What is Picture in Picture mode and how do I use it?

Chrome, Firefox and Safari browsers feature Picture in Picture mode, which allows you to watch videos in a smaller, movable screen while you visit other websites, switch between tabs or perform other tasks on your computer or laptop. Picture in Picture is also available on some iOS devices. You can use Picture in Picture mode with both live and on-demand programmes.

How do I enable Picture in Picture?

Apple users can activate Picture in Picture from the BBC iPlayer app by simply playing a programme then navigating away from the app. The video will continue in a smaller screen which can be adjusted using 'pinch and zoom' and 'dragging' gestures. For more information, have a look here: Multitask with Picture in Picture.

On the website, you'll see the option to use Picture in Picture mode on BBC iPlayer at the bottom right corner of the playback screen (on Firefox, you will first need to enable Picture in Picture mode by going to Options > Browsing > Enable picture-in-picture video controls): 

Image showing the playback screen on the iPlayer website with the Picture in Picture icon highlighted

You'll be able to pause, play, and adjust the size of the video screen while using Picture in Picture mode. 

Image showing Picture in Picture mode in use, with the mini screen highlighted. The larger screen is browsing the iPlayer website.

The original window will display a black screen in the playback area along with a message advising that the video is playing in Picture in Picture. You can use the same icon to close Picture in Picture and return the playback the main window.

Known limitations

  • The page you're playing the episode from must be kept active in the background while using Picture in Picture mode. If you close the tab, the pop-out video screen will also close.
  • Subtitles are only available in the main playback screen, and not in the pop-out video screen. 
  • Autoplay will automatically play the next episode in the main playback screen, so you will have to re-activate Picture in Picture mode.
  • To use the playback bar (for example, to rewind or fast-forward the programme), you will need to go back to the BBC iPlayer website tab.


Why can't I see the Picture in Picture toggle?

Picture in Picture mode is available on computers and laptops using Firefox version 71 or above, Google Chrome 70 or above, or Safari browsers on macOS Sierra or above, and on iOS 14.0 and above. If you're using Firefox, Google Chrome or Safari and can't see the Picture in Picture toggle, make sure your browser is up to date:


What should I do if I have a problem with Picture in Picture?

For help or advice using Picture in Picture mode, check your browser's support pages. Picture in Picture isn't a BBC iPlayer feature, so unfortunately we're not able to help with issues using or accessing this.