Picture‑In‑Picture on iOS YouTube is Here!
Finally, the iOS YouTube app is bringing you that slick picture‑in‑picture (PiP) mode so you can keep your video on a tiny window while you do other stuff.
What’s the Deal?
- Platform support: iPhones and iPads running iOS 15+ / iPadOS 15+.
- Where it works: Not just music videos—think cooking shows, news clips, or that hilarious cat video you’ve been chasing.
- Subscriber caveat: Free‑tier users can only access PiP for non‑music content.
How to Turn It On
When you pull down the YouTube app, tap your profile icon, then tap “Settings.” Switch the “Picture in Picture” toggle to ON. Boom! Your video will drift into a floating window when you switch apps.
Why It Matters
Now you can finish a quick email, answer a text, or even hop into that fast‑food delivery app—all while barely noticing your media—because the PiP window keeps the video alive in the background.
Bottom Line
Don’t worry about glitches—this feature is pretty smooth. Just make sure your device is up to date, and you’ll be multitasking like a pro in no time.
Picture‑In‑Picture on iOS: A Handy Tour for YouTube Premium Users
Ever found yourself craving a little extra TV time while juggling a grocery list, a Zoom call, and that questionable recipe you’re trying out? YouTube Premium’s Picture‑In‑Picture (PiP) mode on iPhones and iPads lets you keep a video hovering in the corner of your screen while you do whatever else you have on your plate.
What’s Covered With PiP?
- All premium content – From music videos to cooking tutorials, every video in the Premium library can double as a floating mini‑screen.
- Devices – iPhones and iPads run the show; no MacBooks or Android devices needed.
Getting PiP Ready in the Settings
Before you can let your video do its side‑gig, you’ll need to give the YouTube app permission to tease your apps while you’re off‑screen.
- Open Settings on your iPhone/iPad.
- Scroll down and tap General.
- Find YouTube in the list of apps and toggle the Picture‑In‑Picture switch on.
Now the app knows it’s allowed to keep a tiny window on your screen.
How to Launch PiP During a Video
It’s as simple as a swipe or a button press and you’re good to go.
- Swipe‑Up Method – While a video is playing, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. The full‑screen video will shrink into a floating window.
- Home‑Button Method – If your device still has a Home button (or you’re using AssistiveTouch), tapping it while the video is hovered will lock the PiP mode.
Once it’s in PiP, you can drag that little window anywhere you like. Want it in the upper right corner? Move it there. Draw it over your bookmarks? Go for it. And when you’re done, tap the little watch icon in the corner or swipe it away to close it.
Quick Tips to Keep It Smooth
- Make sure your iOS is up‑to‑date; PiP debuted in iOS 14.
- Watch out for videos that don’t support PiP yet—most user‑generated content will, but some corporate streams might not.
- Enjoy a marathon of your favorite playlist while staying on your favorite productivity app!
