The modern rhythm of life requires the smartphone user to be able to perform several tasks simultaneously. Often there is a desire to continue watching your favorite video blog or lecture without minimizing the messenger, browser or game. Fortunately, the operating system Android provides powerful multitasking tools that allow you to display video content in a separate window on top of other applications. This is not just convenience, but also a significant time saving, allowing you to consume information in parallel with work or communication.
The implementation of this function may vary depending on the manufacturer of your device and the firmware version. Some users discover the functionality they need right away, while others have to activate hidden developer settings or use third-party launchers. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods, from standard system tools to advanced methods that will turn your smartphone into a real multitasking center.
Before you start setting up, you should make sure that your device has sufficient performance. The operating mode of several applications simultaneously creates a load on RAM and CPU. If your smartphone starts to slow down when you try to play a video in a floating window, it may be worth closing background applications or reducing the quality of the video stream for smoother operation.
Using the built-in Picture-in-Picture function
The most common and convenient way viewing a video in a separate window is the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode. This technology allows videos to play in a small floating window that you can move around the screen and resize while you do other things. In most modern smartphones based on Android 8.0 and higher, this function is built in at the system level and does not require the installation of additional software.
To activate the mode, you need to go to the settings of the YouTube application itself. Find the section General and make sure that the switch opposite the item Picture in Picture is active. If the checkbox is checked, but the function does not work, check the system permissions: go to Settings → Applications → YouTube → Advanced → Picture in picture and allow use.
Launch is extremely simple: open any video in the application and simply swipe it up to minimize the application to the home screen. The video will automatically be compressed into a small window. You can drag it to any corner of the display or stretch it with your fingers. However, it is worth remembering that for free accounts in some regions this function may be limited or require a subscription. YouTube Premium.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices from Chinese manufacturers (Xiaomi, Huawei, Honor), system optimization may aggressively close background processes. If the video window disappears when you minimize it, go to your battery settings and turn off power saving for the YouTube app.
The image quality in a floating window usually adapts automatically, but you can manually select the resolution before minimizing it. This is especially important if you plan to watch videos while working on text documents, where clarity of small details on the screen is important.
If a floating window is interfering with your typing, double-tap on it to expand it to full screen, and then minimize it again when you're done typing.
Split Screen mode
If you need not just background playback, but full access to two applications at once; split-screen mode is ideal. Unlike PiP, here the screen is divided into two equal or proportional parts, each of which runs its own application. This is a great option for those who want to comment on videos in real time or follow stock quotes while watching the news. split screen. Unlike PiP, here the screen is divided into two equal or proportional parts, each of which runs its own application. This is a great option for those who want to comment on videos in real time or follow stock prices while watching the news.
Activation of this mode depends on the interface of your smartphone. On “pure” Android, you need to open the recent applications menu (usually swipe up from bottom and hold or the square button) and click on the application icon at the top. In the menu that appears, select Split screen. After this, the system will prompt you to select a second application from the list of running ones.
On devices with shells like One UI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi, the process may differ. Often it is enough to simply pull down the top edge of the application in the multitasking menu. There is also a gesture that works on many models: slide your finger from the bottom corner of the screen to the center, holding it for a couple of seconds to bring up the split screen panel.
- 📱 Press the “Recent applications” button and select YouTube from the list.
- ✂️ Tap on the application icon and select “Split screen” or “Split screen”.
- 🎬 Select a second app to open at the bottom or top of the display.
- ↔️ Drag the split bar to resize the windows as you wish.
It is important to note that not all apps support this mode. Although YouTube is one of the most compatible services, some games or specialized software may be forced to open in full screen, closing the second window. In such cases, the system usually issues a notification about the impossibility of splitting.
Third-party launcher applications for floating video
In situations where the standard Android capabilities do not meet your needs or the PiP function is not available in your region without a subscription, third-party solutions come to the rescue. There are specialized launcher applications and utilities that create their own layer on top of the system for video playback. Such apps are often called Floating Video Player or Pop-up Player.
The principle of their operation is to intercept a video stream or create an independent browser window that disguises itself as a system application. Popular solutions such as Floating Apps or Xui Floating Browserallow you to open YouTube in your own mini-browser that supports free window mode. This makes it possible not only to watch a video, but also to open several windows at the same time.
Installation of such software requires permission to “display on top of other windows.” This is a critical parameter Android securitythat should not be given to unverified apps. Download such utilities only from the official store Google Playto avoid the risk of installing malware that can intercept data from your screen.
Some advanced users prefer to use modified YouTube clients that have a built-in floating window feature without restrictions. However, using unofficial software carries the risk of having your account blocked by the service, so approach the choice of such tools with caution and be aware of the possible consequences.
⚠️ Attention: When using third-party floating windows, battery consumption can increase significantly, since the system is forced to render an additional graphic layer on top of the main interface.
