Picture-in-picture puts a YouTube video in a small floating window that stays on top of your other apps, so you can keep watching while you read, write or browse. Chrome supports it without any extension, Google offers a free extension that adds a shortcut, and phones can do it too, with some conditions. Here is how to use each option.
Picture-in-picture in Chrome without an extension
- Start the video on youtube.com.
- Right-click the video twice. The first right-click opens YouTube’s menu; the second opens Chrome’s own menu.
- Choose Picture in picture. The video moves into a floating window you can drag and resize.
You can also use the media controls button in Chrome’s toolbar (the music note icon) while a video plays, which has a picture-in-picture button. On recent versions Chrome may even offer to pop the video out automatically when you switch tabs.
Use Google’s Picture-in-Picture extension
Google publishes a small Picture-in-Picture Extension with around four million users. It adds a toolbar button and the keyboard shortcut Alt+P (Option+P on a Mac), which starts picture-in-picture for the video on the page with no right-clicking. It works on most sites that use a standard video player, not only YouTube.
Picture-in-picture on Android and iPhone
In the YouTube app, start a video and go to your phone’s home screen; the video shrinks to a floating window if picture-in-picture is available to you. Availability depends on where you live and whether you have YouTube Premium: Premium members get it everywhere Premium is offered, while free users get it only in some countries and not for music videos. On Android, also check that the permission is on under Settings > Apps > YouTube > Picture-in-picture.
Which method should you use?
| Method | Where | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right-click twice | Chrome on a computer | Free | Occasional use |
| Google’s extension, Alt+P | Chrome and Edge | Free | Using it several times a day |
| YouTube app | Android and iPhone | Free in some countries, otherwise Premium | Watching while using other apps |
Tips for using the floating window
- Drag the window to a corner you do not use, for example above the clock on the taskbar.
- Use the play and pause button inside the window, or the keyboard media keys, without switching back to the tab.
- Click Back to tab in the window to return to the full video at the same point.
- Keep the YouTube tab open: closing it also closes the floating window.
- For lectures and tutorials, combine it with a faster playback speed, set before you pop the video out.
Why is picture-in-picture not working?
- On a computer, make sure you used the second right-click menu, which belongs to Chrome.
- Ads and some live streams cannot be popped out; wait for the video itself.
- On a phone, check the app permission and whether the feature is offered in your country.
- Update Chrome or the YouTube app; older versions miss newer controls.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work for other video sites?
Mostly yes. Chrome’s picture-in-picture works with any standard web video player, though a few streaming services turn it off in their players.
Can I resize the floating window?
Yes. On a computer, drag its corner. On a phone, pinch to change its size.
Does it work in Microsoft Edge and Firefox?
Yes. Both browsers have their own picture-in-picture controls; Firefox shows a small pop-out button on the video when you hover over it.
Picture-in-picture turns YouTube into a background companion without closing what you are working on. On a computer it is free and built in; on a phone, check your country and Premium status. For more ways to improve YouTube, see our guide to looping videos and our list of free YouTube extensions.