YouTube has officially announced that it will open the free Picture-in-Picture feature, which has long been limited to the United States, to all iPhone and iPad users globally.

According to the statement made by the technology giant, thanks to this update, which is planned to be implemented gradually in the coming months, users who are not Premium subscribers will be able to continue watching videos in a small window when they exit the application.

This expansion, which covers both iOS and Android platforms, is designed to be valid for all long-format content except music, and aims to take the mobile video viewing experience to the next level worldwide.

This move by YouTube is considered a revolutionary development, especially for mobile users who like to multitask.

This comfort, which has been offered only in certain regions and paid subscription models for years, is now crossing borders and becoming a global standard.

Multitasking Capabilities Are on the Rise on Mobile Devices

Picture-in-picture (PiP) technology reduces a video to a small window that can be placed in any corner of the screen. In this way, users can reply to their messages, check their e-mails or browse the internet while watching YouTube videos.

This feature provides a huge productivity boost, especially for people who watch educational videos or follow long documentaries.

With this step, YouTube aims to radically change video viewing habits on mobile platforms.

Using the feature is quite simple; When a video is playing and you swipe up to exit the app, the video automatically turns into a small window. This window can be moved to the desired location on the screen or its size can be adjusted.

This feature, which started to be supported at the system level by Apple with iOS 14, is only now reaching large audiences due to YouTube’s own restrictions.

Different Restrictions Apply Depending on Content Types

Although this feature has become free, YouTube will continue to impose restrictions on certain types of content. Free users will be able to use this feature only for content other than music.

This aims to preserve the value of the Premium subscription, which allows music videos and albums to be listened to in the background. So, while it will be possible to watch a training video in PiP mode for free, a Premium subscription will be required to benefit from the same convenience when watching your favorite artist’s clip.

Picture-in-picture support for music content will remain exclusive to Premium subscribers only.

Premium Lite members will similarly be able to benefit from this feature for long-format non-music content. Premium subscribers will continue to use the picture-in-picture feature for both music and all other content types without any restrictions. This separation is seen as part of YouTube’s strategy to improve user experience while preserving its revenue model.

Global Distribution Process is Being Completed Gradually

According to the statement made by YouTube, this new feature will reach users around the world in the coming months. It is important to make the distribution gradually in order to balance the server load and prevent possible technical problems.

In order to benefit from this feature, users need to keep their YouTube applications updated and make sure that the picture-in-picture option is activated in the device settings.

Are you one of those waiting for this new feature of YouTube? Don’t forget to share with us in the comments section how this update will change your daily usage habits!