Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is a beloved feature that allows mobile users to watch videos in a floating window while using other apps. While Android has integrated PiP into its operating system for some time, the YouTube app has been more selective about its availability.
Recently, reports have emerged of non-Premium YouTube users in Europe gaining access to PiP functionality, previously limited to Premium subscribers outside the US. This development has sparked speculation and conflicting information among users:
– Experimentation: YouTube might be testing PiP with a specific group of non-Premium European users.
– Accidental Rollout: The appearance of the feature could be an unintended error.
– Delayed Official Announcement: An expansion of PiP for non-Premium users outside the US may be in progress, awaiting an official statement from YouTube.
Even if expanded PiP access becomes official, certain limitations could still apply. For instance, music videos may remain unavailable without a Premium subscription, as seen in the US where non-Premium PiP was first introduced. This aligns with YouTube’s focus on “non-music content” during the initial rollout of PiP to non-Premium iPhone and iPad users in 2022.
While the current evidence is promising, it’s too early to confirm widespread availability of YouTube’s PiP feature for non-Premium users outside the US. As YouTube navigates this balance between access and copyright restrictions, further updates and changes are expected as the platform evolves. Stay tuned for more developments on this exciting feature!
