How To Watch YouTube In Full Screen Landscape Mode In A Floating Window
Hey guys! Ever wanted to watch your favorite YouTube videos in full screen, but also in a floating window so you can multitask? It's super handy when you're trying to follow a tutorial while working on something else, or if you just want to keep an eye on a stream while browsing the web. While YouTube doesn't have a built-in feature to do this directly, there are a few cool workarounds you can use. Let's dive into how you can achieve this on different devices!
Using Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode on Android
If you're an Android user, you're in luck! Android has a fantastic feature called Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode that makes this super easy. This is probably the most straightforward way to get that full-screen landscape floating window experience. PiP mode allows you to float a video in a small window while you use other apps. However, to get the full-screen landscape feel within this floating window, you'll need to first make the video full screen within the YouTube app, and then activate PiP. Here's how you do it:
- Open the YouTube App: First things first, launch the YouTube app on your Android device. It's that red and white icon, you can't miss it!
- Find Your Video: Search for the video you want to watch or select it from your subscriptions or watch history. Once you've found it, tap on it to start playing.
- Go Full Screen: Once the video starts playing, tap the full-screen icon. It's usually located in the bottom right corner of the video player and looks like a small rectangle. Tapping this will make the video take up your entire screen, filling it out in landscape mode.
- Activate PiP Mode: Now comes the magic! While the video is playing in full screen, simply swipe up from the bottom of your screen to go to your home screen, or tap the home button (the circle, square, or line at the bottom of your screen, depending on your phone's navigation style). When you do this, the YouTube video should automatically shrink into a floating window, which you can then drag around your screen and resize as needed. You can now continue using other apps while the video plays in the background. It's like having your own little portable TV screen!
If PiP doesn't activate automatically, you might need to check your Android settings to make sure it's enabled for YouTube. To do this, go to your phone's settings, then find “Apps” or “App Management,” look for YouTube, and then check the “Picture-in-picture” setting. Make sure it’s toggled on. If you have this enabled and it's still not working, try restarting your device – sometimes a quick reboot can fix these kinds of issues. The beauty of this method is that you get the full-screen landscape experience within the floating window, maximizing your viewing pleasure while still being able to use other apps. It’s a game-changer for multitasking, especially if you're trying to learn something from a tutorial or just want to keep up with your favorite content without dedicating your entire screen to it. Plus, you can easily pause, play, and even skip forward or backward within the floating window, giving you full control over your viewing experience.
Using Third-Party Apps
Another way to achieve the full-screen landscape floating window effect is by using third-party apps specifically designed for this purpose. There are several apps available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store that offer advanced floating window functionalities. These apps often come with additional features like customizable window sizes, opacity adjustments, and even the ability to float other apps, not just videos. This can be a great option if you want more control over your floating window experience or if your device doesn't natively support PiP mode as smoothly as you'd like. Let's explore some of these options in more detail:
For Android Users
Android users have a plethora of options when it comes to third-party apps that can create floating windows. One popular choice is 'Floating Tube' or 'Float Tube', which is specifically designed for YouTube videos. These apps typically work by allowing you to share a YouTube video link directly to the app, which then opens the video in a floating window. The advantage of using such apps is that they often provide a more seamless experience compared to using the browser workaround, and they might offer additional features like playlist support or background playback. Another great option is an app called 'Awesome Pop-up Video'. This app is a bit more versatile, as it can float videos from various sources, not just YouTube. It supports a wide range of video formats and allows you to resize and move the floating window as needed. This is particularly useful if you have videos stored locally on your device that you want to watch in a floating window.
When choosing a third-party app, it's always a good idea to read reviews and check the app's permissions before installing it. This helps ensure that the app is reputable and that it won't compromise your privacy or device security. Look for apps with high ratings and positive reviews, and pay attention to any permissions the app requests. If an app asks for permissions that seem unrelated to its functionality (e.g., access to your contacts or location), it might be a red flag. Once you've found a suitable app, using it is usually quite straightforward. Typically, you'll just need to copy the YouTube video link, paste it into the app, and the video will start playing in a floating window. You can then adjust the size and position of the window to your liking, and even minimize it to a small overlay if you need to.
