After launching in the US, YouTube is now making picture-in-picture (PiP) mode free for all users worldwide.

Free users who are not YouTube Premium subscribers will be able to use PiP mode for "long format, non-music content" on Android and iOS apps.

To enable PiP, start a video and then exit the YouTube app. You can continue using your phone while the video keeps playing. You will see a small player window; you can resize and move this window. Tap on it for play/pause controls and tap again to return to the full app.

There are no changes for paid customers today:

  • Premium Lite Members: You will continue to be able to use PiP for long format, non-music content on Android and iOS.
  • Premium Members: Premium members will continue to benefit from PiP for music (exclusive to Premium) and non-music content, allowing for an uninterrupted experience.

The free picture-in-picture mode is currently being rolled out and "will be available to all users in the coming months."

More About YouTube:

  • YouTube TV officially launched a fully customizable multi-view – here are the places it doesn't work
  • YouTube ads have started to appear side-by-side in subscription streaming as more live content becomes available
  • YouTube Music released a Now Playing design in split view on Android and iOS