Picture-in-Picture mode is a popular feature among users. As a reminder, PiP in short allows you to detach the video player from an application, such as YouTube, and place the window wherever you want on your screen. Practical for keeping an eye on your content while browsing the web, gaming or working.
When it comes to YouTube, PiP mode is reserved for users who have subscribed to YouTube Premium since 2022, the paid plan of the Google platform. In November 2023, we mentioned in our columns the possibility of the return of PiP for all Android and iOS users, whether they subscribe to YouTube Premium or not.
But for now, functionality remains closed to the general public. However, according to our colleagues at Android Police, things may change soon. Indeed, one of the editors of the specialized site, residing in Germany, was able to: Enable PiP mode on YouTube without having a premium account.
Towards the return of free PiP on YouTube?
And over the past two weeks, many users on Reddit have reported the same observation. However, let us also point out this. PiP mode seems to only work on certain videos like those of Linus Tech Tips and ShortCircuit in this user’s case. “Has anyone noticed that the latest videos from Linus Tech Tips and ShortCircuit can be played in Picture-in-Picture mode without a YouTube Premium subscription? Note: Not all videos from these channels can be played on PiP”, writes AshPecting on the social network.
However, another Android Police editor residing in India confirmed that he was unable to enable the PiP mode on his side. It is enough to suggest that this is a Test conducted by Google with European users. Can we really hope for a switch to free PiP? For now, YouTube’s official statement says the opposite. On February 25, 2024, on X, the platform account stated: “If you are outside the US, you will need a YouTube Premium account to use PiP with any content on YouTube.”
