YouTube is rolling out picture-in-picture (PiP) functionality to free users globally, expanding access beyond its previous availability in the United States.
This update allows non-paying users worldwide to watch longform, non-music videos in a small window while using other applications. Users will activate PiP by swiping up or tapping the home button while a video plays. Google stated that this feature is being introduced in the coming months.
Both iOS and Android devices will support this feature. Prior to this rollout, free users outside the U.S. required a Premium or Premium Lite subscription for similar functionality. Premium Lite and Premium users already had PiP access globally, enabling them to continue viewing videos while multitasking.
Premium subscribers also enjoy the exclusive ability to utilize PiP for music content. Google’s decision to expand PiP to non-paying customers has garnered positive reactions, although many users express interest in additional features such as background play.
