Best Picture in Picture Chrome Extensions (2026)

Best picture in picture Chrome extensions

A picture in picture Chrome extension pops a video into a small floating window that stays on top of other tabs and apps, so you can keep watching while you work. Look for one that supports the sites you actually use, lets you resize and reposition the window, and doesn't need more than basic tab access.

Last reviewed September 26, 2026 · 1 listing · Independent, not affiliated with Google

Chrome has a built-in picture in picture mode, but it doesn't work on every video player and can be hidden behind a right-click menu. A dedicated extension adds a toolbar button, extends support to sites the built-in feature misses and often adds controls like always-on-top, resizing and auto pop-out when you switch tabs.

How picture in picture mode works in Chrome

Chrome's native picture in picture detaches a playing video into a small resizable window that floats above other windows. On many sites you can right-click a video and choose Picture in Picture, or use the icon in the address bar. It works well on standard HTML5 video but can fail on custom players that block the feature.

Why a floating video extension for chrome helps

An extension adds a consistent way to pop out video on sites where the native option is missing or grayed out, such as some streaming and social platforms. Many also add a toolbar shortcut, a keyboard shortcut, and settings to auto-enable picture in picture whenever you switch away from a video tab.

What to check before installing one

Check that the extension lists the sites it supports, since picture in picture behavior varies by video player. Prefer one that only needs access to the current tab rather than all sites, is updated for Manifest V3, and doesn't bundle unrelated features that add unnecessary permissions.

Best picture in picture Chrome extensions: FAQs

What does a picture in picture chrome extension do?

It pops a video out of the page into a small floating window that stays on top of other tabs and apps. This lets you keep watching or monitoring a video while browsing, reading, or working in another window.

Does Chrome have picture in picture built in?

Yes. Chrome includes a native picture in picture mode you can trigger by right-clicking most videos, but it doesn't work on every site's custom video player, which is where an extension can help.

Why isn't picture in picture working on a video?

Some sites use custom video players that block or don't support the browser's native picture in picture request. An extension built for that specific site, or one with broader compatibility, can often enable it anyway.

Is a picture in picture extension safe to use?

It should only need access to the tab you're watching video on, not to read or change data on every site. Choose an extension that is actively maintained and states clearly which permissions it needs and why.

Can I use picture in picture on Netflix or YouTube?

YouTube supports native picture in picture in Chrome. Netflix and some other streaming sites restrict it, so you may need an extension built specifically to work around that site's player.

How do I turn on picture in picture without an extension?

Right-click a playing video and choose Picture in Picture from the menu, if the site allows it. Some sites also show a small icon in the video player's controls to trigger the same floating window.

Does picture in picture work in Edge and Brave?

Yes. Picture in picture and most Chrome extensions that add it work the same way in Chromium-based browsers like Microsoft Edge and Brave, since they share Chrome's extension system.

Can I resize the picture in picture window?

Chrome's native floating window can be resized by dragging its edges and moved anywhere on screen. Extensions that add picture in picture support often include the same resizing behavior.

Is there a free picture in picture extension for Chrome?

Yes. Most picture in picture extensions are free, since the feature is simple and mainly extends site compatibility. Be cautious of any that ask for payment or broad permissions for such a narrow task.

Does picture in picture keep playing when I close the tab?

In most cases closing the original tab also closes the floating video, though behavior can vary by extension. Switching to another tab or app, rather than closing the tab, is the reliable way to keep the video playing.