YouTubeYouTube has updated its iOS app with new support for continuous, touch-free playback of playlists as well as a new picture-in-picture mode that allows viewers to keep watching a video while still browsing through search results or the rest of the app.

More YouTube in your YouTube apps

With the swipe of a finger, you can watch a video at the bottom of your screen while you keep exploring. Think about it this way--you can watch a video about making the perfect fried chicken while searching for homemade salted caramel sauce recipes. You can always go back to full screen with a swipe up so you never lose your place, or swipe right or left to dismiss the video. Just try to not drop your phone in the sauce.

Play ALL the videos!!!

Want to sit back and watch all of Epic Rap Battles Season 2? You can now search and browse channels for playlists on mobile apps, and watch great collections of back-to-back videos. Finally, you and your friends can decide if Season 2 is better than Season 1.


The YouTube app also has a new logo. It's a free download for the iPhone and iPad. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

Cougarcat Avatar
162 months ago
No background audio sucks, but at least in iOS 7 youtube videos played in Safari can be played in the background now.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
John.B Avatar
162 months ago
But still no background audio? No ability to configure video quality based on connection speed or device video resolution? Fail.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Risco Avatar
162 months ago
No HD on 3G.......
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xdhd350 Avatar
162 months ago


<rant mode on>
Yup I got the new POS flat icon that plagues the rest of IOS7. Must be cheaper to use child labor for this new look.

And for the record, I have really loved IOS through the current version 6. I own a lot of company stock. I'm not just an all around Apple basher, just one who thinks they went the wrong way with the 'new flat look'. Hell, I had a really flat look on my ancient Atari 800 and subsequent PC systems because that's all they could do.

I want immersive UI elements that you can't take your eyes off of even when you want to.

<rant mode off>
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
befrank4444 Avatar
162 months ago
Why is everyone asking for background audio? Isn't that what Pandora, Spotify, or MP3 versions of your latest podcasts are for?

!!!!!!!

Suck a RIDICULOUS request to be crying over...YouTube is about VIDEO...why would they make the video play in the background...they want you to WATCH...
I get it, but it's not logical.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Prodo123 Avatar
162 months ago
!!!!!!!

Suck a RIDICULOUS request to be crying over...YouTube is about VIDEO...why would they make the video play in the background...they want you to WATCH...
I get it, but it's not logical.
Maybe you want to listen to an audio podcast on YouTube while jogging, or a specific song, audiobook or video. The moment you lock your phone the video stops. When you move to another app the video stops.

For example, you would not be "watching" this podcast. The main focus of it would be what they are talking about, not what they are doing in the video. Then why keep the screen on, waste battery and have to deal with accidental presses that may stop the video?



It's very logical for many of us. YouTube is more than video, it's multimedia.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

imac video apple feature

Apple Unveils First New Products of 2026

Monday January 26, 2026 1:55 pm PST by
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch. Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided...
iPhone 5s

iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch

Monday January 26, 2026 3:56 pm PST by
Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released. iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013,...
Second Generation AirTag Feature

Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More

Monday January 26, 2026 6:07 am PST by
Apple today introduced the second-generation AirTag, with key features including longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. For those who are not familiar, the AirTag is a small accessory that you can attach to your backpack, keys, or other items. Then, you can track the location of those items in the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com. The new...
Apple Creator Studio

Apple's Next Launch is Today

Tuesday January 27, 2026 2:39 pm PST by
Update: Apple Creator Studio is now available. Apple Creator Studio launches this Wednesday, January 28. The all-in-one subscription provides access to the Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. A subscription to Apple Creator Studio also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium...
Apple Logo Spotlight

Apple to Launch These 20+ Products This Year

Sunday January 25, 2026 6:02 pm PST by
2026 promises to be yet another busy year for Apple, with the company rumored to be planning more than 20 product announcements over the coming months. Beyond the usual updates to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, Apple is expected to release its all-new smart home hub, which was reportedly delayed until the more personalized version of Siri is ready. Other unique products rumored for ...