Chrome Picture in Picture How to Use

If you have ever wanted to watch a video while working on something else in Chrome, Picture in Picture (PiP) is exactly what you need. This feature lets you pull any video out of its webpage and into a small floating window that stays on top of everything else on your screen. You can then browse, type, or work in other tabs while the video continues playing in the corner of your display.

What Is Picture in Picture

Picture in Picture is a Chrome feature that creates a floating video window. The video plays on top of your other windows and tabs, so you are not stuck watching it in one place. The small window can be moved anywhere on your screen and resized as needed. It stays visible even when you switch to a different application entirely, like checking email or writing a document.

This is especially useful when you need to watch something while doing other work. Instead of keeping a tab open and constantly switching back to it, you can keep the video in a tiny window and focus on what you are doing.

How to Activate Picture in Picture

The easiest way to use Picture in Picture is through the video itself. Here is how it works.

First, open the video you want to watch in Chrome. This can be from YouTube, Vimeo, or any website that hosts video content. Make sure the video is playing.

Next, look for the Picture in Picture button in the video player. This button usually appears when you hover over the video. On many websites, it looks like a small rectangle with a smaller rectangle inside it. The exact icon varies depending on the website, but it is typically found in the same area as the fullscreen button.

If you do not see the button in the video player, there is another way. Right-click on the video itself. In the context menu that appears, look for an option that says “Picture in Picture” and click it.

Once activated, the video will pop out of the webpage and appear as a small floating window on your screen. You can drag this window to any corner or position you like.

How to Get Back to the Regular View

When you are done with Picture in Picture and want to return the video to its original webpage, you have a few options.

Click the Picture in Picture button again inside the floating window. This will close the floating window and return the video to its original position in the webpage.

Alternatively, you can simply close the floating window by clicking the X button in its corner. The video will stop playing and return to its place on the webpage.

Common Uses for Picture in Picture

Picture in Picture is popular for several different scenarios.

Following along with tutorials is a common use case. If you are learning something new and need to watch a how-to video while practicing in another application, Picture in Picture lets you keep the instructions visible without switching back and forth.

Watching live streams or longer videos while working is another popular use. You can keep a meeting, stream, or documentary playing in the corner while you focus on your actual work.

Listening to music videos or concert footage while browsing is also common. The audio continues playing even if you minimize the floating window or cover it with other content.

Following along with exercise or workout videos works well too. Position the video near your workout space and follow along without needing to constantly look back at your computer.

Troubleshooting Picture in Picture

Sometimes Picture in Picture does not work as expected. Here are some common issues and what you can do about them.

The Picture in Picture button is missing. Some websites disable the Picture in Picture feature on their video players. This is especially common with streaming services like Netflix or Hulu due to licensing restrictions. If the button is missing from the video player, try right-clicking directly on the video to see if the option appears in the context menu.

The video keeps pausing when you switch tabs. This can happen on some websites that are designed to save bandwidth. Make sure the tab with the original video stays loaded, even if it is not in the active window. Chrome should continue playing the video in the Picture in Picture window.

The floating window disappears. If you accidentally close the floating window, the easiest fix is to go back to the original video and activate Picture in Picture again.

Managing Multiple Picture in Picture Windows

You can actually have multiple Picture in Picture windows open at the same time, though this can get cluttered quickly. Each video you pull out creates its own floating window, and they can all play simultaneously.

If you find yourself frequently using Picture in Picture with multiple videos, consider using an extension designed to help manage this. Tab Suspender Pro is one option that can help keep your tabs organized and prevent memory issues when you have many videos open. It works alongside Picture in Picture by managing your open tabs more efficiently, so your browser stays responsive even with multiple videos playing.

Tips for Using Picture in Picture Effectively

Adjust the window size by dragging the corners of the floating window. Make it larger when you need to see details, or smaller when you just want to keep it as a background presence.

Position the window in a corner where it will not block your main work area. The bottom-right corner is a popular choice since it stays out of the way while still being visible.

Remember that the audio will continue playing even if you cover the window with other applications. Use the volume control in the floating window to adjust audio levels.

If you are using multiple monitors, the Picture in Picture window stays visible on the monitor where you positioned it, regardless of which monitor you are working on.

When Picture in Picture Is Not Available

There are some situations where Picture in Picture will not work.

Premium streaming services often block Picture in Picture to protect their content. This includes Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and similar platforms. They want to prevent people from using the feature to get around their viewing restrictions.

Some corporate or school networks may also block Picture in Picture through their content filters.

Live streams from certain platforms may not support Picture in Picture due to technical limitations on their end.

In these cases, there is not much you can do besides watching the video in a regular tab or using a different approach to keep it visible.

Give It a Try

Picture in Picture is one of those Chrome features that becomes indispensable once you start using it. The next time you need to watch something while working, try pulling it out into its own window. It takes just a second to activate and can make a big difference in how smoothly your workflow goes.

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