YouTube's New Auto Picture-in-Picture: Watch Videos While You Work

Multitasking just got easier! YouTube is testing a new feature in Chrome that automatically pops videos into picture-in-picture (PiP) mode when you switch tabs. Keep watching your favorite content while browsing other sites, without manually enabling PiP every time.

What is YouTube Picture-in-Picture (PiP)?

Picture-in-picture lets you watch videos in a small, floating window while you use other apps or browse the web. It's perfect for:

• Following along with tutorials while you work.
• Enjoying background entertainment without losing focus.
• Keeping up with news or podcasts while staying productive.

How to Enable Automatic YouTube Picture-in-Picture

The auto picture-in-picture feature is currently in the testing phase, and that you’ll need to use Chrome Canary, Google's beta browser. Here's a step-by-step guide to trying it out:

1. Download Chrome Canary: Get the latest version for your operating system.
2. Enable Flags: In Chrome Canary, go to chrome://flags in the address bar.
3. Search for PiP Flags: Search for "picture in picture".
4. Enable the Flags: Find "Browser initiated automatic picture in picture" and "Auto picture in picture for video playback", set both to "Enabled".
5. Adjust site settings: Open YouTube, click the icon to the left of the URL bar, and select "Site Settings". Find "Automatic picture-in-picture" and choose "Allow".

Now, when you play a video on YouTube and switch to another tab, the video should automatically pop out into a PiP window. Please note that because it's a feature being actively tested, it may not yet work for everyone.

Customize Your YouTube PiP Experience

YouTube also offers customization options for your PiP preferences:

• Ask: The site will ask for permission each time.
• Allow: Picture-in-picture will automatically activate.
• Block: Disables PiP entirely for YouTube.

Navigate to the same "Automatic picture-in-picture" setting in Chrome's site settings to adjust your preferences.

Disabling Auto Picture-in-Picture

Not a fan of automatic PiP? No problem! You can easily disable it and manage YouTube picture-in-picture in site settings:

1. Go to YouTube in Chrome.
2. Click the "View site information" icon in the address bar (the padlock).
3. Select "Site settings."
4. Find "Automatic picture-in-picture."
5. Select "Block" to disable automatic PiP.

YouTube Picture-in-Picture: A Productivity Booster or Distraction?

Automatic picture-in-picture aims to streamline multitasking. While this feature could offer a smoother experience, consider what works best for your workflow. A simple tweak in your Chrome settings puts you in full control.

What's Next for YouTube and Chrome?

The seamless integration of YouTube picture-in-picture hints at Google's push for more user-friendly, intuitive browsing experiences. Stay tuned for further updates and enhancements as this feature rolls out to broader audiences.