Mode picture-in-picture (Picture-in-Picture, PiP) on Android allows you to view videos in a miniature window on top of other applications. This is convenient when you need to simultaneously follow a video on YouTube and chat in messenger, or watch a stream while simultaneously checking your email. However, not all users know how to correctly activate and configure this mode - especially when it comes to editing video with the PiP effect.

In this article we will look at: how to enable the built-in PiP in Android, how to create a video with the picture-in-picture effect manually using applications for editing, as well as how to bypass the restrictions of some services (for example, YouTube Premium). Let us separately dwell on the nuances for different OS versions and popular brands - three key scenarios: How to enable built-in PiP in Android, how to create picture-in-picture videos manually using editing apps, and how to bypass restrictions of some services (like YouTube Premium). Let us separately dwell on the nuances for different OS versions and popular brands - Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and others.

If you have never used PiP, start with basic system settings. If you need to edit a video with this effect for publication on social networks, go straight to the sections about editors. And for owners of devices with custom shells (for example, MIUI or One UI), we have prepared separate instructions taking into account their features.

📊 How often do you use the PiP mode on your smartphone?
Constantly
Sometimes
I tried it before, but it didn’t stick
Never used it

1. Built-in PiP mode in Android: how to enable and use

Starting from Android 8.0 Oreo, picture-in-picture mode has become part of the standard functionality of the OS. However, its operation depends on two factors: support from the application (for example, YouTube, Chrome, VLC) and correct system settings.

To activate PiP:

  1. Open the video in a supported application (for example, in YouTube or Google Chrome).
  2. Start full playback screen.
  3. Press the button Home (or swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen on gesture navigation).
  4. The video will automatically collapse into a small window that can be dragged around the screen.

If the PiP window does not appear, check the settings:

  • 🔧 Go to Settings → Applications → Accessibility → Picture in Picture.
  • 📱 Make sure that for the desired application (for example, YouTube) access to PiP is allowed.
  • 🔄 If the option is missing, update the application or check compatibility with your version of Android.

Make sure the Android version is at least 8.0

Update the application to play videos

Check the special access settings

Reboot the device if PiP does not work-->

Important! Some applications (for example YouTube) restrict PiP for users without a subscription PremiumIn this case, the video will be minimized to a window, but after a few seconds playback will stop. This is in the next section.

2. How to bypass restrictions of YouTube and other services

The service YouTube blocks the PiP mode for free accounts, offering to subscribe PremiumHowever, there are several ways to bypass this limitation without. payment:

Method 1: Use the browser instead of the application

  • 🌐 Open YouTube in the browser Chrome or Firefox.
  • 🎥 Start the video, then press ⋯ → Request desktop version.
  • 🏠 Return to the main screen - the video will remain in the PiP window.

Method 2: Crawler applications

There are third-party applications (for example, NewPipe or Vanced, which allow you to use PiP without restrictions. However, please note:

⚠️ Attention! Installation of modified versions YouTube (for example, Vanced) may violate the terms of use of the service. In addition, such applications are not tested by Google Play, which increases the risk of malware installation.

Method 3: Alternative players

If you just need to play videos in PiP, use players like VLC or MX Player. They support picture-in-picture mode for local files and some streaming services.

3. Editing video with the picture-in-picture effect manually

If you need create a video with the PiP effect (for example, for a stream, review or presentation), the standard Android mode will not be enough. You will need a video editor. Let's consider the best tools for this task.

Applications for editing PiP on Android:

Application Free version Support PiP Features
KineMaster Yes (with watermark) Full Multilayer editing, animation, chromakey
CapCut Yes Full Simple interface, templates for TikTok
PowerDirector Yes (with restrictions) Full 4K support, transition effects
InShot Yes (with advertising) Basic Convenient for social networks, but few tools for PiP

Step-by-step guide for KineMaster:

  1. Open the project and add the main video to the timeline.
  2. Click Layer → Media and select the second video to insert.
  3. Resize and position the second video to create a PiP effect.
  4. Add animation (for example, smooth appearance) in the menu Effects.
  5. Export the video in the desired resolution (we recommend 1080p for social networks).
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To make the video in PiP look professional, use chroma key (green screen) to remove the background. KineMaster this function is available in the section Effects → Chroma Key.

4. Features of PiP on devices from Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands

Smartphone manufacturers often modify Android by adding their own functions. or restrictions. Let's look at the nuances for popular brands.

Samsung (One UI):

  • 📱 PiP works stably, but some applications (for example, Samsung Internet) may not support the mode.
  • 🔧 To enable PiP for YouTube, use a browser Chrome in desktop mode.
  • 🎯 In Galaxy Store there is a proprietary application Samsung Video Editor with support for PiP editing.

Xiaomi (MIUI):

  • 🚫 In some versions of MIUI, PiP is disabled by default. To enable it, go to. in Settings → Accessibility → Picture in Picture.
  • 🔄 After updating MIUI, PiP settings may be reset - check them after the upgrade.
  • 📲 To edit video, use CapCut (pre-installed on many devices Xiaomi).

