YouTube Is Finally Bringing Free Picture-in-Picture to Users Outside the US

YouTube is bringing a major mobile update to its global audience by expanding picture-in-picture (PiP) support to more users. The feature, which allows a video to continue playing in a small floating window after exiting the app, is rolling out worldwide over the coming months.

According to a YouTube, the update specifically changes how the feature works for non-paying users. While U.S. viewers have had access to PiP for some time, those outside of the United States can now use the tool for longform, non-music content on both Android and iOS devices.

Premium Lite members will also keep access to PiP for non-music videos. Meanwhile, full YouTube Premium subscribers remain the only group with the ability to use the feature for music videos.

To use the feature, viewers simply need to swipe up or tap the home button while a video is playing. The player will then shrink and can be moved anywhere on the screen. Users who do not see the option immediately may need to update their YouTube app or check their device settings to ensure PiP is enabled.

Picture-in-picture is enabled by default for devices running iOS 15.0 or later, provided Background play hasn’t been disabled within the YouTube app. If you need to manually adjust your settings, follow these steps, according to YouTube:

On your iPhone or iPad:

• Open Settings and navigate to General.

• Select Picture-in-Picture.

• Ensure Start PiP Automatically is toggled on.

Inside the YouTube app:

• Tap your profile picture and select Settings.

• Tap Playback.

• Toggle Picture-in-picture to the on position (this is not showing in Canada for us)

Are any iOS users in Canada seeing this feature live on their devices yet? We haven’t noticed the change on our end quite yet. Let us know when you do!