Multitasking on mobile devices has become easier with features that allow users to watch YouTube videos while using other apps. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode enables viewers to keep YouTube playing in a small window while navigating other applications. This functionality enhances productivity and entertainment options for smartphone and tablet users.
Enabling PiP mode for YouTube is straightforward on most devices. Android users can typically activate this feature through their device settings. iOS users with YouTube Premium can access PiP mode directly within the YouTube app. These options let users enjoy their favorite content without interrupting other tasks.
Several alternatives exist for those without built-in PiP support. Third-party apps and multitasking tools can create similar experiences across different platforms. These solutions expand the possibilities for simultaneous video watching and app usage, catering to various user preferences and device capabilities.
Multitasking with YouTube: Watching Videos While Using Other Apps
Picture-in-Picture Mode (PiP)
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is the most straightforward way to watch YouTube videos while using other apps. This feature shrinks the video into a small, movable window that stays on top of other applications.
How to Use PiP on Different Platforms
- Android: PiP is available on Android 8.0 (Oreo) and later. To activate it, start playing a YouTube video in the official app. Then, either press the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to return to the home screen. The video should shrink into a small window that you can drag around the screen. Not all Android devices support PiP for YouTube without a YouTube Premium subscription.
- iOS (iPhone and iPad): PiP is supported on iPads running iOS 9 or later and iPhones running iOS 14 or later. The process is similar to Android: start a video in the YouTube app and then swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the home button. The video will enter PiP mode. However, for iOS, PiP within the YouTube app requires a YouTube Premium subscription. If you are using Safari to watch YouTube, PiP is available without a premium subscription.
- Web Browsers (Desktop): Some browsers, like Chrome and Safari, offer PiP extensions or built-in support for certain websites. For YouTube, you can often right-click twice on the video player (or right-click once and select “Picture in picture”) to activate PiP. This method may not work consistently across all browsers and operating systems.
Pros and Cons of PiP
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Easy to use and activate. | Video size is small, which may not be ideal for detailed viewing. |
Allows seamless multitasking. | May require a YouTube Premium subscription on mobile devices, especially iOS. |
Available on various platforms. | Functionality can vary between browsers and operating systems. |
Background Play (Audio Only)
If you only need to listen to the audio of a YouTube video (like a podcast or music), background play is a great option.
How to Use Background Play
- YouTube Premium: YouTube Premium subscribers can play videos in the background on mobile devices. This means the audio continues to play even when you switch to another app or lock your phone.
- Web Browsers (Desktop): When using a web browser on a desktop or laptop, simply switching to another tab or minimizing the browser window will usually allow the audio to continue playing.
Pros and Cons of Background Play
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Conserves battery life compared to PiP. | No video playback. |
Ideal for listening to music, podcasts, or lectures. | Requires YouTube Premium on mobile devices for official app functionality. |
Third-Party Apps and Workarounds
While official methods are generally the best, some third-party apps and browser extensions offer ways to achieve PiP or background play without a YouTube Premium subscription. However, use these with caution, as they may not be reliable or secure. These may violate YouTube’s terms of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does PiP drain battery faster? Yes, using PiP will generally use more battery than just listening to audio or not using YouTube at all, but less than having the YouTube app in the foreground.
- Why does PiP sometimes stop working? This can be due to app updates, operating system updates, or device limitations.
- Is YouTube Premium worth it for PiP and background play? If you frequently use these features, YouTube Premium can be a convenient option. It also removes ads and provides other benefits.
Listening to Music on Other Platforms
If your primary goal is to listen to music while using other apps, consider dedicated music streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music. These services are designed specifically for music playback and offer background play as a standard feature. They often have larger music libraries and better audio quality than YouTube. Many offer free trials, allowing you to test them before committing to a subscription. These services also often offer more robust features such as curated playlists, offline listening, and higher quality audio streaming. This can be a good alternative if you find the limitations of YouTube’s background play or PiP features to be too restrictive.
Key Takeaways
- Picture-in-Picture mode allows YouTube to play in a small window while using other apps
- Enabling PiP varies by device but is often found in settings or within the YouTube app
- Alternative methods include third-party apps for devices without native PiP support
Enabling Picture-in-Picture Mode
Multitasking is essential in today’s fast-paced world, particularly for watching YouTube videos while using other apps. Key methods include Picture-in-Picture mode, background play, and alternative solutions. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for users on different platforms to effectively multitask with YouTube.
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode lets users watch YouTube videos while using other apps. This feature works on various devices and platforms, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
On Android Devices
Android 8.0 and later versions support PiP for YouTube. To use this feature:
- Open the YouTube app
- Start playing a video
- Press the home button
The video will shrink into a small floating window. Users can move this window around the screen or tap it to access playback controls. To exit PiP mode, drag the floating window to the bottom of the screen.
Some Android devices may require additional steps:
- Go to Settings > Apps > YouTube > Advanced
- Toggle on “Picture-in-picture”
YouTube Premium subscribers can play videos in the background without keeping the app open.
On iOS Devices
iOS supports PiP for YouTube on iPhones and iPads running iOS 14 or later. To enable PiP:
- Open the YouTube app
- Start playing a video
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or press the home button on older devices)
The video will continue playing in a small window. Users can resize or move this window as needed. To close PiP, tap the small “x” in the corner of the video window.
For non-Premium users, PiP only works with non-music content. YouTube Premium subscribers can use PiP for all video types, including music.
Using Web Browsers
Many web browsers support PiP mode for YouTube videos. Here’s how to use it:
- Google Chrome: Right-click twice on the video and select “Picture in picture”
- Firefox: Hover over the video and click the PiP icon that appears
- Microsoft Edge: Right-click on the video and choose “Picture in picture”
Browser extensions can also enable PiP functionality. These tools often provide additional features like resizing options or keyboard shortcuts.
PiP in browsers works across operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This feature allows users to watch videos while working in other tabs or applications.