YouTube It remains the most popular video portal for millions of users since its launch. Its leadership remains firm, competing only with live streaming platforms like Twitch, while other alternatives are growing slowly. The experience and functionality of YouTube on mobile devices, especially Android phones, is one of the main reasons why many consider it a must-have., both for entertainment and for education or work.
Over time, YouTube has added a number of useful but little-known features, many geared towards improve multitasking and ease of useOne of the most requested options by users is the possibility of minimize the video and continue watching it on a floating screen, allowing you to use other applications in the foreground without interrupting playback.
In this article you will find in detail How to put YouTube in a floating window on Android, what requirements you need, useful tricks to get the most out of Picture in Picture (PiP) mode, and tips for making the most of it even if your device or account has certain limitations. You'll also learn about alternatives for specific manufacturers like Samsung with One UI, what the differences are compared to YouTube Premium, and how to improve your privacy while using this feature.
What is YouTube's floating screen mode (Picture in Picture) and what does it do?
El YouTube floating screen mode or Picture in Picture (PiP) function allows Continue watching a video in a small window that floats over the rest of the apps on your Android deviceThis way, you can, for example, answer messages, browse the internet, or check your email without losing sight of the video you were playing. This window can be moved around the screen, repositioned wherever you prefer, and resized within the limits allowed by the feature.
Minimize processes and take advantage of your screen space It's especially useful on mobile devices, where space is limited and we often want to multitask. YouTube's PiP feature is designed to display the video playing over other apps, without taking up the entire screen and allowing you to interact with your phone while the video content remains active.
PiP mode isn't only available on YouTube, but you can also find it in other apps like Google Maps, WhatsApp, and messaging services that allow floating bubbles. In the case of YouTube specifically, it's one of the most valued features by Premium users, although its availability depends on the region and your account type. You can learn more about floating notifications on Android to better understand how to manage these functions.
Requirements for using YouTube on floating screen on Android
- Device with Android 8.0 or higher: Picture-in-Picture is built into the operating system since Android Oreo (8.0) onwards. If your phone has an older version, you won't have native access to this feature.
- Official YouTube app updated: You should always use the original Google app downloaded from Google Play to ensure compatibility and security. Unofficial apps or older versions may not support PiP.
- Permission to display over other apps: Check that your device allows YouTube to display content in floating windows. If there are permission restrictions or it's blocked in any way, PiP won't work properly.
- YouTube Premium subscription (depending on region): In some countries, especially Europe, YouTube's floating screen mode is only available to Premium subscribers, although in other regions it may be free or gradually becoming available. Also learn how to record the screen on Samsung phones.
How to check if you have access? Currently, many users in Europe and elsewhere are reporting that Google is gradually enabling PiP mode, even for free accounts. If you don't see it available yet, it's likely to be activated on your device soon, depending on app updates and regional rollouts.
How to activate YouTube's floating screen mode step by step
If you meet the prerequisites, you can easily start using PiP. Here's how to enable and use YouTube's Picture-in-Picture feature on Android:
- Open the YouTube app on your Android device. Make sure you have the latest version installed from the Google Play Store.
- Go to your user profile (top right icon) and go to “Settings”.
- Within the settings menu, select "General".
- Look for the option "Picture in picture" or "Picture-in-Picture" and turn on the switch if it's disabled. If this option doesn't appear, go to System Settings:
- Go to your phone’s settings and select “Applications.”
- Find “YouTube” in the list of installed apps.
- Go to “Advanced” or “Special Permissions” and locate “Picture in Picture.”
- Enable permission to allow YouTube to display content in floating windows.
You can move the floating window around the screen, change its position, and, on some devices, adjust the thumbnail size. Tapping on the window displays basic controls such as pause, close, fast forward, rewind, and maximize.
YouTube Floating Screen Mode Features and Controls
- Move the player: Simply drag the floating window anywhere on your screen. You can place it where it won't interfere with your other tasks.
- Enlarge window: Tap the double arrow icon or “Maximize” to return to full screen in the YouTube app.
