YouTube's picture-in-picture mode is now available to everyone globally, not just Premium subscribers. Users can shrink videos into a movable mini player and continue watching after leaving the app. Activate it by swiping up or pressing the home button to close YouTube. The feature has been highly requested by users for years and represents a significant improvement to the mobile viewing experience.

The feature launched for Premium subscribers on Android in 2018 and iOS in 2021, before expanding to all US users. Team YouTube says the global rollout will happen gradually over the coming months, so it could take some time before everyone sees the option in their accounts. This staggered approach allows YouTube to manage server load and monitor for any technical issues during the expansion.

For users outside the US, picture-in-picture works for longform non-music content on both Android and iOS platforms. Premium subscribers get an extra perk: the ability to use the feature with music videos too. US users won't see any changes since they already have full access. This gives Premium subscribers a meaningful advantage over free users.