For iOS Users
While iOS has its own PiP mode, using third-party apps can sometimes provide a more customized experience or workarounds for limitations in the native PiP functionality. One app that often gets recommended is 'CornerTube', though availability and specific features may vary depending on updates and iOS versions. These apps, similar to their Android counterparts, usually let you paste a YouTube link and play the video in a floating window. It’s worth exploring the App Store to see what current options are available and reading reviews to find a reliable choice. The key benefit of using third-party apps is often the added flexibility they provide. Some apps might offer more advanced resizing options, the ability to float multiple windows at once, or even support for additional video platforms beyond YouTube. This can be particularly useful if you're a heavy multitasker or if you frequently find yourself needing to watch videos while working on other tasks. However, just like with Android apps, it's crucial to exercise caution when choosing an app from the App Store. Always read reviews, check the developer's reputation, and be mindful of the permissions the app requests. This will help you avoid apps that might be malicious or that could compromise your privacy.
Using a Browser Extension
Another nifty trick to watch YouTube in a full-screen landscape floating window is by using browser extensions. This method is particularly useful if you're watching YouTube on your computer, whether it's a Windows PC, a Mac, or even a Chromebook. Browser extensions can add extra functionality to your browser, and there are several extensions available that can create floating windows for videos. This approach is great because it doesn't rely on the YouTube app itself, so it works regardless of whether YouTube has a built-in floating window feature. Plus, browser extensions often offer additional customization options, like resizing the floating window or pinning it to the top of your screen.
Finding the Right Extension
First things first, you'll need to find a suitable browser extension. For Chrome users, the Chrome Web Store is your go-to place. Search for terms like “floating YouTube window,” “picture-in-picture extension,” or “floating video player.” You'll find a variety of options, each with its own set of features. Some popular extensions include 'Picture-in-Picture Extension (by Google)' and 'Floating Player'. The Google-made extension is a simple and reliable option, while others might offer more advanced controls. Firefox users can head to the Firefox Browser Add-ons website and search for similar terms. The process is essentially the same: browse the available extensions, read reviews, and choose one that fits your needs. Edge users can find extensions in the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store, which also has a good selection of floating video player extensions. When choosing an extension, it's important to consider a few factors. First, look at the reviews and ratings. Extensions with high ratings and positive reviews are generally more reliable and user-friendly. Second, check the extension's permissions. Make sure it's not asking for access to more data than it needs. A floating video player extension shouldn't need access to your browsing history or personal information, for example. Finally, try out a few different extensions to see which one works best for you. Some extensions might have a simpler interface, while others might offer more advanced features. It's all about finding the right fit for your workflow.
Using the Extension
Once you've installed an extension, using it is usually quite simple. Most extensions will add a small icon to your browser's toolbar. When you're on a YouTube video page, just click the extension icon, and the video should pop out into a floating window. From there, you can resize the window, move it around your screen, and even keep it on top of other windows. This is super handy if you're trying to follow a tutorial while working on a project, or if you just want to keep an eye on a live stream while browsing the web. Some extensions also offer additional features, like the ability to create playlists or control the video playback from the floating window. For example, you might be able to pause, play, skip forward, or adjust the volume without having to go back to the main YouTube tab. This can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you're multitasking. Another great feature that some extensions offer is the ability to float videos from other websites, not just YouTube. This means you can use the same extension to watch videos from Vimeo, Dailymotion, or even your local video files. This versatility can be a big plus if you watch videos from a variety of sources. Overall, using a browser extension is a fantastic way to get that full-screen landscape floating window experience on your computer. It's easy to set up, it's customizable, and it can significantly improve your multitasking abilities.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Several ways to enjoy YouTube in full-screen landscape mode within a floating window. Whether you're using Android's PiP mode, exploring third-party apps, or leveraging browser extensions, you've got options to make your multitasking dreams a reality. Each method has its own advantages, so feel free to try them out and see which one works best for your needs. Happy watching, guys!