Mastering YouTube: The Ultimate Guide to Minimizing and Multitasking While Watching

YouTube has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering a vast library of entertainment, education, and information. Whether you’re catching up on the latest news, learning a new skill, or simply enjoying your favorite creator’s content, chances are you spend a significant amount of time on the platform. However, the full-screen experience can sometimes be a bit limiting, particularly when you need to juggle other tasks simultaneously. Fortunately, YouTube provides several methods to minimize videos, allowing you to multitask efficiently. This comprehensive guide will delve into the various techniques for minimizing YouTube on different devices and browsers, equipping you with the knowledge to enhance your viewing experience.

Why Minimize YouTube? The Benefits of a Smaller Screen

Minimizing a YouTube video, also known as picture-in-picture (PiP) or mini-player mode, offers a multitude of benefits:

• Multitasking: Watch videos while browsing the web, writing documents, checking emails, or working on other applications.
• Enhanced Productivity: Continue learning from tutorials or listening to podcasts without interrupting your workflow.
• Seamless Workflow: Avoid the frustration of constantly switching between full-screen and other applications.
• Background Playback (Sometimes): On some platforms, minimizing allows audio to continue playing even when you’re not actively viewing the video (though this can be platform-dependent and often requires a premium subscription on mobile devices).
• Convenience: Enjoy your content in a less intrusive way, especially when you need to focus on other tasks.

Minimizing YouTube on Different Platforms: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process for minimizing YouTube videos differs slightly across platforms. Let’s explore the various methods you can use on computers, smartphones, and tablets:

Minimizing YouTube on Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Using the YouTube Miniplayer

YouTube offers a built-in miniplayer that’s accessible directly from the video playback interface. Here’s how to use it:

1. Play a Video: Open YouTube and navigate to the video you wish to watch. Start playing the video.
2. Locate the Miniplayer Icon: Look for a small rectangular icon with a smaller rectangle inside, typically located in the bottom-right corner of the video player controls (next to the settings icon).
3. Click the Miniplayer Icon: Click on the miniplayer icon. The video will shrink into a small floating window that you can move and resize.
4. Multitask: You can now browse other websites, use applications, and work while the video continues to play in the miniplayer.
5. Exit the Miniplayer: To exit miniplayer mode, either click the ‘X’ button within the miniplayer window or click the expand button (a square icon with an arrow pointing outwards) also in the miniplayer window to return to the main player.

Using Browser Extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari)

Several browser extensions are available that provide advanced picture-in-picture functionality for YouTube. These extensions often offer more customization options and improved playback controls. Here’s how to use some popular extensions:

Picture-in-Picture Extension (Chrome/Edge)

1. Install the Extension: Visit the Chrome Web Store or the Edge Add-ons store and search for “Picture-in-Picture Extension (by Google).” Click “Add to Chrome” or “Get” to install the extension.
2. Play a Video: Open YouTube and navigate to the video you want to watch. Start playing the video.
3. Click the Extension Icon: Look for the Picture-in-Picture extension icon (typically a small rectangle with a smaller rectangle inside) in your browser’s toolbar (usually located at the top-right corner).
4. Start PiP: Click on the extension’s icon. The video will pop out into a floating window.
5. Multitask: You can now move and resize the floating PiP window and work on other tasks while watching your video.
6. Close the PiP Window: You can close the PiP window or click the “Return to Tab” button (usually a square icon with an arrow pointing inwards) in the floating window to return to the video’s original tab.

Floating for YouTube (Chrome/Firefox)

1. Install the Extension: Visit the Chrome Web Store or the Firefox Add-ons store and search for “Floating for YouTube.” Click “Add to Chrome” or “Add to Firefox” to install the extension.
2. Play a Video: Open YouTube and navigate to the video you wish to watch. Start playing the video.
3. Right-Click the Video: Right-click on the video. A context menu will appear.
4. Select ‘Open in Popup’: From the context menu, select the option that says “Open in Popup”.
5. Multitask: The video will now play in a floating popup window which can be moved and resized.
6. Close the Popup: Close the popup window or go back to the YouTube tab for further options.

Other PiP Browser Extensions

Numerous other PiP extensions are available for different browsers. Search the specific browser’s extension or add-ons store for keywords like “Picture-in-Picture,” “Floating Player,” or “Popout Player” to find options that suit your preferences. Most of these extensions function similarly, often involving a dedicated button on the browser toolbar or a context menu option on the video itself. Experiment with different extensions to find the one that works best for you.

Using Native Browser Features (Where Available)

Some modern web browsers now offer native Picture-in-Picture (PiP) functionality, although support can vary. Check if your browser supports PiP by right-clicking on the video and seeing if a “Picture-in-Picture” option is available in the context menu. If your browser supports PiP, use this method to minimize YouTube videos as it doesn’t require any browser extensions.