Special settings options for forced windows
For advanced users who want maximum control over the behavior of windows, there are hidden settings in the section Accessibility. In some versions of Android, you can enable the feature to force applications to resize, which allows you to run in floating mode even those apps that do not officially support this feature.
To access these settings, you must first activate Developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, return to the main settings menu and find the new section For developers.
Inside the developer menu, scroll down the list to the "Applications" block. Find the switch Force actions to change size (Force activities to be resizable) and activate it. After enabling this option and restarting the device, the system will allow you to launch almost any application, including YouTube, in free window mode through the recent tasks menu.
| Settings option | Standard value | Recommended value | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forced resizing | Off | On | Allows you to run incompatible applications in the window |
| Minimum width (dp) | 360-400 | 320-600 | Affects the scale of the interface in the window |
| Window animation | 1x | 0.5x or Off | Speeds up opening/closing windows |
Using these settings may cause some applications to become unstable because the interface was not designed to be displayed in a reduced size. Buttons may become too small, and text may overlap each other. Therefore, use this function only if absolutely necessary.
Risks of developer mode
Changing settings in the developer menu can lead to system failures, reboots, or incorrect display of the interface. Always write down the original settings before changing them so that you can roll back the settings.
Features of working on different versions of Android
Multitasking functionality directly depends on the version of the operating system installed on your device. Beginning with Android 7.0 Nougatsplit screen support was implemented into the core of the system, but implementation varied greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. In more recent versions, such as Android 12, 13 and 14, the algorithms for working with windows have become much smarter and more adaptive.
On older devices running Android 6.0 and below, there is no native support for floating windows. Users of such gadgets have to rely solely on third-party applications or functions provided by the manufacturer's shell (for example, Multi-Window on older Samsungs). In such cases, performance may be poor due to limitations hardware.
In the latest versions of Android, Google has introduced improved support for foldable devices and larger screens, which has a positive effect on regular smartphones. Now the system better remembers pairs of applications for split screen and allows you to save their configuration as shortcuts on the desktop for quick launch.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface and menu item names may differ depending on the shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS). If you do not find the described items, use the search inside your phone settings.
It is also worth considering that security updates and system patches sometimes change the behavior of background processes. What worked reliably a month ago may require new permission settings after the next firmware update. Always check that the instructions are up to date when updating the software.
☑️ Checking mode compatibility
Optimizing performance during multitasking
Launching YouTube in a separate window in parallel with other heavy applications creates a serious load on the smartphone's resources. Video codecs require significant computing power to decode the stream, especially if high resolution 1080p or 4Kis selected. To avoid lags and freezes, you need to correctly configure the playback settings.
It is recommended to reduce the video quality to 480p or 720pif you are using a floating window. On a small screen, the difference in detail will be minimal, but the load on GPU (GPU) will be reduced significantly. This will free up resources for the main application you are currently using.
It is also useful to turn off auto-brightness and lower the overall screen brightness if you are working indoors. This will not only save battery power, but also reduce the heat dissipation of the device, preventing throttling (a decrease in processor frequency due to overheating). Regularly clearing the application cache before starting a multitasking session will also help the system run faster.
- 🔋 Close any unnecessary background applications before running a video in a window.
- 📉 Set the video quality to 720p for a balance between clarity and performance.
- ❄️ Remove the case from your smartphone if you feel the case getting very hot.
- 🚀 Reboot the device if multitasking starts to become unstable.
Remember that constant multitasking speeds up battery wear. If you are planning a long session, it is better to keep the device connected to a charger or use an external power bank.
Reducing the quality of the video stream is the most effective way to ensure smooth operation of the smartphone when using several applications at the same time.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why the “Picture in Picture” button is inactive in YouTube settings?
Most often this is due to regional restrictions or YouTube Premium subscription requirements. In some countries, PiP is only available to paid users. Also check if this feature is disabled in the general settings of Android in the "Applications" section.
Is it possible to resize a floating YouTube window?
Yes, in standard PiP mode, you can change the size of the window by pinching it with two fingers (pinch-to-zoom gesture). However, the minimum and maximum sizes are limited by the system to keep the interface readable.
Why does the video stop when I minimize the app?
This may be due to aggressive power saving. Go to Battery Settings, search for YouTube and select No Limits or Don't Optimize mode. Also make sure that the app has permission to run in the background.
Does split screen work in landscape orientation?
Yes, but the layout of the windows will change. In landscape mode, apps will be located next to each other (left and right), rather than above and below as in portrait orientation. This is convenient for tablets and smartphones with large screens.
Does opening in a separate window affect the collection of view statistics?
No, the YouTube service takes views into account regardless of the mode in which the video is played: full screen, in a floating window or in a minimized state (provided that the sound is not turned off and the video is not paused).