Most video streaming services like Apple TV و Prime Video And Netflix etc. have already jumped on the PiP train on iPhone. YouTube recently released an update to add picture in picture mode on iPhone.However, it comes with some drawbacks and may not work for everyone. Here's how to fix YouTube's picture-in-picture feature on iPhone.
Apple officially followed Android's Picture-in-Picture approach with last year's iOS 14 update. Google YouTube will likely be the last major video service to add PiP support to the iPhone.
It may be helpful to watch a YouTube video while browsing Twitter or Reddit. If that doesn't work, follow the troubleshooting steps below to fix the issue.
1. Update the YouTube app.
First, you need to update the YouTube app on your iPhone to the latest version. Many people don't keep their iPhone apps updated, and the outdated design may prevent the Picture-in-Picture feature from working on their iPhone.
Open the App Store on your iPhone and go to your account. Find YouTube from the list of updates and download the latest version on your iPhone.
2. Update iOS
Is your iPhone running iOS 14 or later? If not, you need to update to the latest operating system from the Settings menu.
Apple enabled Picture-in-Picture on iPhones only with the iOS 14 update. Those on older versions cannot enable PiP in any app, let alone YouTube.
Open Settings and go to General > Software Update and update iOS to the latest version.
3. Subscribe to YOUTUBE PREMIUM
Unfortunately, YouTube has decided to keep Picture-in-Picture limited to Premium users only.
You need to pay for YouTube Premium from the web or mobile app to enable PiP mode on iPhone.
The company may open PiP mode to all users in the future, but as of now, it's limited to Premium subscribers only. The subscription costs $11.99 per month in the US.
With YouTube Premium, you get an ad-free YouTube experience, unlimited video downloads, background video playback, and a YouTube Music subscription.
4. Enable YouTube Picture-in-Picture feature
YouTube hasn't rolled this feature out widely yet. The company may ask you to enable it from the Try a New Feature menu in the app. Here's how to access it.
Step 1: Open YouTube on your iPhone.
Step 2: Click on the profile icon at the top.
Step 3: Go to settings.
Step 4: Open the Try New Features menu.
Step 5: Turn on YouTube Picture-in-Picture mode for iPhone.
Close the app from the multitasking menu and open YouTube and try using YouTube Picture in Picture mode.
5. Turn on the image in picture mode.
First, we enabled YouTube PiP mode from the Experience New Features menu. Now, you need to enable the same from the General menu.
If picture-in-picture is disabled in the settings menu, it won't work for you. Follow the steps below to enable it.
Step 1: Open the YouTube app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Go to Account Profile > Settings menu.
Step 3: Select General.
Step 4: Enable Picture in Picture from the following menu.
Try playing a YouTube video and minimize the app. A small floating player should appear at the bottom for you to watch the video.
6. Use YouTube in your browser.
Even after following all the above methods, if YouTube picture-in-picture mode is not working for you, it's time to switch to a mobile browser.
Open Safari or Google Chrome and visit the YouTube website. Sign in with your account credentials and play a YouTube video.
Fully unfold the YouTube video in landscape mode and try minimizing the app. You'll see a floating YouTube video appear on your iPhone's Home screen.
YOUTUBE Picture-in-Picture Features
The feature set is on par with Apple TV and other streaming apps on the iPhone. You can play/pause video, rewind/forward video by 15 seconds, and even resize the window by double-tapping it.
Our favorite of the bunch is Background Audio Playback. Simply swipe right or left on the PiP, and it will dock to either side and continue playing audio in the background.
Play YouTube videos in PIP mode on iPhone
Millions of people spend more time on YouTube than any other streaming service, and official picture-in-picture support for iPhone is excellent. If you encounter any hiccups, the steps above should fix YouTube's picture-in-picture feature on iPhone for you.
