YouTube has finally started rolling out Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for free users in Kenya, but with some important limitations. This feature allows you to watch videos in a small floating window while using other apps on your phone. However, it only works for long-form, non-music videos. Music videos still require a YouTube Premium subscription. Many users feel this should have been free from the start, and here’s a complete breakdown of what’s changing and how it affects you.
What Is Picture-in-Picture Mode on YouTube?
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode lets you shrink a video into a small player that stays on top of other apps. You can check emails, browse social media, or text friends while your video continues playing. It’s a popular feature for multitasking, and now free users in Kenya can access it for most videos.
Key Details of the Update
- Eligible videos: Long-form, non-music content (e.g., vlogs, tutorials, news, documentaries).
- Excluded videos: Music videos still require YouTube Premium for PiP.
- Availability: Rolling out to free users in Kenya starting now.
- How to use: Simply swipe up or press the home button while a video is playing, and it will automatically shrink to a PiP window.
Why Music Videos Are Excluded
YouTube’s decision to restrict PiP for music videos is tied to licensing agreements with record labels. Music content often has stricter rights, and the company uses Premium subscriptions to generate revenue from these videos. For free users, you can still listen to music in the background, but only with the screen on and the app open.
Should This Have Been Free from Day One?
Many users argue that PiP is a basic feature that should be available to everyone, especially since competitors like Netflix and TikTok already offer similar functionality without extra charges. YouTube’s slow rollout suggests they’re testing the waters before a wider release. For now, free users in Kenya get a taste of what Premium offers, but music lovers will still need to pay.
How to Make the Most of YouTube PiP Mode
Here are some practical tips to maximize your experience:
- Use it for tutorials: Follow along with a cooking or DIY video while keeping your hands free.
- Watch news or podcasts: Stay updated while working or scrolling social media.
- Resize the window: Drag the PiP player to any corner of your screen and pinch to adjust its size.
- Pause easily: Tap the PiP window to reveal play/pause controls.
What’s Next for YouTube Free Users?
This update could be a precursor to a broader rollout in other countries. YouTube often tests features in smaller markets like Kenya before expanding globally. If successful, free users worldwide might eventually get PiP for all videos, including music. Until then, Premium remains the only way to get full PiP access across all content.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let us know if you’ve already tried PiP on your device. It’s a small but welcome change for multitaskers in Kenya.
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