When Apple announced iOS 9 for the iPad, it revealed a new feature called Picture in Picture that would allow users to watch a video in a minimized, moveable window, while completing other tasks on the iPad.

For videos to work in Picture in Picture mode, companies had to update its apps to include the new iOS 9 feature. While HBO and Hulu updated its apps to include the Picture in Picture support, others like Netflix and YouTube have not.

However, there is a solution for users wanting to watch their favorite YouTube videos in Picture in Picture mode, while multitasking on their iPad. PipTube acts as a YouTube player by turning a YouTube URL into a video that then plays through the Picture in Picture supported native iOS player.

How to use the PipTube app to watch your YouTube videos

Step 1: Download and install the PipTube app from the iTunes store, where it retails for $1.99

Step 2: Add PipTube to the Today widget on your iPad. Follow the steps below if you are unsure how to add a widget:

• Display the Notification Center by swiping down from the top of your iPad screen.
• Select the Today tab
• At the bottom of the panel tap the Edit button
• You will see the PipTube widget and can enable it by tapping the green circle next to the widget.

Step 3: When you launch PipTube you can watch the tutorial video of how the app works, or simply follow the steps below:

• When you are in the YouTube app, tap the share icon and copy the link for a video you want to watch.
• Open Today view and tap on the PipTube widget that you loaded previously.
• The PipTube app will launch with the link of the video you just copied, together with the title of the video.
• A Picture in Picture button will appear in the PipTube video player, allowing you to multitask while watching your YouTube video.

While we will have to wait and see whether YouTube will ever update its app to provide Picture in Picture support, until that day arrives you can rely on PipTube to multitask on your iPad while watching videos.

Image credit: geralt; Pixabay