and drag it to any part of the screen that you like. The video will continue to play in this window, even if you switch to another app or open a new tab in your browser.
There are a few different ways to enable PiP on YouTube, depending on the device you’re using. We’ll explore these methods in more detail in the next section.
How to Enable Picture-in-Picture on YouTube
Enabling PiP on YouTube is a straightforward process, but the steps may vary slightly depending on your device. Here’s a quick guide to enabling PiP on some of the most popular devices:
Enabling PiP on Android Devices
For Android devices running Android 8.0 or later, PiP should be enabled by default on most devices. To use PiP on YouTube:
- Open the YouTube app on your Android device.
- Select a video to watch.
- Tap the Home button on your device (the button with the small square on it).
- The video should now be playing in PiP mode, and you can move the window around your screen as you like.
If PiP isn’t working on your Android device, you may need to check your device settings to make sure PiP is enabled. To do this:
- Go to your device’s Settings.
- Select Apps & notifications.
- Tap Advanced.
- Select Special app access.
- Choose Picture-in-picture.
- Make sure YouTube is enabled for PiP.
Enabling PiP on iOS Devices
For iOS devices running iOS 14 or later, PiP should be enabled by default on most devices. To use PiP on YouTube:
- Open the YouTube app on your iOS device.
- Select a video to watch.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.
- Tap the PiP icon (the small square with an arrow pointing into a larger square).
- The video should now be playing in PiP mode, and you can move the window around your screen as you like.
If PiP isn’t working on your iOS device, you may need to check your device settings to make sure PiP is enabled. To do this:
- Go to your device’s Settings.
- Select General.
- Tap Picture in Picture.
- Make sure YouTube is enabled for PiP.
Benefits of Picture-in-Picture on YouTube
There are several benefits to using PiP on YouTube:
1. Multitasking Made Easy
PiP makes it easy to multitask while watching YouTube videos. You can keep an eye on your video while checking your email, browsing the web, or using other apps. This can be a real time-saver for busy people who need to stay productive while still enjoying their favorite YouTube content.
2. More Flexibility
With PiP, you’re not tied to your YouTube app. You can move the video window around your screen, resize it, and position it wherever you like. This gives you more flexibility and control over your viewing experience.
3. Better User Experience
Watching a video in PiP mode can make for a better user experience. You don’t need to pause or stop the video when you switch to another app or tab, so you can keep watching without interruption. This can be particularly handy for longer videos or tutorials where you need to take notes or follow along with the video.
Picture-in-Picture on YouTube: Compatible Devices
Not all devices are compatible with PiP on YouTube. Here’s a list of some of the most popular devices that support PiP:
| Device | Operating System |
|---|---|
| Android phones and tablets | Android 8.0 and later |
| iPhones and iPads | iOS 14 and later |
| Windows computers | Windows 10 and later |
| Mac computers | macOS Sierra and later |
If your device isn’t on this list, it may still be compatible with PiP on YouTube. The best way to find out is to try enabling PiP using the methods described in section 2.
Picture-in-Picture on YouTube: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about PiP on YouTube:
1. Is PiP on YouTube available in my country?
PiP on YouTube may not be available in all countries due to licensing restrictions. If you’re having trouble accessing PiP, it’s possible that your country isn’t currently supported.
2. Can I use PiP on YouTube for all videos?
Not all YouTube videos are compatible with PiP. Some videos may not play in PiP mode, or they may have restrictions that prevent PiP from working correctly. However, most videos should work with PiP on YouTube.
3. How do I disable PiP on YouTube?
To disable PiP on YouTube, simply close the PiP window by tapping the X in the corner of the window. The video will continue to play in the YouTube app.
4. Why isn’t PiP working on my device?
If PiP isn’t working on your device, there are a few things you can try:
- Make sure your device is running the latest version of its operating system.
- Check your device settings to make sure PiP is enabled for YouTube.
- Restart your device and try again.
- Contact YouTube support for further assistance.
5. Can I customize the PiP window?
You can resize and move the PiP window around your screen, but you can’t currently customize the window beyond that. However, YouTube may introduce more customization options in future updates.
Conclusion
Picture-in-Picture on YouTube is a handy feature that allows you to multitask while still enjoying your favorite YouTube videos. Enabling PiP is easy, and it’s available on a wide range of devices. Whether you’re checking your email, browsing the web, or using other apps, PiP can help you stay productive without sacrificing your entertainment. We hope this guide has been helpful in explaining PiP on YouTube and its benefits. If you have any further questions, please consult our FAQ section or contact YouTube support for more information.