Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is a revolutionary feature that allows users to multitask while watching their favorite videos. With PiP, you can continue watching a video in a small window while navigating through other apps or browsing the internet. Although YouTube Premium offers PiP as one of its exclusive features, you don’t necessarily need a premium subscription to enjoy this functionality. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to use PiP without YouTube Premium.
What is Picture-in-Picture (PiP)?
Before we dive into the ways to use PiP without YouTube Premium, let’s briefly understand what PiP is and its benefits. Picture-in-Picture is a feature that allows you to watch a video in a small window while simultaneously using other apps or browsing the internet. This feature is particularly useful for multitaskers who want to stay entertained while completing other tasks.
PiP offers several benefits, including:
- Increased productivity: With PiP, you can continue watching videos while responding to emails, browsing social media, or chatting with friends.
- Enhanced user experience: PiP enables you to enjoy your favorite videos without having to dedicate your entire screen to the video player.
- Effortless navigation: You can easily switch between apps or browse the internet without having to pause or stop the video.
Method 1: Using the YouTube App (Android Only)
If you’re an Android user, you can use the YouTube app to enable PiP without YouTube Premium. Here’s how:
- Open the YouTube app on your Android device.
- Start playing a video.
- Tap the home button to minimize the video player.
- The video will continue playing in a small window.
- You can now navigate to other apps or browse the internet while the video continues to play in the background.
Note that this method only works on Android devices, and you need to ensure that your device meets the minimum system requirements to support PiP.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party Browser (Desktop Only)
If you’re using a desktop device, you can use a third-party browser to enable PiP without YouTube Premium. Here’s how:
- Open a third-party browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
- Navigate to the YouTube website and start playing a video.
- Right-click on the video player and select “Picture in Picture” or press Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + P (Mac).
- The video will continue playing in a small window, allowing you to navigate to other tabs or browse the internet.
This method works on most desktop browsers, but you may need to check your browser’s settings to ensure that PiP is enabled.
Method 3: Using a Browser Extension (Desktop Only)
Another way to enable PiP without YouTube Premium is by using a browser extension. Here’s how:
- Install a browser extension like PiP Extension for YouTube (available on Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox).
- Navigate to the YouTube website and start playing a video.
- Click on the PiP extension icon in the browser toolbar.
- The video will continue playing in a small window, allowing you to navigate to other tabs or browse the internet.
This method works on desktop devices, and you can customize the PiP window’s size and position to your liking.
Method 4: Using the Android TV App (TV Devices Only)
If you have an Android TV device, you can use the YouTube app to enable PiP without YouTube Premium. Here’s how:
- Open the YouTube app on your Android TV device.
- Start playing a video.
- Press the “Home” button on your TV remote control.
- The video will continue playing in a small window.
- You can now navigate to other apps or channels while the video continues to play in the background.
This method only works on Android TV devices, and you need to ensure that your device meets the minimum system requirements to support PiP.
Method 5: Using a Third-Party App (Android and iOS)
If you’re using a mobile device, you can use a third-party app to enable PiP without YouTube Premium. Here’s how:
- Install a third-party app like Float Tube (available on Android and iOS).
- Open the app and search for a YouTube video.
- Start playing the video.
- Tap the “PiP” button to enable Picture-in-Picture mode.
- The video will continue playing in a small window, allowing you to navigate to other apps or browse the internet.
This method works on both Android and iOS devices, and you can customize the PiP window’s size and position to your liking.
Benefits of Using a Third-Party App
Using a third-party app offers several benefits, including:
- Customization options: You can customize the PiP window’s size, position, and background color to your liking.
- Ad-free experience: Some third-party apps offer an ad-free experience, making it a great alternative to the official YouTube app.
- Multi-app support: You can use multiple apps simultaneously, making it easier to multitask while watching videos.
Method 6: Using a Shortcut (Android Only)
If you’re using an Android device, you can use a shortcut to enable PiP without YouTube Premium. Here’s how:
- Long-press on the home screen to create a new shortcut.
- Search for “YouTube” and select the YouTube app.
- Tap the “PiP” button to enable Picture-in-Picture mode.
