How to Use Picture-in-Picture on a Chromebook

Why use Picture-in-Picture

Picture-in-Picture turns a full-screen video into a compact floating window that stays on top of your other apps. It is a built-in feature of ChromeOS, so you do not need to install anything extra to use it on most Chromebooks. The main benefit is that you can keep watching a video while you browse the web, write notes, or join a video call without constantly switching tabs.

The feature works with many video sites, web apps, and Android apps that support the platform's PiP APIs. You can move the floating window to any corner of the screen, adjust its size, and even let it remain visible when you switch to a different virtual desktop. If you often multitask with media, mastering PiP can significantly improve your workflow.

Use Picture-in-Picture in Chrome

The quickest way to start PiP in Chrome is through the browser's media controls. When a video is playing, look for the small PiP icon that appears in the address bar or in the on-screen media control overlay. Click that icon and the video will instantly pop out into a floating window. If you do not see the icon, try right-clicking the video twice and selecting the option that matches your language, usually labeled "Picture in Picture."

Some websites disable the native PiP button to protect content, but you can still use the built-in Chrome feature. Press the PiP button on the media control, or use the keyboard shortcut if you have configured it in your settings. The floating window will remain active even if you open another tab, so you can keep working while the video plays.

If you want to bring the video back to the main tab, click the PiP window's close button, or click the PiP icon again. The window will shrink back into the original tab. You can also use the global media controls in the Quick Settings panel to pause or resume playback without returning to the video.

• Play a video in a Chrome tab that supports HTML5 playback.
• Locate the PiP icon in the address bar or on the video player.
• Click the icon to pop the video into a floating window.
• Drag the window to your preferred screen position.
• To leave PiP, click the X button on the floating window.

Use Picture-in-Picture in Android apps

Many Android apps on your Chromebook support PiP natively. When you are playing a video in an app like Google TV or YouTube, press the Home button or swipe up to go back to the launcher. If the app supports PiP, the video will shrink into a small floating window automatically. You can then open other apps and continue watching.

Not every Android app enables PiP by default. Some apps only support PiP while a video is playing, while others require you to enable the feature in the app's settings. To check, open the app's settings and look for an option related to Picture-in-Picture. If the app does not support it, you can still use the web version in Chrome and use the browser's PiP feature. For more on installing and managing Android apps, see the Android app setup guide.

When you use PiP from an Android app, the floating window behaves similarly to the Chrome version. You can drag it, resize it, and tap the full-screen button to return to the app. On a touchscreen Chromebook, you can also pinch to adjust the size of the PiP window quickly.

Move and resize the PiP window

The PiP window is designed to be flexible. You can move it anywhere on your screen by dragging it with your mouse or finger. To resize it, hover over an edge or corner until the cursor changes, then drag outward or inward. On a touchscreen, use a pinch gesture instead.

Most PiP windows include a set of controls at the bottom. These typically include a play or pause button, a close button, and sometimes a button to return the video to its original tab. The exact set of controls depends on the source of the video. For example, web-based PiP often shows a volume icon and a full-screen toggle.

When you switch to tablet mode or use a different display arrangement, the PiP window may reposition itself automatically to stay in view. If you use multiple virtual desktops, you can move the PiP window to any desktop and it will remain there until you close it. This works well with the multiple desktops feature for keeping work and personal tasks separate.

Force Picture-in-Picture with extensions

If a website or app does not show the PiP button, you can install a Chrome extension that forces PiP on any video. Extensions from the Chrome Web Store can add a custom button to your browser toolbar, which you can click to pop any video out into a floating window. This is useful for sites that deliberately hide the native PiP control.

When you install an extension, it typically works on any HTML5 video element. You can also use the extension to control playback speed, capture subtitles, or adjust the window opacity. Many extensions are free and open source, though you should review the permissions before installing one.

An extension is not required for most videos, but it gives you more control when you need it. If you frequently watch long lectures or live streams, having a forced PiP option can be a reliable fallback. Keep in mind that extensions run separately from the operating system, so they may not work inside Android apps. For those, use the app's native PiP support or switch to the web version.

Keep ChromeOS up to date

ChromeOS receives regular automatic updates that add new features, improve stability, and patch security issues. The ChromeOS update guide explains that your Chromebook will check for and install updates automatically when you are connected to the internet. Restarting your device after an update ensures you have the latest version of ChromeOS.

Some updates may bring enhancements to Picture-in-Picture, such as better support for new video formats or improved window controls. To make sure you have the current version, open Settings, go to "About ChromeOS," and select "Check for updates." If an update is available, it will download and you can restart to apply it.

Keeping your Chromebook updated also ensures compatibility with the latest Android app APIs, so more apps can support PiP without requiring extra work from you. If you ever notice that PiP stops working on a particular site or app, check for updates first. A simple restart after an update can resolve many minor glitches.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I use Picture-in-Picture with YouTube?

Yes, YouTube supports PiP both in the Chrome browser and in the Android app on Chromebooks. In Chrome, you can click the PiP icon on the media controls. In the Android app, press Home while a video is playing to shrink it into a floating window.

Why doesn't the PiP button appear on some videos?

Some websites intentionally disable PiP to control playback or protect content. You can try right-clicking the video twice to see if a manual PiP option appears, or use a Chrome extension that forces PiP. Android apps may also disable PiP depending on the app's settings.

Can I resize the PiP window on a touchscreen?

Yes, on a touchscreen Chromebook, you can pinch the PiP window to make it smaller or larger. You can also drag it by the title bar to move it. The resize behavior is identical to using a mouse.

Does PiP work in tablet mode?

Yes, PiP works in tablet mode. When you flip your Chromebook into a tablet, the floating window remains functional. You can move and resize it with touch gestures, and it will stay on top of other apps.

How do I close the PiP window?

You can close the PiP window by clicking the X button on the floating window itself. Alternatively, if the video is playing in Chrome, you can return to the original tab by clicking the PiP icon again. In Android apps, tapping the PiP window typically brings you back to the full screen first, and then you can close the video normally.