YouTube is the most used video streaming platform. The Google-owned company has provided users with features for over 17 years. Recently, YouTube released a feature update for iOS that allows videos to be displayed in Picture mode. YouTube Picture-in-Picture Feature is rolled for iOS 15 or later.
YouTube Picture-in-Picture Feature allows users to watch a video in a small window while using other apps on the main screen. This feature has been available to other devices and platforms for a long time. But recently, this feature is coming to iPhone for YouTube Premium users for now.
As per YouTube, This feature is still in the testing phase and is currently available to users in the US and its Premium subscribed users. However, the company has also stated these features will be available for all Premium or non-Premium users.
Picture-in-Picture Features Finally Arrive on iOS
As Apple is reluctant to users access content without a subscription, YouTube couldn’t release these features on iOS. However, YouTube has finally tested its features on iOS and shared this news on Twitter.
Some users have started to use these features already on iOS. However, the feature is currently rolled out for inside the US only.
But as soon as users started to test this feature, YouTube released another piece of information on Twitter. These features were only temporarily available until April 8 and are not widely available yet.
This tweet has made many iOS users furious. Since YouTube’s taking too long to integrate these features, which were available on Android smartphones for a long time.
Many suggest this is due to YouTube on iOS being designed to track ads. Seeing how social media uses our information, this might be true.
How to Use YouTube Picture-in-Picture Mode on iOS
There are a couple of things to remember before using Picture-in-Picture or PiP mode on iOS. Users need to have a YouTube Premium in the US region.
- Sign Up for the experimental feature on YouTube.
- After signing up, open the YouTube app on your device, then play any video.
- Swipe up or press the home button to watch the videos in Picture-in-Picture mode.
Ensure that you have the latest YouTube version installed to use this feature.
CONCLUSION
Although the Picture-in-Picture feature was released temporarily for Premium users, it is still not planned when YouTube will permanently release it on iOS. Although the company states pip is free for all users, it’s not clear whether they will resume the test again.