Google Pixel (pure Android):

  • ✅ PiP works out of the box without additional settings.
  • 🔍 Q Pixel 6/7 there is a bug with PiP in some applications - check for updates systems.
  • 🎬 For installation we recommend Google Photos (basic functions) or KineMaster (advanced).
Why does PiP in YouTube not work on Xiaomi?

On devices Xiaomi s MIUI 12/13 sometimes PiP is blocked for YouTube due to battery optimization. To fix:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications → YouTube Battery.

2. Select No restrictions.

3. Restart the application.

5. Common problems with PiP and their solutions

Even if you have configured everything correctly, the “picture in” mode picture" may not work properly. Let's look at typical errors and how to fix them.

Problem 1: PiP does not turn on when you press "Home"

  • 🔌 Check whether access to PiP is allowed for the application in the settings (Settings → Applications → Special access).
  • 🔄 Restart the application or device.
  • 📱 Update Android to the latest version - there may be bugs in older builds.

Problem 2: Video in PiP slows down or lags

  • 🖥️ Close background applications that consume resources (especially games or heavy messengers).
  • 🔋 Check the battery charge - when low, the system may limit performance.
  • 📉 Lower the video resolution in the application settings (for example, in YouTube select 480p instead of 1080p).

Problem 3: PiP works only in some applications

⚠️ Attention! Not all applications support PiP. For example, Netflix allows the mode only for downloaded videos, and TikTok does not provide such a function at all. Check the list of supported services on the developer's website.

Problem 4: The PiP window disappears when the screen is locked

This is normal Android behavior - picture-in-picture mode only works when the screen is active. To continue watching after unlocking, simply expand the PiP window back.

6. Alternative ways to create PiP videos without editing.

If you need to quickly record a screen with a video overlay (for example, for a stream or a training video), you can do without complex editing. Here are two simple ways:

Method 1: Screen recording + video overlay

  1. Enable screen recording via Notification panel → Screen recording (or use application AZ Screen Recorder).
  2. Open the video you want to overlay in a separate window (for example, in a browser).
  3. 🎥 Start recording and switch between windows - the video will be recorded over the main content.

Method 2: Using streaming applications

Applications like Streamlabs or OBS Camera allow you to broadcast your smartphone screen to a PC and overlay multiple video sources in real time. This is convenient for streamers who want to simultaneously show the game and their reaction in the camera.

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For quick screen recording from the camera. The PiP effect is suitable AZ Screen Recorder —it supports overlaying the camera on top of the screen and does not add watermarks in the free version.

7. Optimizing PiP videos for social networks

If you edit a video with a picture-in-picture effect for publication on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube Shorts, consider the format requirements of platforms:

Format recommendations:

  • 📏 Aspect ratio:
    • Instagram Reels and TikTok: 9:16 (vertical).
    • YouTube Shorts: 9:16 or 1:1 (square).
    • YouTube (regular video): 16:9 (horizontal).
  • ⏱️ Duration:
    • TikTok: up to 10 minutes (optimally 15–60 seconds).
    • Instagram Reels: up to 90 seconds.
    • YouTube Shorts: up to 60 seconds.
  • 🎨 Design:
    • Place the main video on the entire width of the screen, and the second (PiP) - in the corner (usually bottom right).
    • Add subtitles if there is speech in the video - many users watch social networks without sound.

Examples of successful use of PiP in social networks:

  • 🎮 Gaming: main video - gameplay, in the PiP window - reaction streamer.
  • 📚 Training: main video - presentation, in the PiP window - teacher with explanations.
  • 🛒 Reviews: main video - product demonstration, in the PiP window - author's comments.

Important! Algorithms TikTok and Instagram rank videos with dynamic transitions better. If the PiP window is static, add animation (for example, smooth appearance or resizing) in the editor.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about PiP mode on Android

Is it possible to use PiP on Android below 8.0?

Officially, no, since the picture-in-picture mode appeared only in Android 8.0 OreoHowever, on some devices with custom firmware. (for example, LineageOS) this function can be activated through the developer settings. An alternative is to use third-party players like VLCthat emulate PiP on older versions of Android.

Why doesn't PiP work in YouTube without Premium?

YouTube artificially limits the PiP mode for free ones accounts to encourage the purchase of a subscription. Premium. This is not a technical limitation of Android, but a marketing ploy. You can bypass the blocking through a browser (as described above) or third-party applications, but this may violate the rules of use of the service.

How to change the size of the PiP window?

The size of the picture-in-picture window can be changed using gestures:

  1. Touch and hold the PiP window.
  2. Extend or shrink the window with two fingers (as when scaling a photo).
  3. Drag the window to the desired corner of the screen.

On some devices (for example, Samsung) additional size settings are available in the PiP menu (button ⚙️ in the corner of the window).

Is it possible to enable sound only in the PiP window?

Yes, but it depends on the application. For example, in YouTube the sound will be played from the window. PiP, even if you are working in another application. If the sound comes from both sources (for example, from PiP and from the main application), mute one of them manually through the notification panel or volume settings.

How to disable PiP if it is disturbing?

To close the picture-in-picture window, swipe down on the window or press the button × in its corner. If PiP appears too often, disable it for a specific application in the settings: 

Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Special access → Picture in Picture → Deny