YouTube is rolling out picture-in-picture on iOS, but just for Premium users

YouTube had usually been insistent in blocking access for picture-in-picture (PiP) on their app. But they’ve recently confirmed that the feature is finally rolling out—albeit only for YouTube Premium users using the iOS app right now.

Previously, the iOS 14 update brought on PiP mode—a handy feature if you wanted to watch a video while chatting with your friends or checking email—to other apps that play videos like Twitter or WhatsApp. However, PiP wasn’t supported on YouTube’s iOS app.

People have tried turning to the Safari browser instead to have PiP, but only YouTube Premium users are able to do it successfully. Non-Premium users have to resort to a more complicated way to access the feature.

Even though it hasn’t yet been widely rolled out, some Premium users have already reported to seeing the YouTube PiP on their iOS devices. If you’re a Premium user, you can try checking if you have PIP by playing a video inside the YouTube app and swiping up on the screen to return to your home screen.

The feature is also said to be coming for non-Premium users in the U.S., but it is unclear when exactly it will be available. However, they will also still likely have an additional catch, like having to see some advertising.

It’s about time that YouTube let iPhone and iPad users access the feature on their app. PiP is useful for multitasking in the case of note-taking, and is best used on larger screens like iPads.

[ SOURCE ]

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