YouTube Expands Features for Free Users

YouTube has announced that all free users will now have access to the picture-in-picture feature. This function allows videos to continue playing in a smaller format while users leave the app or open other applications. This represents a significant improvement for mobile usage, as users no longer need to pause the video to respond to messages or search the internet. The picture-in-picture playback has been specifically designed for mobile devices to ensure a seamless user experience. Users can freely move the playback window so that important content is not obscured.

A simple tap on the picture brings users back to the YouTube app, while a swipe gesture closes the playback. Currently, the feature is being rolled out for both the Android and iOS versions of the app. Google has stated that global availability may take several weeks to months. In the United States, the picture-in-picture feature has already been available to free users for some time. This update applies exclusively to standard content on YouTube and excludes YouTube Shorts and music videos.

This limitation may be significant for some users who frequently interact with these formats. In August 2025, Google had already introduced a similar feature that allowed free users to download videos for offline viewing. These developments are part of a strategy to expand the user base and enhance the platform's attractiveness. The decision to offer features that were previously only available to premium users to free users is unusual for a company like Google. However, ad-free viewing remains the central feature of the YouTube Premium subscription, which continues to be paid.

For users interested in a cost-effective subscription, YouTube also offers the YouTube Premium Lite subscription, available for €5.99 per month. This subscription also allows the use of ad-free features, albeit with some limitations compared to the regular Premium subscription. The introduction of the picture-in-picture feature could significantly change the way YouTube is used on mobile devices. According to Google, the feature is designed to facilitate interaction with other apps while watching videos. The picture-in-picture function is regarded as one of the most important innovations to improve the user experience on YouTube. Google has emphasized that the feature aims to optimize YouTube usage in an increasingly mobile world. The picture-in-picture feature will be available to users worldwide in the coming weeks, with Google already having begun the gradual rollout.