In a move that delights multitaskers everywhere, YouTube has begun rolling out its Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature for free users across the globe. Previously limited to specific regions like the United States, this update allows Android and iOS users to shrink their video into a small floating window. This enables everyone across Southeast Asia to continue watching their favorite content while chatting in other apps or browsing the web on their mobile devices.
How to Use Free PiP for Long-form Content
The new free PiP functionality is specifically designed for long-form content. To activate it, users simply need to open a video and swipe up or press the home button to exit the app. The video will automatically shrink into a movable, resizable window on the home screen. However, there is a catch: this free version excludes music videos. For non-music content, the floating window provides full control, allowing users to pause, play, or jump back into the full YouTube app with a single tap.
Premium Benefits vs. Free Access
While free users now enjoy basic multitasking, YouTube Premium subscribers still retain exclusive perks. Premium Lite members continue to use PiP for general videos, while full YouTube Premium subscribers enjoy the most robust experience. Premium users can use PiP for all content types—including music videos—and maintain background play even when the screen is turned off. This update bridges the gap for casual viewers while ensuring that paying members still receive a high-value, uninterrupted experience.
Closing the Gap with Competitors
This global expansion sees Google catching up with other mobile platforms and applications, such as those from Anthropic and Apple, which have supported similar multitasking features for some time. By making this popular tool accessible to everyone, YouTube is significantly enhancing the user experience for its massive global audience. The rollout is being implemented in stages, so while some users in Southeast Asia can access it now, others may need to wait a few months for the update to reach their devices.
It is about time YouTube let the PiP bird fly free for everyone! Multitasking is a way of life in Southeast Asia, and being able to watch a tutorial while scrolling through messages without a paywall is a massive win. While the exclusion of music videos might sting a little, it is a fair trade-off for a feature we have been craving for years. Just remember to keep your app updated so you do not miss out on the floating window fun.
 Origin: 9to5google
