Introduction:
Video Tutorial:
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is a feature that allows you to watch videos in a small floating window while performing other tasks on your iPhone. This feature is especially useful when you want to multitask and continue watching a Youtube video while browsing the web or using other apps. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to turn on Picture-in-Picture on Youtube for iPhone and provide some bonus tips and FAQs to enhance your experience.
Why You Need to Turn on Picture on Picture on Youtube iPhone:
There are several reasons why you would want to enable Picture-in-Picture mode on your YouTube iPhone app. Firstly, it allows you to continue watching videos while using other apps, making it easier to multitask. For example, you can watch a tutorial video while following the instructions on a different app. Additionally, PiP mode enables you to have a video playing in a floating window, which can be resized and moved around the screen for convenience. Lastly, it provides a seamless viewing experience, as the video remains visible even when switching between apps or navigating different screens on your iPhone.
Method 1: Using the Home Button or Gesture
Enabling Picture-in-Picture mode on YouTube using the home button or gesture is a simple process. Firstly, open the YouTube app and select a video that you want to watch. Once the video is playing, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on iPhones with a home button) or swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (on iPhones with Face ID). This gesture will shrink the YouTube video into a small floating window, which you can move around the screen by dragging it. To resize the window, pinch in or out using your fingers. To exit PiP mode, tap on the window and then tap on the full-screen icon.
Pros:
1. Easy to enable PiP mode with a simple swipe gesture.
2. Ability to resize and move the floating window for convenience.
3. Seamless integration with YouTube app for a seamless viewing experience.
Cons:
1. Limited to iPhones with iOS 14 or later.
2. PiP mode may not be available for all YouTube videos due to content restrictions.
Method 2: Via the Control Center
Another way to activate Picture-in-Picture mode on YouTube is through the Control Center. First, open the YouTube app and start playing a video. Then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center. In the Control Center, you will see a small window with the video playback controls. Tap on the Picture-in-Picture icon (a small square within a larger square) to activate PiP mode. The video will now appear in a floating window that you can resize and move around the screen. To exit PiP mode, tap on the window and then tap on the full-screen icon.
Pros:
1. Convenient access to PiP mode through the Control Center.
2. Ability to adjust video playback controls easily.
3. Multi-app compatibility for seamless multitasking.
Cons:
1. Limited to iPhones with iOS 14 or later.
2. PiP mode may not be available for all YouTube videos due to content restrictions.
Method 3: Using Siri Shortcuts
For those who prefer using voice commands, Siri Shortcuts can be a useful way to enable Picture-in-Picture mode on YouTube. Firstly, make sure you have the Shortcuts app installed on your iPhone. If not, download it from the App Store. Open the Shortcuts app and tap on the “+” button to create a new shortcut. Tap on “Add Action” and search for “Open App.” Select “Open App” and choose the YouTube app from the list. Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select “Add to Home Screen.” Give your shortcut a name and icon, then tap on “Add.” Now, whenever you want to watch a YouTube video in PiP mode, simply tap on the shortcut icon from your home screen.
Pros:
1. Hands-free activation using Siri voice commands.
2. Personalized and customizable shortcut for PiP mode.
3. Quick access to PiP mode without navigating through the YouTube app.
Cons:
1. Requires installation of the Shortcuts app and setting up a custom shortcut.
2. Limited to iPhones with iOS 14 or later.
3. PiP mode may not be available for all YouTube videos due to content restrictions.
Method 4: Enabling PiP Mode from Safari
If you usually watch YouTube videos in the Safari browser on your iPhone, you can still enjoy Picture-in-Picture mode. First, open the Safari app and navigate to YouTube’s website. Find the video you want to watch and start playing it. Next, tap on the full-screen icon in the bottom-right corner of the video player. This will make the video play in full-screen mode. Then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go to the home screen or switch to another app. The YouTube video will automatically enter the PiP mode and appear as a floating window on top of your other apps. To exit PiP mode, tap on the window and then tap on the full-screen icon.
