If you want to multitask on your computer, learning how to pop out YouTube on PC is a great skill. The YouTube picture-in-picture feature lets you continue watching a video in a small, movable window while using other programs. This guide will show you every method to enable this pop-out player, regardless of your browser or operating system.
How To Pop Out Youtube On Pc
The primary way to pop out a YouTube video is through a built-in browser feature or a dedicated button. The method varies depending on whether you use Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Below, you will find detailed, step-by-step instructions for each major browser.
Using The Built-In Picture-In-Picture Button
YouTube has integrated a native picture-in-picture button for some users and browsers. This is often the simplest method if it’s available to you.
- Play any YouTube video on your PC.
- Right-click anywhere on the video player once, then right-click a second time. A context menu should appear.
- Look for the option labeled “Picture in picture” from the menu. Click it.
- The video will immediately detach into a floating window that you can move and resize.
If this option does not appear, your browser or account may not have the feature enabled yet. Don’t worry, there are other reliable ways to achieve the same result.
How To Pop Out Youtube On Pc With Google Chrome
Google Chrome has robust built-in support for picture-in-picture. This method works on most video sites, not just YouTube.
- Navigate to YouTube and start playing a video.
- Right-click on the video player twice. The second right-click should bring up Chrome’s video-specific menu.
- Select “Picture in picture” from the list. The video will pop out.
Alternatively, you can use a small icon in the Chrome browser.
- Look for a small picture-in-picture icon (a small rectangle overlaying a larger one) in the top-right corner of the browser, on the toolbar. Clicking this will also pop the video out.
- You can drag the window anywhere and resize it by pulling its corners.
- To close it, hover over the window and click the “X” or press the “Close Picture-in-Picture” button that appears.
Popping Out Youtube In Mozilla Firefox
Firefox was one of the first browsers to champion the picture-in-picture feature. Its implementation is very user-friendly.
- Play a YouTube video in Firefox.
- Hover your mouse cursor over the video. A blue picture-in-picture icon will appear in the top-right corner of the video player.
- Click that blue icon. The video will instantly become a floating window.
If the blue icon does not appear, you can use the right-click method.
- Right-click on the video twice and choose “Picture-in-Picture” from the context menu.
- The Firefox PiP window includes play/pause, skip, and volume controls directly on it.
Using Microsoft Edge For Youtube Picture-In-Picture
Microsoft Edge, based on Chromium, offers similar functionality to Chrome. The process is nearly identical.
- Open YouTube in the Edge browser and play a video.
- Right-click on the video player two times.
- From the menu, select “Picture in picture.”
You can also look for the picture-in-picture icon on Edge’s toolbar near the address bar, though it may only appear when a video is actively playing on the page.
Edge-Specific Features And Shortcuts
Edge allows you to use keyboard shortcuts for efficiency. Pressing Ctrl+Shift+, (comma) can sometimes toggle the picture-in-picture mode. Furthermore, Edge’s PiP window has a handy “Mute” button right on its controls, which is useful for quick audio management.
How To Enable Picture-In-Picture On Safari
For Mac users on Safari, the process is slightly different but just as effective. Safari has supported this feature for a long time.
- Play a YouTube video in Safari.
- Move your cursor to the audio icon in the Safari address bar (the speaker symbol).
- Click on that speaker icon. A menu will drop down.
- Select “Enter Picture in Picture.” The video will pop out of the browser.
An alternative method is to use a two-finger click (or right-click) on the video itself and choose “Enter Picture in Picture” from the menu that appears.
Advanced Methods And Extensions
If the native browser methods are not working for you, or if you want more control, third-party browser extensions offer powerful solutions. These can add consistent PiP buttons or even enable the feature on sites that normally block it.
Top Browser Extensions For Youtube Pip
Extensions can standardize the PiP experience across all websites. Here are some highly-rated options.
- Picture-in-Picture Extension (by Google): This official Chrome extension adds a button to the toolbar that works on most video players.
- Picture-in-Picture Everywhere (Firefox): A popular Firefox add-on that forces PiP functionality on almost any video element.
