If you are looking for an effective solution to watch your films without interruption while using other applications, the famous open source reader VLC Media Player offers the function Picture in Picture (PiP). This mode allows you to reproduce the multimedia content within a small floating window overlapping, allowing you to keep your main working areas active and visible.
Multitasking is now an essential component of our digital routine. Enable VLC Picture mode can increase your productivity exponentially, allowing you to manage multiple tasks simultaneously without ever losing sight of your favorite videos.
In the guide below, we will explore in detail the steps to activate this feature on any desktop or mobile device, ensuring an optimized and limitless viewing experience.
Activate VLC PiP on Windows
- Launch VLC on your computer and open the video file you want to play.
- Click on the menu View top and select the option Always in the forefront.
- The video will be displayed inside a floating window that will remain constantly anchored in the foreground over all other windows or programs open on the desktop.
- To further reduce the footprint of the video and hide the commands, go back to the menu Instruments, click on Customize interface and change it according to your viewing preferences.
By applying these quick steps, you can use Picture in Picture mode on your media player and enjoy the contents in a compact and always visible window.
Activate VLC PiP on MacOS
Also for Apple desktop users, activate Picture in Picture mode with VLC Media Player is a fast process. This option is ideal for maintaining playback in a corner of the screen while browsing the web or processing documents. A smart way to make the most of the tools multitasking offered by Mac.
- Open the video you want to play using the VLC version for macOS.
- Temporarily pause playback and place the mouse cursor on the menu Video located in the upper bar of the system.
- From the drop-down menu, click the option Always in the forefront (often referred to as “Float on Top”). This will make the player fluctuate constantly above other apps open on the Mac.
Activate VLC PiP on iOS
Using the official iPhone app, you can use the Picture in Picture function to carry out other operations on your smartphone while you continue viewing your content. An essential feature for users always connected.
The app lets you reduce the size of the video player panel and move it to the corners of the screen, keeping it active while opening other applications.
It is important to note that on Apple’s mobile operating systems activation may require specific permissions, as system restrictions iOS they often disable auto playback in the background (or PiP) for third-party apps.
- Open the app Settings of your iPhone, go to the menu Quick controls (or Shortcuts) and verify that the Allows unreliable fast commands be placed on active (green color).
- If it is not already installed, download the VLC Media Player app from the App Store. Next, within the menu Settings native of the VLC app, activate the option Play videos in the background.
- Finally, launch your video playback through the VLC app, tap on the options icon (three dots) and select the command Reduce to reader icon to start the PiP.
Activate VLC PiP on iPadOS
For iPad Air, iPad Pro or iPad Mini owners, multitasking management is perfectly suited to Picture in Picture mode. Given the unique features of Apple tablets, enabling PiP on iPad requires a slightly different configuration than iPhone.
- Open the application Settings of the tablet. Navigate to voice General and select the section Multitasking and Dock.
- Check that function Picture in Picture (or automatic video overlay) is properly enabled.
- Launch your VLC Media Player application and start playing a video content.
- Tap on the PiP icon in the upper left corner of the full-screen interface. The pane will minimize in a compact window, which you can resize with your fingers or move to the various corners of the screen.
Activate VLC PiP on Android
The Android ecosystem supports the Picture in Picture function excellently and natively for most devices, smartphones and tablets. To ensure the complete compatibility of the service, always remember to check that your terminal has downloaded the latest version of the service android operating system.
- Access the VLC Media Player app and tap the button to enter the menu Settings inside.
- Search and select the setting that allows playback in the background of videos. After that, while viewing a video, tap on the screen and press the icon with the three dots to open the menu of advanced features.
- Press the icon depicting two boxes to activate the floating window Pop-up or Picture in Picture.
Once the operation is finished, the video window will automatically shrink. You can drag it to the screen portion you prefer and enjoy maximum comfort while using your messaging, navigation or productivity apps.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about VLC and Picture in Picture
Does VLC support Picture in Picture on all devices?
Yes, VLC Media Player supports Picture in Picture (or “floating window in the foreground”) feature on most desktop platforms (Windows, macOS) and mobile (Android, iOS, iPadOS). The activation steps vary according to the native settings of each operating system.
Why does VLC PiP not work on my iPhone?
If the PiP mode is not activated on iOS devices, the main reason is usually related to system permissions. Make sure that the “Picture in Picture” option is enabled in the general settings of your iPhone (Settings > General > Picture in Picture) and has granted VLC the consents for running in the background.
Can I resize the PiP window on computer?
Absolutely. When you activate the “Always in the foreground” setting on Windows or macOS, you can click and drag the edges of the VLC window to enlarge it or shrink it as desired. You can also customize the interface by removing unnecessary buttons or commands from the Tools menu to make the window even more essential and compact.