Pros:
1. Ability to watch YouTube videos in PiP mode directly from Safari.
2. Seamless integration with the Safari browser.
3. No need to install additional apps or shortcuts.
Cons:
1. Limited to iPhones with iOS 14 or later.
2. PiP mode may not be available for all YouTube videos due to content restrictions.
3. Requires playing videos in full-screen mode before activating PiP.
What to Do If You Can’t Enable Picture-on-Picture on YouTube iPhone:
If you encounter difficulties enabling Picture-in-Picture mode on YouTube for iPhone, there are a few fixes you can try:
Q1: Q1: PiP mode doesn’t activate when I swipe up or down, what should I do?
A: Make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 14 or later, as PiP mode is only available on these versions. If you have an older iPhone model or an older iOS version, you might not be able to use PiP mode.
Q2: Q2: I don’t see the Picture-in-Picture icon in the Control Center, what should I do?
A: Go to Settings > General > Picture in Picture and make sure the “Allow Picture in Picture” option is turned on. If it is already enabled and you still don’t see the icon, try restarting your iPhone and checking again.
Q3: Q3: PiP mode is not available for some YouTube videos, why is that?
A: PiP mode availability depends on the content creator’s settings and restrictions. Some videos might have restrictions that prevent them from being played in PiP mode. If you encounter this issue, try watching a different video or contacting the content creator for more information.
Q4: Q4: Siri shortcuts don’t work for enabling PiP mode, what should I do?
A: Double-check your Shortcut settings and make sure you have set up the shortcut correctly. If the issue persists, try reinstalling the Shortcuts app or creating a new shortcut from scratch.
Q5: Q5: PiP mode is not available when I play YouTube videos in Safari, how can I fix this?
A: Ensure that your Safari browser is up to date. YouTube PiP mode in Safari requires the latest version of the browser. If you have an outdated version, update Safari through the App Store and try again.
Bonus Tips:
1. Resize and move the PiP window: You can pinch in or out with your fingers to resize the PiP window. To move it around the screen, simply drag it to your desired location.
2. Play videos in the background: If you want to listen to audio from YouTube videos while using other apps, you can enable background audio playback. Simply start playing a video, swipe up or press the home button to minimize the YouTube app, and the audio will continue playing in the background.
3. Disable PiP for specific apps: If you find Picture-in-Picture mode intrusive for certain apps, you can disable it. Go to Settings > General > Picture in Picture and toggle off the “Automatically Start PiP” option for the specific apps you want to exclude from PiP.
5 FAQs:
Q1: Can I use Picture-in-Picture on YouTube without a subscription?
A: Yes, Picture-in-Picture mode on YouTube is available for free users as well as premium subscribers.
Q2: Can I adjust the size of the PiP window?
A: Yes, you can resize the PiP window by pinching in or out with your fingers on the screen.
Q3: Can I use PiP mode on older iPhone models?
A: PiP mode is only available on iPhones with iOS 14 or later. If you have an older iPhone model, you might not be able to use PiP mode.
Q4: Are there any limitations to PiP mode on YouTube?
A: PiP mode availability depends on the content creator’s settings and restrictions. Some videos might have limitations that prevent them from being played in PiP mode.
Q5: Does PiP mode affect video quality or performance?
A: PiP mode should not affect the video quality or performance of YouTube videos. However, slower internet connections or low battery levels might cause buffering or performance issues.
Final Thoughts:
Enabling Picture-in-Picture mode on YouTube for iPhone allows you to enhance your multitasking abilities and enjoy a seamless viewing experience. Whether you prefer using gestures, the Control Center, Siri shortcuts, or Safari, there are multiple methods to activate PiP mode on your device. Experiment with each method and choose the one that works best for you. Don’t let interruptions disrupt your video enjoyment – turn on Picture-in-Picture mode and continue watching your favorite YouTube content while performing other tasks on your iPhone.