YouTube Rolls Out PiP to Free Users Worldwide

YouTube has begun rolling out its Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature to all free users worldwide on Android and iOS devices, allowing them to watch longform non-music videos in a resizable floating window while using other apps.

The update, announced via YouTube's support page, ends years of exclusivity that limited PiP to Premium subscribers or users in select regions. Free accounts can now access the feature for eligible content, such as tutorials or vlogs, but not music videos. Premium subscribers retain full PiP support for all content, including music, while Premium Lite users match the free tier's restrictions on longform non-music videos. The rollout is gradual and expected to reach all eligible devices in the coming months.

To activate PiP, users play a compatible video in the YouTube app, then swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the home button to exit. The video shrinks into a movable, adjustable window overlaying the home screen or other apps. Controls for play, pause and returning to the full app appear on tap. If the feature does not appear immediately, users should check app settings under Advanced or General > Picture-in-Picture to enable it, or update...