In today’s fast-paced digital world, multitasking has become an essential skill for many of us. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply a social media enthusiast, the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously can significantly boost your productivity and efficiency. One of the most sought-after multitasking features is the ability to watch YouTube videos while performing other tasks on your iPhone. In this article, we’ll explore how to make a YouTube floating window on iPhone, unlocking a new level of multitasking capabilities for you.
The Evolution of Multitasking on iPhone
Apple’s iOS has traditionally been known for its streamlined, user-friendly interface. However, one of the limitations of the iPhone’s operating system was its lack of multitasking capabilities. Until recently, iPhone users were restricted to using a single app at a time, making it difficult to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. This limitation was particularly frustrating for YouTube enthusiasts who wanted to watch videos while browsing the web, checking email, or performing other tasks.
With the release of iOS 9, Apple introduced the Picture in Picture (PiP) mode, which allowed users to minimize video playback to a floating window, enabling them to multitask while watching videos. However, this feature was limited to a select few apps, including Apple’s own video player, but not YouTube.
The Solution: Third-Party Apps to the Rescue
While Apple’s native PiP mode didn’t support YouTube, third-party app developers saw an opportunity to fill this gap. Today, there are several apps available that allow you to create a YouTube floating window on your iPhone. These apps use a combination of clever coding and iOS features to enable multitasking capabilities.
Download and Install a Compatible App
To create a YouTube floating window on your iPhone, you’ll need to download and install a compatible app from the App Store. Some popular options include:
- TubeFloat: A popular app that allows you to create a floating window for YouTube videos.
*Float for YouTube: A feature-rich app that offers advanced multitasking capabilities, including the ability to customize the floating window’s size and position. - PiPStreamer: A versatile app that supports PiP mode for various video streaming services, including YouTube.
Configure the App for YouTube Floating Window
Once you’ve installed the app, follow these general steps to configure it for a YouTube floating window:
- Launch the app and grant it the necessary permissions.
- Tap on the “Add” or “Plus” icon to add YouTube as a supported service.
- Sign in to your YouTube account to authenticate the app.
- Configure the app’s settings to enable the floating window feature.
Note: The exact steps may vary depending on the app you’re using. Refer to the app’s documentation or online support resources for specific instructions.
How to Use the YouTube Floating Window
Now that you’ve configured the app, it’s time to start using the YouTube floating window. Here’s how:
Launch the App and Start Watching a Video
- Open the app and navigate to the YouTube section.
- Search for a video you want to watch and start playing it.
- Wait for the video to load and start playing.
Minimize the Video to a Floating Window
- Tap on the “Minimize” or “PiP” button (usually represented by a square or rectangle icon) to minimize the video to a floating window.
- The video will shrink to a smaller window, allowing you to multitask while continuing to watch the video.
Customize the Floating Window
Depending on the app you’re using, you may be able to customize the floating window’s size, position, and appearance. Look for in-app settings or gestures to adjust the window to your liking.
Tips and Tricks for Optimal Multitasking
To get the most out of your YouTube floating window, follow these tips and tricks:
- Use Gestures: Many apps allow you to use gestures to control the floating window’s size and position. Experiment with different gestures to find what works best for you.
- Resize the Window: Adjust the floating window’s size to optimize your multitasking experience. A smaller window can be less distracting, while a larger window provides a better viewing experience.
- Multitask Wisely: Be mindful of the apps you’re using alongside the YouTube floating window. Choose apps that don’t require intense focus, such as browsing the web, checking email, or chatting with friends.
Conclusion
Unlocking the power of multitasking on your iPhone can greatly enhance your productivity and entertainment experience. By using a third-party app to create a YouTube floating window, you can watch your favorite videos while performing other tasks on your iPhone. With the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a multitasking master.
Remember to experiment with different apps and customization options to find the perfect setup for your needs. Happy multitasking!
What is a YouTube floating window on iPhone?
A YouTube floating window on iPhone is a feature that allows you to watch YouTube videos in a small window on your screen while continuing to use other apps or browse the internet. This feature is also known as “picture-in-picture” mode. It enables multitasking, allowing you to be more productive and efficient while watching your favorite videos.
With a YouTube floating window, you can respond to emails, chat with friends, or browse social media while still keeping an eye on your video. This feature is especially useful for tasks that don’t require your full attention, such as watching a tutorial or listening to music.
Is the YouTube floating window feature available on all iPhones?
The YouTube floating window feature is available on iPhone models that run iOS 14 or later. This means that if you have an iPhone 6s or later, you can enjoy this feature. However, if you have an older iPhone model, you may not be able to use this feature.
It’s worth noting that even if your iPhone is compatible, you may need to update your YouTube app to the latest version to access the floating window feature. Additionally, the feature may not work with all types of videos, such as live streams or premium content.
How do I enable the YouTube floating window on my iPhone?
To enable the YouTube floating window on your iPhone, start by opening the YouTube app and playing a video. Then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go back to your home screen. The video will continue playing in a small window. You can then open other apps or browse the internet while the video continues to play.
Note that you may need to adjust the size and position of the floating window by tapping on it and dragging it to your preferred location. You can also tap the “X” icon to close the window and return to full-screen mode.
Can I use the YouTube floating window with other video apps?
The YouTube floating window feature is specifically designed for the YouTube app, but other video apps may offer similar functionality. Some popular video apps, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, offer picture-in-picture mode on iPhone.
However, not all video apps support this feature, so you may need to check the app’s settings or features to see if it’s available. Additionally, some apps may have different methods for enabling picture-in-picture mode, so you may need to experiment to find the right combination of gestures and menu options.
How do I adjust the size and position of the YouTube floating window?
To adjust the size and position of the YouTube floating window, simply tap on the window and drag it to your preferred location on the screen. You can also tap and hold on the window to resize it. The window will snap to specific sizes and positions on the screen, so you can easily adjust it to fit your needs.
If you want to move the window to the side of the screen, tap and hold on it, then drag it to the edge of the screen. The window will “dock” at the edge, allowing you to easily access it while using other apps.
Can I use the YouTube floating window with iOS gestures?
Yes, you can use the YouTube floating window with iOS gestures. In fact, the floating window is designed to work seamlessly with iOS gestures. For example, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go back to your home screen, swipe down from the top right corner to open the Control Center, or swipe left or right to switch between apps.
The YouTube floating window will adapt to your gestures, allowing you to easily navigate your iPhone while still watching your video. However, if you encounter any issues with gestures, you can try restarting your iPhone or checking for app updates.
Is the YouTube floating window feature available on iPad?
Yes, the YouTube floating window feature is available on iPad models that run iPadOS 14 or later. This means that if you have an iPad Air, iPad mini, or iPad Pro, you can enjoy this feature. The steps to enable the floating window are similar to those on iPhone, but you may need to adjust the window’s size and position to fit your iPad’s screen.
On iPad, the floating window can be especially useful, as you can use it to watch videos while working on other tasks, such as browsing the web, checking email, or using productivity apps.