How to Watch Picture-in-Picture Videos in Firefox and Chrome
With the latest Firefox update , the Mozilla browser finally matches the picture-in-picture capabilities of Google Chrome. PiP, as it is commonly called, allows you to watch videos while browsing other websites – ultimately helping to increase your productivity if you have a favorite show that you hate to miss.
The Firefox version is currently only for Windows, while Chrome can play PiP videos in all versions of the desktop browser. However, Firefox PiP is much easier to use right out of the box, while Chrome requires a few extra steps. Here’s how to get started in both browsers:
Fire fox
Firefox users need to first update their browser to version 71 or higher . As mentioned, this feature is currently only available to Windows users; Mac users will have to wait for PiP deployments in the future.
After updating Firefox, it is very easy to play PiP videos. Start playing the video on the page, then hover your mouse over it. A small blue Picture-in-Picture button should appear above the video; press the button and the video will switch to PiP mode.
Chromium
Chrome users have two options for PiP videos: either use the built-in PiP feature that was added back in Chrome 70, or download their own PiP Chrome extension from Google . Both options are available on all desktop versions of Chrome.
Although loading the extension is an optional step, it is an easier way. The extension adds a dedicated button next to the address bar that you can click to instantly open the video in the new PiP mini player. (You can also press Alt + P on Windows or Option Key + P on Mac to enable PiP.)
The bake feature requires you to manually launch PiP by right-clicking the video and choosing Picture-in-Picture. Some videos, including YouTube videos, require two right-clicks to access the menu.
Video playback control
Whichever browser you use, you can control and configure PiP videos in the same way, once they are up and running. The video will remain on top of the other tabs in your browser, and you can drag the video around the screen and resize it as you like by clicking and dragging the edge of the video.