It looks like YouTube is testing two new viewing features for desktop users – Picture-in-picture, and a floating “miniplayer-bar” that allows you to watch a video while scrolling and doing other things on the platform.
On mobile, YouTube has had a picture-in-picture feature on both Android and iOS for a very long time. And now, it looks like the platform is testing a similar set of features on desktop as well, giving its desktop users much more flexibility in how they watch videos and what they can do at the same time. Because, after all, we all like multitasking on the Internet, especially when consuming media, right?
It looks like YouTube is testing more than one multitasking feature on the web. First spotted by 9to5Google last week, the test looks a lot like what YouTube already has on its Android and iOS app – the ability to “minimise and watch” while still browsing other videos on the platform.
The way it works is simple. As you play a video, you can click somewhere else to keep the video in view – floating at the bottom-right corner – complete with its play/pause, and replay controls, as well as the option to watch the next clip. The video’s name can be seen under the floating video, plus a dedicated icon gives users access to a playlist that includes the playing video. There is no news if this feature will be widely available, or when.
However, this is not the only such feature being tested.
Engadget also reported a so-called “miniplayer-bar,” that lets a video scroll down the page as a user scrolls. Reminiscent of a “sticky menu,” the feature allows users to continue to keep a video in-view while scrolling, reading comments, etc. The video scrolls in a smaller window of course, but it’s certainly practical. The bar also features the video’s title, as well as thumbs up and thumbs down buttons, and share and subscribe buttons.
Again, there is no indication if and when this feature will be released, and whether it will be a part of a dual feature set, along with the aforementioned picture-in-picture feature which is also being tested.
You might also like
More from YouTube
Smaller Creators Can Now Access YouTube Partner Program
The YouTube Partner Program will now be open to creators once they reach 500 subscribers, allowing smaller creator to monetize …
YouTube Brings Unskippable 30-Second Ads To TV
YouTube is bringing longer unskippable ads to its TV app, unless you're paying for the platform's premium subscription YouTube says these …
YouTube Brings Shopping Features To Shorts
YouTube is testing affiliate marketing and in-app shopping features on Shorts, less than a week after TikTok began testing similar …
Get Ready To Choose Your YouTube Handle
YouTube is introducing handles to make it easier for members to find and connect with each other. Your handle will be …
YouTube Now Lets You Add A Voiceover To Your Shorts
YouTube is adding one of its most-requested features to Shorts; the ability to add a voiceover, like narration and original …
YouTube Starts Adding Watermarks To Downloaded Shorts Clips
YouTube has started adding watermarks to downloaded Shorts clips to stop users from cross-posting them to other platforms.
YouTube Expands Offense Warnings To Desktop, Updates Payments System
New updates for creators! A dedicated payments account within AdSense, and warnings on potentially offensive text detected by AI.
YouTube Offering Podcast Networks Up To $300k To Film Episodes
YouTube is offering financial incentives to podcasting networks to adapt their shows to a video format and share them on …
YouTube Adds Guided Support For Community Guideline Violations
YouTube has updated its review process to provide creators with specifics about the reportedly violative video and facilitate a resolution.