Minimizing YouTube on Mobile Devices (Android and iOS)

Using the YouTube App’s Miniplayer

The YouTube app on both Android and iOS includes a miniplayer feature, similar to its desktop counterpart. However, its functionality can be limited without a YouTube Premium subscription. If you do have premium, the videos usually continue to play even when the app is minimized. Here’s how to use the miniplayer:

1. Play a Video: Launch the YouTube app on your Android or iOS device and select a video to play.
2. Swipe Down: While the video is playing, swipe down from the bottom of the screen, below the video player. Alternatively, you can click the small downward-facing arrow at the top-left of the screen. This will initiate the miniplayer mode.
3. Miniplayer Controls: The video will minimize into a small floating window at the bottom of the screen. You can drag the miniplayer window to other areas of the screen and it will snap to the edges. The miniplayer has basic playback control buttons (play/pause, next).
4. Multitask: You can now use other apps on your phone or tablet while the video plays in the miniplayer.
5. Exit Miniplayer: To exit miniplayer mode, tap the miniplayer window. This will expand the video back to its full size. Alternatively, you can click the ‘X’ button inside the miniplayer to dismiss it entirely.

Using PiP (Picture-in-Picture) on iOS (Requires iOS 14 or Later)

On iOS 14 and later, YouTube’s PiP feature provides a more streamlined multitasking experience. This feature allows you to view YouTube videos in a floating window while using other apps. However, as of 2023, Picture-in-Picture for YouTube via the YouTube mobile app typically requires a YouTube Premium subscription. However, it is usually available through safari and some other web browsers. Here’s how to use PiP on iOS:

Using the YouTube App with YouTube Premium:

1. Play a Video: Launch the YouTube app and start playing a video.
2. Return to Home Screen or Switch Apps: Simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen to return to your home screen. Alternatively, switch to another app using the app switcher (by swiping up slightly from the bottom and holding). The video will automatically minimize to a PiP window that floats above other apps.
3. Resize and Move: You can drag the PiP window anywhere on the screen and use the corners to resize it to your liking.
4. Pause, Play and Close the PiP Window: Control playback directly from the PiP window. You can tap the pause/play buttons or the ‘X’ button to close the window.
5. Restore the Video to Full Screen: To return the video to full-screen mode within the YouTube app, double tap the PiP window or tap the expand icon (a square with an arrow pointing outwards).

Using Safari on iOS (usually without YouTube Premium):

1. Open YouTube in Safari: Launch the Safari web browser on your iPhone or iPad and navigate to the YouTube website. Find the video you wish to view and begin playing it.
2. Enter Full-Screen Mode: Tap the small rectangle icon at the bottom right corner of the video player to enter full-screen mode.
3. Start PiP: When you are in full screen mode, swipe up from the bottom to return to the home screen or open another app. The video will enter Picture-in-Picture mode in a floating window above other apps.
4. Resize and Move: You can drag the PiP window anywhere on the screen and use the corners to resize it to your liking.
5. Pause, Play and Close the PiP Window: Control playback directly from the PiP window. You can tap the pause/play buttons or the ‘X’ button to close the window.
6. Restore the Video to Full Screen: To return the video to full-screen mode, double tap the PiP window or tap the expand icon (a square with an arrow pointing outwards). This should load the full screen view in Safari

Using PiP on Android (Varies by Device and Version)

Android’s picture-in-picture support varies by device and Android version. On many newer Android devices, PiP works in a similar way to iOS, but functionality may be inconsistent, especially without YouTube Premium. Try these steps:

1. Play a Video: Open the YouTube app and play a video.
2. Return to Home Screen or Switch Apps: While the video is playing, navigate away from the app (swipe up or use the home button, depending on your navigation). If PiP is supported on your device, the video should automatically minimize into a small floating window that floats above other apps.
3. Resize and Move: Drag the PiP window around the screen and pinch to resize it.
4. Pause, Play and Close the PiP Window: Control playback directly from the PiP window. You can tap the pause/play buttons or the ‘X’ button to close the window.
5. Restore the Video to Full Screen: To return the video to full-screen mode in the YouTube app, tap the floating window.

Note: If PiP does not work natively with the YouTube app on your Android device, consider using the YouTube website in your browser instead. The steps for accessing PiP in a mobile browser are usually similar to the steps on iOS.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, minimizing YouTube videos doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Miniplayer Not Showing: If the miniplayer icon is missing on desktop, make sure your browser and YouTube are up to date. Consider clearing your browser cache and cookies. If it’s still not showing, it might be due to a browser extension conflicting with YouTube. Disable all extensions, and enable one by one, to find the problematic extension.
• PiP Not Working on Mobile: Check that your phone’s operating system is up to date. Picture-in-picture may require YouTube premium. Consider using the web browser instead. Also check that PiP is enabled in the phone’s settings or app’s permissions.
• Video Stops Playing When Minimized: Usually this is because you do not have a YouTube Premium subscription. In cases where it does, make sure the app doesn’t have restrictions placed on background processes.
• PiP Window is Too Small: Try adjusting the size of the PiP window using the edges or the corner of the window. Some extensions may have a minimum size setting that could be causing the issue.
• Extension Conflicts: If an extension is causing issues, try disabling the problematic extension and finding an alternative, or updating the extension to the latest version.

Conclusion

Minimizing YouTube videos is a powerful feature that can significantly improve your productivity and viewing experience. Whether you’re on a desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, there are several methods to accomplish this effectively. By utilizing the built-in miniplayer, browser extensions, or the native picture-in-picture functionalities, you can multitask efficiently and enjoy YouTube content on your terms. Experiment with the various techniques outlined in this guide to find the best method that works for you and your workflow, and start enjoying your YouTube experience with the ability to do more.