- The video will continue playing in a small window, allowing you to navigate to other apps or browse the internet.
This method only works on Android devices, and you need to ensure that your device meets the minimum system requirements to support PiP.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to use PiP without YouTube Premium. Whether you’re using a desktop, mobile device, or TV device, you can easily enable Picture-in-Picture mode and multitask while watching your favorite videos. By following the methods outlined above, you can unlock the power of PiP and enhance your video-watching experience.
Remember, PiP is a game-changer for multitaskers, and with these methods, you can enjoy this feature without breaking the bank. So, what are you waiting for? Try out these methods today and unlock the full potential of Picture-in-Picture mode!
What is Picture-in-Picture mode and how does it work?
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is a feature that allows you to continue watching a video in a small window while using other apps or browsing other websites on your device. This feature is especially useful when you want to multitask or have the video playing in the background while doing other things.
PiP mode works by allowing the video to shrink down to a smaller window that can be moved around on your screen. This window will continue to play the video, even when you’re using other apps or browsing other websites. You can easily switch back to the full-screen video by tapping or clicking on the PiP window.
Do I need YouTube Premium to use Picture-in-Picture mode?
No, you don’t need YouTube Premium to use Picture-in-Picture mode. While YouTube Premium does offer PiP mode as one of its features, there are ways to use PiP mode without subscribing to YouTube Premium.
You can use PiP mode without YouTube Premium by using certain browsers or devices that support PiP mode natively. For example, some Android devices and browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox support PiP mode. You can also use third-party apps or extensions that enable PiP mode on your device.
How do I enable Picture-in-Picture mode on my Android device?
To enable Picture-in-Picture mode on your Android device, simply start playing a video on YouTube and then tap the home button to minimize the video. The video will shrink down to a smaller window and continue playing. You can then use other apps or browse other websites while the video continues to play in the background.
Make sure that your Android device is running on Android 8.0 or later, as PiP mode is only available on devices running this version of the operating system or later. You can also adjust the PiP window by dragging it around on your screen or tapping on it to switch back to full-screen mode.
How do I enable Picture-in-Picture mode on my iOS device?
To enable Picture-in-Picture mode on your iOS device, start playing a video on YouTube and then swipe up to go to the home screen. The video will shrink down to a smaller window and continue playing. You can then use other apps or browse other websites while the video continues to play in the background.
Make sure that your iOS device is running on iOS 14 or later, as PiP mode is only available on devices running this version of the operating system or later. You can also adjust the PiP window by dragging it around on your screen or tapping on it to switch back to full-screen mode.
Can I use Picture-in-Picture mode on my desktop computer?
Yes, you can use Picture-in-Picture mode on your desktop computer using certain browsers or extensions. For example, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox both support PiP mode. You can enable PiP mode by playing a video on YouTube and then clicking on the PiP button in the bottom right corner of the video player.
Once you’ve enabled PiP mode, you can resize the PiP window by dragging it around on your screen or switch back to full-screen mode by clicking on the PiP window. You can also use third-party extensions or apps that enable PiP mode on your desktop computer.
Are there any limitations to using Picture-in-Picture mode?
Yes, there are some limitations to using Picture-in-Picture mode. For example, not all videos on YouTube support PiP mode, and some videos may not allow PiP mode due to copyright restrictions. Additionally, PiP mode may not work on all devices or browsers, so you may need to use a specific browser or device to enable PiP mode.
Another limitation of PiP mode is that it may not work well with all types of videos. For example, videos with interactive features or live streams may not work well with PiP mode. You may also experience some lag or buffering issues when using PiP mode, depending on your device and internet connection.
Are there any alternatives to Picture-in-Picture mode?
Yes, there are some alternatives to Picture-in-Picture mode. For example, you can use a video player that supports background playback, such as VLC or KMPlayer. These video players allow you to continue playing a video in the background while using other apps or browsing other websites.
Another alternative to PiP mode is to use a browser extension or app that allows you to pop out a video window. For example, you can use a browser extension like Video Pop Out to pop out a video window and continue watching it while using other apps or browsing other websites.