Watching YouTube videos has become a popular pastime for many people around the world. It offers a wide range of content, from entertaining videos to educational tutorials. However, sometimes you may want to multitask and browse the web while watching YouTube on your Android device. In this blog post, we will explore various methods that allow you to accomplish this and discuss their pros and cons.
Why You Need to Watch YouTube and Browse on Android
- Easier multitasking: Watching YouTube and browsing simultaneously allows you to be more efficient with your time. You can catch up on your favorite videos while also checking emails, scrolling through social media, or researching a topic.
- Enhanced productivity: For those who use YouTube for educational purposes, being able to browse the web simultaneously can be incredibly valuable. You can take notes, look up additional information, or follow along with online resources while watching a tutorial or lecture.
- Improved entertainment experience: Sometimes you might want to watch a YouTube video while also exploring related content or reading comments. By being able to browse the web alongside YouTube, you can easily find and engage with other videos, articles, or discussions based on your interests.
Now that we understand the benefits, let’s delve into the different methods you can use to watch YouTube and browse on Android.
Video Tutorial:
Part 1. Split-Screen Multitasking
Split-screen multitasking is a native feature available on most Android devices that allows you to use two apps simultaneously. Follow these steps to watch YouTube and browse through split-screen multitasking:
1. Open the YouTube app on your Android device and play the video you want to watch.
2. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Recent Apps overview.
3. Locate the app you want to use alongside YouTube (e.g., Chrome for browsing) and swipe it to the top or bottom of the screen.
4. Adjust the divider between the two apps by dragging it up or down to allocate more or less screen space.
5. Start browsing in the second app while the YouTube video continues to play in the remaining screen space.
Pros:
- Effortlessly watch YouTube videos while browsing other content simultaneously.
- No additional apps or tools required since it’s a built-in Android feature.
- You can control the size of the split screen according to your preferences.
Cons:
- Screen space is divided, so both apps will have less visible area compared to using them individually.
- Not all apps are compatible with split-screen multitasking. Some apps may not function properly or be accessible in this mode.
- Depending on your device’s screen size, split-screen multitasking may not provide an optimal viewing experience for YouTube videos.
Part 2. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode
Picture-in-Picture mode is another native Android feature that enables you to continue watching a video in a small floating window while using other apps. Here’s how you can activate PiP mode for YouTube:
1. Open the YouTube app and start playing the video you want to watch.
2. Tap the Home button on your Android device.
3. The YouTube video will shrink down into a small, movable window, allowing you to use other apps.
4. Move the PiP window to a desired location on the screen by dragging it with your finger.
5. You can resize the PiP window by pinching in or out with two fingers.
Pros:
- You can watch YouTube videos while using other apps without splitting the screen.
- The floating window can be moved and resized, providing flexibility.
- PiP mode is available on most Android devices and supports various apps besides YouTube.
Cons:
- PiP mode may not be supported by older Android versions or certain devices.
- Not all apps are compatible with PiP mode, so its functionality may be limited to specific apps.
- In some cases, the PiP window can be too small to enjoy the video properly, especially on devices with smaller screens.
Part 3. Third-Party Apps
If the built-in multitasking options in Android do not meet your needs or are not available on your device, there are third-party apps that can provide alternative solutions for watching YouTube and browsing simultaneously. One such app is “Floating Tube.” Here’s how you can use it:
1. Install and open the Floating Tube app from the Google Play Store.
2. Search for the desired YouTube video within the Floating Tube app and start playing it.
3. The video will open in a floating window that can be moved and resized.
4. Open another app (e.g., your web browser) to continue browsing while the video remains visible.
Pros:
- Offers more advanced multitasking options compared to the native Android features.
- Allows for a customizable multitasking experience, with adjustable size and position of the floating video window.
- May support additional features like background play and video downloading.
Cons:
- Third-party apps may have ads or require a purchase to access premium features.
- Compatibility may vary depending on the app and Android version, potentially leading to stability or performance issues.
- Additional apps can consume system resources, potentially impacting battery life and device performance.
