After the split screen feature, picture in picture has redefined the concept of multitasking. Android developers introduced this feature for Android version 8.0 and higher. iPhone users had the opportunity to make use of it after the iOS 14 update came out.
So, what is picture in picture (PiP)?
According to Android developer picture in picture support:
“PiP is a special type of multi window mode mostly used for video playback.”
This feature allows you to continue watching a video on a small player pinned to the corner of your phone’s screen while you navigate through other apps on your phone.
Apps that support this feature include WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Google maps and many more. Unfortunately, the YouTube picture in picture mode is not available to a lot of people for different reasons.
We have put together a list of ways in which you can access the YouTube picture in picture mode and multitask your way through the day.
YouTube picture in picture for Android:
If you are an Android user using Oreo 8.0 or higher and living in the U.S., then all you need to do is follow these simple steps:
- Go to Settings
- Open Apps and Notifications
- Tap on Advanced, then select Special app access
- Tap on Picture in picture
- From the list, select YouTube and allow picture in picture
Once this is done, open the YouTube app and start playing a video, then press the home button and a small, floating screen should appear in a corner of your phone’s screen. You can move it around to your convenience, alter the size of the player, and use the media controls for the video. In order to close the player just tap on the player and tap the close icon.
Android 8.0 users living outside the U.S. can access this feature by downloading a VPN app.
YouTube picture in picture for iPhone:
The iOS 14 update introduced the picture in picture mode, too, and iPhone users could not be happier. However, it came with a catch, that the picture in picture mode does not work for YouTube. But that will change as soon as you follow these steps:
- Open Safari and go to YouTube
- Play a video of your liking
- Tap the full screen icon
- Then select the picture in picture icon.
With these few simple steps, you will be able to experience the YouTube picture in picture mode on your iPhone.
Third party apps:
Tube Video is an app on Google Play Store that boasts a vast collection of videos. The highlight of this app, however, is that it gives you the option to watch videos in the picture in picture mode.
Float Video is also available on Google Play Store and its primary feature is the exact same. With this app you can continue watching your video on a tiny player while using another app.
You can find more such free apps on different platforms.
Pure Tuber:
Pure Tuber is an app that offers a multitude of features to enhance your video streaming experience on YouTube. YouTube picture in picture is one of the many features you can access through this app.
Now, how does one access YouTube while using Pure Tuber? You do it by opening the Pure Tuber app and signing in with YouTube. That is it! This way all your data from YouTube, including your preferences and playlists, everything is synced to Pure Tuber.
You can download the app from Pure Tuber’s official website. It is also available for download on Google Play Store, Apkpure, Oppo Store and Vivo Store.
This is a safe to use app that is free of malware and virus and it does not risk the safety of your device. Do keep in mind, however, that Pure Tuber is only available for Android users.
Other noteworthy features include streaming videos without skipping YouTube ads repeatedly, YouTube picture in picture mode, play YouTube videos in background, download YouTube videos and audio to enjoy when you are offline. What’s more is that Pure Tuber offers all of its services for free.
The app’s interface is similar to that of YouTube’s so if you decide not to sync the two together you will still be able to stream videos with ease, and that too without the hassle of having to put up with random ads. But you will not have access to Pure Tuber’s other features like picture in picture.
YouTube Premium:
A spin off version of the original YouTube, YouTube Premium is a complete package of an app. The various benefits that you get include ad free streaming, playing videos in background, downloading videos and audio, and YouTube picture in picture mode. This app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The monthly subscription for YouTube Premium is worth $12.99, while the family plan comes up to $17.99 a month. Also, subscribing to YouTube Premium automatically grants you access to YouTube Music Premium.
Final Word:
There is no denying the fact that picture in picture has taken the convenience game up a notch, and who would not want to make use of it. And yes, a lot of third-party apps support the feature, but not universally. In a lot of regions picture in picture is only compatible with a select few apps, and YouTube is not one of those.
This article presents a plethora of options that you can choose from. Assess your needs and pick accordingly. If you want to remain a part of the YouTube clan then go ahead and avail that free trial. If a free, well rounded app entices you then download and checkout Pure Tuber. You can find out more about it on their official website. You can also put the aforementioned tips and tricks for Android and iPhone to enjoy YouTube picture in picture.
2021-12-08 15:07:47