- Floating Player for YouTube: This extension is specifically designed for YouTube, offering a customizable floating player with extra features like playback speed control on the window itself.
To install an extension, simply visit your browser’s web store (like the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons), search for the extension name, and click “Add to Browser.” Always review permissions before installing.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts For Faster Access
Keyboard shortcuts can speed up the process of popping out a video. While not universal, these are common shortcuts.
- In many browsers, you can tab to the video player and press the Spacebar to bring up a context menu where PiP might be an option.
- Some PiP extensions allow you to set custom keyboard shortcuts, like Ctrl+Shift+P, to trigger the pop-out player instantly.
- On a Mac, the shortcut Control+Command+P is sometimes used in Safari for entering Picture in Picture mode.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes, the picture-in-picture option might be missing or not work correctly. Here are solutions to the most frequent issues users encounter.
Picture-In-Picture Option Is Missing Or Grayed Out
If you cannot find the PiP option, several factors could be the cause.
- Browser Update: Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version. Older versions may lack the feature.
- YouTube’s Experiment: YouTube often tests features with small user groups. You might not have the native button yet.
- Ad Blockers or Extensions: Certain extensions can interfere with YouTube’s player. Try disabling them temporarily to see if the PiP option appears.
- Hardware Acceleration: In your browser settings, make sure “Use hardware acceleration when available” is turned on. This can be crucial for video playback features.
The Pop-Out Window Is Too Small Or Lacks Controls
You can usually resize the PiP window by dragging its edges. If controls are missing, try hovering your mouse over the floating window; they should fade in. If they don’t, your browser may be out of date. For more advanced controls, consider using a dedicated YouTube PiP extension, which often provides a better interface.
Audio Plays But No Video Appears In The Pip Window
This is a rare graphics driver conflict. First, try refreshing the page and popping the video out again. If that fails, update your computer’s graphics drivers. You can also try disabling and then re-enabling hardware acceleration in your browser settings, as mentioned before.
Benefits Of Using Youtube Picture-In-Picture
Using the pop-out player is not just a neat trick; it significantly enhances productivity and convenience. Here’s why it’s so useful.
Multitasking Efficiency
You can watch a tutorial, lecture, or podcast while working on a document, spreadsheet, or email. The window stays on top of other applications, so you never lose sight of your video. This eliminates the need to constantly switch between browser tabs, saving you time and mental energy.
Reduced Screen Clutter
Instead of having a full browser window dedicated to YouTube, you condense it into a small, movable player. This keeps your desktop organized and allows you to use your screen real estate for your primary tasks. You can position the window in a corner where it’s accessible but not obtrusive.
Focus And Productivity
By keeping the video in a separate, always-on-top window, you are less tempted to click back into the YouTube tab and get distracted by comments, recommendations, or other videos. It helps you maintain focus on the content you chose while continuing your work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do I Get YouTube Picture In Picture On Windows 10?
The process depends on your browser, not your operating system. The methods described for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge work perfectly on Windows 10. Just follow the steps for your specific browser to pop out YouTube.
Can I Pop Out YouTube Videos On A Mac?
Yes, absolutely. Mac users can use Safari with the speaker icon method, or they can install Chrome, Firefox, or Edge on their Mac and use the standard right-click method described earlier. The functionality is fully supported on macOS.
Why Is There No Picture In Picture Button On My YouTube?
YouTube rolls out features gradually. You may not have received the native button yet. Rely on the right-click method or your browser’s toolbar icon. Using a browser extension is the most reliable way to guarantee a PiP button is always available.
Is There A Keyboard Shortcut To Pop Out YouTube?
There is no universal YouTube-specific shortcut. However, some browsers and most PiP extensions allow you to set custom keyboard shortcuts. Check your extension’s settings or your browser’s shortcut menu to configure one.
Does The YouTube Pop Out Player Work With Full Screen?
Typically, you exit full-screen mode first, then activate picture-in-picture. The PiP window is its own separate entity, so you cannot be in traditional browser full-screen and have a PiP window active simultaneously. The PiP window itself can be made quite large, effectively mimicking a full-screen experience on a portion of your monitor.