- Pause or resume: Click on the window to see quick playback controls.
- Close the video: Tap the X and the floating window will disappear. You can also drag it to the bottom of the screen where the "Delete" option appears.
- Control the sound: You can lower the volume using the physical buttons on your phone or mute playback using the PiP control.
Some advanced features may vary depending on your system and app version, such as the option to listen to audio only or switch between videos in your playlist.
PiP availability on free and premium accounts
Can you use YouTube on floating screen without Premium? This is one of the most frequently asked questions. In some countries (such as the United States), PiP mode is available even for free accounts, but restricted to music content. In regions like Europe, historically only Premium subscribers could access the floating window, although Google has been progressively rolling out the feature to free accounts. Check if your device supports it and keep the app updated, as changes are being rolled out gradually.
If you still don't have access, you may want to consider Premium version of YouTube, which also offers background playback with the screen off and ad removal. Another alternative is to use modified apps, although this is not recommended for safety and reliability reasons.
Alternatives to putting YouTube on a floating screen: exclusive Samsung One UI features
Some Android mobile manufacturers, like Samsung with its One UI layer, allow you to activate the floating window feature for YouTube even without Premium. The process is simple and very effective if you have a Samsung smartphone:
- Open YouTube and put the video you want to play.
- Go to multitasking (recent apps) and locate the YouTube window.
- Click on the youtube app icon that appears at the top of the window.
- Select the option “Open in pop-up view” or “Floating view”.
- A small window will open on top of the other apps. You can resize and reposition the window to your liking. If you drag the bottom edge up, only the video will be visible, without any comments or extra elements.
This trick allows you to enjoy the floating screen of YouTube without having to be Premium, although it doesn't enable exclusive features like screen-off playback. Plus, Samsung's multitasking integration is very convenient and works with more compatible apps.
Additional tips and tricks to get more out of YouTube on floating screen
- What if PiP doesn't appear? If you don't see the option even though you meet the requirements, try restarting your device and making sure you have all the updates installed. Sometimes it can take a few days for the feature to propagate to Google's servers.
- Use split screen mode together with PiP: Some phones allow you to combine the PiP feature with split screen, so you can have the video in one corner and another app occupying half the screen. Ideal for taking notes, responding to messages, or browsing without stopping watching your favorite content.
- Parental controls and restrictions: On devices with children or restricted profiles, PiP permissions may be disabled. Check your settings if you're having trouble enabling the floating window.
- Compatibility with other apps: In addition to YouTube, PiP mode works with apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, VLC, and some messaging and TV streaming apps.
Use a VPN to improve privacy and access floating screen mode
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) It is an excellent recommendation if you want protect your privacy and access YouTube features that may be region-restricted, such as PiP mode. When you connect to a VPN server in another country, you'll have a different IP address and be able to use services or features that are restricted in your usual location.
To do this, simply download any free VPN app like TunnelBear from the Play Store. Activate the VPN (preferably in a country where PiP is enabled for free) before launching YouTube. Once the VPN is connected:
- Open YouTube and follow the steps to activate the floating screen.
- Streaming will be done through the new IP address, improving your privacy and, depending on the region, allowing you to try out features not available in Spain or other European countries.
- Remember that a VPN can slightly slow your connection speed, although watching videos in standard quality isn't usually a problem.
Other apps and methods to watch YouTube in a floating window on Android
If for some reason the PiP feature of the official app is not available on your device, there are third party alternatives on the table:
- YouTube Vanced/ReVanced: Modified apps that include premium features, including floating screen mode. However, their use poses security and privacy risks, as they are not endorsed by Google.
- Floating Navigation Apps: Some apps allow you to open any web page (even YouTube) in a pop-up window, although they don't always offer as polished an experience as the native feature.
Thanks to YouTube's floating screen feature, you can make the most of your Android device, watch content comfortably while working, studying, or using other apps, and customize the experience based on your needs and preferences. Whether you're a Premium user or have recently upgraded to free access, Picture-in-Picture mode is an essential tool for everyday multitasking.