Firefox’s automatic Picture-in-Picture mode is a time-saver for those who use it

If you watch videos in your web browser, you probably have come upon the Picture-in-Picture functionality. Most modern desktop browsers support it to display the video stream in an overlay on the screen.

This allows you to continue watching the video while switching tabs or doing other things in the browser or on the computer. Not everyone likes the mode, but since it is entirely optional, it should not be a huge issue.

Firefox supports Picture-in-Picture functionality since 2019. Mozilla has been working on improvements for the Picture-in-Picture mode implementation of the Firefox web browser. One of the improvements gives users an option to automate the mode. This feature has now landed in Firefox Nightly; reason enough to check it out.

What is automatic Picture-in-Picture mode? When enabled, Firefox will launch the mode whenever you switch a tab while a video is playing. The mode ends automatically when you switch back to the website that plays the video.

Automatic Picture-in-Picture mode in Firefox

Check the highlighted box to enable the new feature in Firefox Nightly

The mode is not enabled by default, but you can enable it in the following way:

Make sure you run the latest version of Firefox Nightly. Open Menu > Help > About Firefox to check that.
Open the experimental settings of the browser through this URL: about:preferences#experimental
1. You can also select Menu > Settings > Firefox Labs to get there manually.
Check Picture-in-Picture: auto-open no tab switch.

The feature is available immediately, a restart is not required.

Firefox PIP Mode Automatic

Firefox PIP Automatic

To test it, visit YouTube or another video site that the mode supports. Start to play a video and switch to another tab open in Firefox afterwards.

You will notice, that the video is now shown in the overlay mode. In other words, it will always be visible on the screen while the mode is active.

All Picture-in-Picture mode controls are supported. Firefox ends the mode automatically when you switch back to the original tab of the video. The video continues to play there then.

Closing Words

The change improves the browser’s Picture-in-Picture mode. Those who do not use it or do not want the automation can keep it turned off. Everyone else may benefit from it, as it means less clicking as activation and deactivation is automated.

Do you use Picture-in-Picture in the browser of your choice? Or do you prefer another method, e.g., launching videos in their own browser window or using third-party apps for video exclusively? Feel free to write a comment down below.

Summary