How to Put YouTube in Mini Player on PC: A Complete Guide

Watching YouTube while multitasking on a PC is a common need, whether you’re following a tutorial, listening to a podcast, or keeping an eye on a live stream. Knowing how to switch to a mini player mode can significantly improve your workflow. This article compares the primary methods available on a PC, explaining how they work, their key features, and the subtle differences between them to help you choose the best approach for your needs.

Method 1: Using the Built-in Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode

This is a browser-level feature supported by most modern web browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox. It offers a highly flexible viewing experience.

• How it works: After starting a video, right-click on the video player area twice. The first right-click opens a YouTube menu; the second right-click (or a right-click on a blank area of the player) opens the browser’s native context menu. From there, select “Picture in Picture” or “Enter Picture in Picture.”
• Keyboard Shortcut: In many Chromium-based browsers like Chrome and Edge, you can typically use a keyboard shortcut, though it may vary. A common shortcut is pressing the F key while holding Ctrl (this usually works for fullscreen, but not all browsers support a dedicated PiP shortcut). The most reliable method remains the right-click context menu.
• Features: The PiP window is resizable and can be moved to any corner of your screen. It stays on top of all other windows. Playback controls (play/pause, close) are generally available within the floating window.

Method 2: Using YouTube’s Built-in Mini Player Button

This is a feature native to the YouTube website itself and is available on the video’s toolbar.

• How it works: While watching a video, look for a small button on the player’s toolbar, typically located to the right of the volume slider and the fullscreen button. It’s often represented by a small rectangular icon with a downward arrow or a similar symbol. Clicking this button activates the mini player.
• Features: This mini player is integrated into the YouTube web page. It shrinks the video into a corner of the page you’re currently on. You can navigate to other videos on the same tab, and the mini player will continue playing. However, it generally does not stay visible if you switch to a completely different tab or application (unless you’re using the same browser window and have a split-screen setup).

Comparison Table: PiP vs. YouTube Mini Player

Which Method is Better for Multitasking?

For extensive multitasking, such as watching a tutorial while writing a document in a word processor or coding in an IDE, the browser’s native Picture-in-Picture mode is generally superior. Its ability to float over all applications makes it highly effective. The YouTube mini player is better suited for scenarios where you want to browse other videos within the same tab, like searching for a playlist or related content, while keeping the current video playing in the corner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why can’t I see the Picture-in-Picture option when I right-click?

This often happens if YouTube is in fullscreen mode. First, exit fullscreen by pressing the Esc key. Then, right-click the video player area twice rapidly to access the browser’s context menu. Also, ensure your browser is up to date, as older versions may not support PiP for all video formats.

Can I use the mini player for YouTube Music or other audio?

Yes, the same principles apply. For YouTube Music, the browser’s PiP mode generally works well for the video component. The YouTube website mini player may not be available in the same way for the standalone YouTube Music interface, but PiP remains a reliable alternative.

Does the mini player stop when I close the browser tab?

Yes, both methods stop the video if you close the specific browser tab where the video is playing. However, if you only minimize the browser window, the PiP window will remain visible over other apps, while the YouTube mini player will disappear.

How do I turn off the mini player or PiP?

For PiP, you can click the close (X) button on the floating window. For the YouTube mini player, click the mini player button again or the close icon (usually an “X”) within the player itself.

Can I adjust the size of the floating PiP window?

Yes, in most browsers, you can click and drag the edges or corners of the floating PiP window to resize it freely to your preferred dimensions.

Final Thoughts

Both the browser’s native Picture-in-Picture mode and YouTube’s built-in mini player offer effective ways to continue watching videos while using your PC. The best choice depends on your specific multitasking needs. If you need a video to stay visible across all your applications and windows, PiP is the clear winner. If you primarily want to browse other content on YouTube without losing your current video, the built-in mini player is more convenient. Understanding both methods gives you the flexibility to choose the right tool for the task at hand.