Imagine trying to watch your favorite YouTube videos while browsing social media or responding to messages on your iPhone or iPad. This is where the picture-in-picture (PiP) mode comes in handy, allowing you to watch videos in a small window while multitasking. While Android devices have long offered this feature, Apple only recently made it available on its iOS and iPadOS platforms. And the best part? You don’t even need the dedicated YouTube app to enjoy this convenience. This article will walk you through the steps on how to use the PiP mode on your iPhone or iPad to multitask while enjoying your favorite YouTube videos.
Enabling Picture-in-Picture Mode for YouTube Videos
Picture-in-picture mode on iOS and iPadOS is a relatively new feature that allows users to watch videos in a small window while using other apps. Although this feature is natively supported by iOS since iOS 14, there are a few requirements to enjoy this feature while watching YouTube videos.
Before we delve into the steps, it’s important to note that you need a YouTube Premium subscription and must be signed in with the account that has the paid subscription. This is a requirement for using PiP mode with YouTube videos. Additionally, this feature doesn’t work directly with the YouTube app. You’ll need to use a web browser like Safari or Chrome to watch your videos in PiP mode.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the picture-in-picture mode for YouTube videos:
Open your web browser and log into YouTube using your account that has the YouTube Premium subscription.
Search for the video you want to watch.
Switch to full-screen mode by tapping the square icon located at the bottom right of the video.
Tap on the video to view controls and then press the picture-in-picture button on the top left side, next to the close button. Alternatively, you can double-tap the screen with two fingers or simply swipe upwards from the bottom of your device to enable the picture-in-picture mode.
- Once enabled, picture-in-picture mode lets you switch to and use any other app you want while continuously playing the YouTube video in a small window.
Exiting and Controlling Picture-in-Picture Mode
Exiting picture-in-picture mode is just as simple as enabling it:
Tap the PiP icon on the top right side of the small window to exit the picture-in-picture mode.
To move the video back to its original view, double-tap the video using two fingers.
- Finally, you can close your YouTube video by tapping the "x" button.
Why Picture-in-Picture Mode is a Game-Changer
Picture-in-picture mode is a game-changer for those who enjoy multitasking on their iPhone or iPad. It allows you to seamlessly switch between apps and still enjoy your favorite YouTube videos without interruption. This is particularly helpful for those who:
- Are constantly checking their messages: With picture-in-picture mode, you can watch a video and simultaneously respond to messages on WhatsApp, iMessage, or other apps.
- Need to multitask: Whether you’re working on a document, browsing the web, or playing a game, picture-in-picture mode ensures you won’t miss a single moment of your video.
- Want to watch videos while reading: You can read an article or book while staying entertained by having your YouTube video play in a small window on your device.
More Than Just Watching YouTube
While YouTube is an excellent use case for picture-in-picture mode, it’s also supported for other video platforms. You can enjoy this functionality with various video players and streaming services. Remember that for some platforms, you might need a premium subscription, similar to YouTube, to use picture-in-picture mode.
Important Considerations
Here are some important things to keep in mind regarding picture-in-picture mode:
Battery Drain: Because your device is simultaneously playing a video and running other apps, you may experience a faster battery drain.
Picture Quality: The picture quality of the PiP window may be slightly lower than the full-screen video due to its smaller size.
Not all devices are compatible: Not all iPhone and iPad models support PiP mode. Refer to Apple’s official website to see if your device supports this feature.
- Not all video content is compatible: Some videos might not be available in picture-in-picture mode. This is usually due to copyright restrictions or limitations specific to the content.
In conclusion, picture-in-picture mode on iPhone and iPad is a valuable feature for those who love multitasking. By allowing you to watch videos while seamlessly using other apps, it significantly elevates the user experience and makes your iOS device even more versatile than before. While it requires a YouTube Premium subscription for YouTube videos, it’s a great addition to the overall functionality of iOS and iPadOS for those who enjoy staying entertained while working or engaging with other apps.
