Picture-in-picture functionality allows a user to detach a video from a webpage or application window and overlay it on top of other applications running on the operating system. This feature enables continuous video playback while simultaneously interacting with other software. For example, a user may be watching content on a video-sharing platform while composing an email or browsing other websites on their laptop.
The advantage of this capability lies in enhanced multitasking efficiency. It provides the user with the ability to maintain visual access to video content without requiring the video window to remain in focus. Historically, this functionality required third-party extensions or applications. Its native integration within operating systems and web browsers signifies an advancement in user experience, streamlining workflow and improving accessibility to multimedia content.