YouTube Tests New Picture-in-Picture Window to Replace Mini Player

YouTube is experimenting with a significant change to its app interface, replacing the traditional mini player with a new Picture-in-Picture (PiP) window feature. This update is currently being tested in the YouTube Beta app, version 19.29.35.

New Picture-in-Picture Window

The update marks the removal of the mini player, which was previously used to continue playing videos in a reduced window while navigating through other parts of the app.

In its place, YouTube now features a Picture-in-Picture window that appears when you minimize a video. This change enhances the viewing experience by providing a more dynamic and flexible interface for video playback.

Changes in Video Minimization

Previously, when a video was minimized in portrait mode, it would shrink into a mini player that allowed playback while users explored the app. This mini player included a Play/Pause button and a "cross" button for closing the player.

However, with the new update, dragging down on the video transitions it into a Picture-in-Picture window. The PiP window plays the video in the background, but the Play/Pause button is now hidden and only appears when the video is tapped.

Enhanced Interaction and Controls

The Picture-in-Picture window offers more interactive features compared to the mini player. Users can resize the PiP window using a pinch-out gesture. When resized, additional controls appear, allowing quick navigation with buttons to skip forward or rewind by 10 seconds.

The PiP window also includes options to maximize the video to full-screen mode or close it with a "cross" button. These controls provide a more versatile and user-friendly way to manage video playback.

Distinction from Standard PiP Feature

It is important to note that this new Picture-in-Picture window is different from the standard PiP feature that activates when users navigate to the home screen or switch apps. The beta version of the YouTube app currently showcases this update, but it has not yet been rolled out to the stable version of the app.

Anticipated Future Release

The observed changes are not part of any experimental features made available for user testing. Given that these updates are present in the beta version, it is anticipated that YouTube will soon integrate the Picture-in-Picture window into the stable release of the app. This move reflects YouTube's ongoing efforts to refine user experience and enhance the functionality of its app interface.