Picture-in-picture
Picture-in-picture (PiP) is a viewing mode where a video keeps playing in a small floating window on top of other apps or browser tabs. Viewers can move and resize the window while they browse, message or work. PiP is supported in major desktop browsers and on iOS and Android through their native player APIs.
Why it matters
Picture-in-picture keeps a video playing while viewers check messages or browse, so sessions last longer instead of ending when someone switches tasks. For live sports, courses and long-form content, that can protect watch time on mobile, where multitasking is constant.
How it works
- The viewer taps a picture-in-picture button or leaves the app while video plays.
- The app asks the browser or operating system to move the video into a floating window.
- The small window stays on top of other apps or pages and can be moved or resized.
- The viewer can return to full view or close the window, and the app updates its state.
Which browsers support picture-in-picture?
Chrome, Edge and Safari support picture-in-picture for video, while Firefox offers its own built-in toggle rather than the standard web API. Because support is not uniform, the Picture-in-Picture API is not marked as Baseline. Apps should check support in code before showing a picture-in-picture button.
How do I enable picture-in-picture on iPhone?
On iPhone, picture-in-picture starts when you swipe home during a video in a supporting app or Safari. Apps built on Apple's standard player get it with little code but must enable background audio and the feature. If it does not work, check that picture-in-picture is turned on in Settings and that the app supports it.
Where it's used
OTT services, live sports streamers and online learning platforms enable picture-in-picture so viewers can keep watching while replying to messages, taking notes or browsing.
By the numbers
- MDN marks the Picture-in-Picture API as not Baseline, because it does not work in some widely used browsers. (Picture-in-Picture API, MDN)