Part 4. Desktop-mode Browsers
Another alternative to watching YouTube and browsing on Android is to use desktop-mode browsers. These browsers allow you to access websites in a desktop-like interface and offer full web browsing capabilities. One such browser is Google Chrome. Here’s how you can enable desktop mode:
1. Open Google Chrome on your Android device.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the browser.
3. Scroll down and select “Desktop site” from the menu.
4. The webpage will now load as it would on a desktop computer, providing you with a more comprehensive browsing experience.
5. Play the YouTube video within the desktop-mode browser tab.
Pros:
- You can watch YouTube videos in a browser environment that closely resembles the desktop experience.
- Offers a wider range of browsing features and options not available in the mobile version of websites.
- Allows you to use browser extensions or add-ons for additional functionalities.
Cons:
- Desktop-mode browsing may not be optimized for mobile devices, resulting in a less fluid or intuitive user experience.
- The desktop interface may not be compatible with all websites, potentially leading to display or functionality issues.
- Increased data consumption due to the loading of the desktop version of websites.
What to Do If You Can’t Watch YouTube and Browse
If for some reason the above methods are not suitable or not available on your Android device, there are a few alternative solutions you can try:
1. Use multiple devices: Consider using a secondary device, such as a tablet or laptop, to watch YouTube while you browse on your primary Android device. This way, each device can be dedicated to its specific task, providing an optimal experience.
2. Utilize split-screen on a laptop or desktop: If you have a laptop or desktop computer, you can take advantage of the split-screen feature provided by the operating system or use third-party software that enables multitasking. This way, you can watch YouTube videos on one side of the screen and browse on the other.
3. Stream YouTube on a Smart TV: If you have a smart TV that supports the YouTube app, you can cast or stream the video directly to your TV. This allows you to watch YouTube content on a larger screen while using your Android device for browsing or other tasks.
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to enhance your multitasking experience on Android:
1. Use gestures: Android devices often offer gesture-based navigation, allowing you to quickly switch between apps or access recent apps. Familiarize yourself with the available gestures to navigate more efficiently while multitasking.
2. Utilize bookmarks and saved tabs: To streamline your browsing experience, make use of bookmarks and saved tabs in your web browser. This way, you can quickly access your favorite websites or continue reading where you left off.
3. Enable Picture-in-Picture for other apps: Besides YouTube, some apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Duo also support Picture-in-Picture mode. Explore these options and enjoy seamless multitasking with your favorite content.
The Bottom Line
Being able to watch YouTube and browse the web simultaneously on your Android device offers flexibility and increases your productivity. Whether using built-in features like split-screen multitasking and Picture-in-Picture mode or exploring third-party apps and desktop-mode browsers, there are various methods to achieve this multitasking capability. Consider the pros and cons of each method to find the one that best suits your needs and device.
5 FAQs about Watching YouTube and Browsing on Android
Q1: Can I watch YouTube videos while using other apps on any Android device?
A1:
Split-screen multitasking and Picture-in-Picture mode are available on most Android devices. However, compatibility may vary depending on the device’s Android version and manufacturer.
Q2: Are there any limitations to watching YouTube in PiP mode?
A2:
Not all YouTube videos are available in PiP mode. Some content creators may disable this feature for their videos. Additionally, YouTube Premium subscription may be required to use PiP mode in certain countries.
Q3: Can I use any third-party app for multitasking on Android?
A3:
While there are several third-party apps available for multitasking on Android, not all of them may work seamlessly or support all apps. It’s essential to check reviews and compatibility before choosing a third-party app.
Q4: Will multitasking impact the performance of my Android device?
A4:
Using multitasking features like split-screen or Picture-in-Picture mode may increase system resource usage, which could impact the performance and battery life of your Android device. Monitor your device’s performance and battery usage to ensure optimal functionality.
Q5: Can I browse the web and watch YouTube simultaneously on iOS devices?
A5:
Yes, iOS devices also offer multitasking capabilities, such as Split View and Picture-in-Picture mode. However, the steps and features may vary compared to Android devices.