How to enable Picture-in-Picture on YouTube with Safari using PiPifier?

Play a YouTube video in Safari, interact with it (e.g., pause and play), then click the PiPifier icon in the toolbar on macOS or select 'Run PiPifier' from the share menu on iOS. This injects a PiP button to bypass YouTube's restrictions.

PiPifier vs native Safari PiP, which should I use?

Use native Safari PiP if a website allows it, as it's more integrated. PiPifier is better for sites like YouTube that block PiP, but it requires manual activation and is limited to HTML5 videos, whereas native PiP might support more formats.

Does PiPifier work on iPhone with iOS 14?

Yes, PiPifier works on iPhone with iOS 14 or later, as stated in the README. Install it from the App Store, enable it in Safari's share menu, and use it to enable PiP for HTML5 videos on supported websites.

Is PiPifier safe to install from the App Store?

Yes, PiPifier is available on official Apple App Stores, meaning it has passed Apple's review process. It operates as a Safari extension with no known malware, but always review permissions and updates for security.

How to fix PiPifier if it's not showing up in Safari?

Ensure PiPifier is enabled in Safari's Extensions preferences. On macOS, drag the icon to the toolbar via View > Customize Toolbar. If self-built, sign it or allow unsigned extensions in Developer settings, as noted in the README.

Can PiPifier enable PiP for Netflix or other streaming sites?

PiPifier only works with HTML5 videos, so it may not function on sites using proprietary players like Netflix's DRM-protected content. The README specifies HTML5 video support, so effectiveness depends on the site's implementation.

Open-Awesome

PiPifier

MITSwift

A Safari extension for macOS and iOS that enables Picture-in-Picture mode for any HTML5 video, bypassing site restrictions.

GitHub

796 stars66 forks0 contributors

What is PiPifier?

PiPifier is a Safari extension for macOS and iOS that enables Picture-in-Picture mode for any HTML5 video, even on websites like YouTube that normally block this feature. It solves the problem of restricted video controls by providing a universal PiP button directly in Safari's interface.

Target Audience

macOS and iOS users who watch videos in Safari and want Picture-in-Picture functionality for sites that disable it.

Value Proposition

Developers choose PiPifier because it's a free, native extension that bypasses site restrictions without requiring modifications to video players, offering a seamless PiP experience across all HTML5 videos.

Overview

PiPifier is a native macOS 10.12 Safari extension that lets you use every HTML5 video in Picture in Picture mode

Use Cases

Best For

Watching YouTube videos in Picture-in-Picture mode on macOS
Enabling PiP for HTML5 videos on sites that block native controls
Floating video playback while browsing other tabs in Safari
Using Picture-in-Picture on iOS for websites without PiP support
Getting PiP functionality on older macOS versions (10.12+)
Controlling video playback in a separate window on iPad

Not Ideal For

Users who primarily browse with non-Safari browsers like Chrome or Firefox
Developers looking for a clean, well-documented codebase to fork or contribute to
Scenarios requiring Picture-in-Picture for non-HTML5 video formats or embedded players

Pros & Cons

Pros

Bypasses Site Restrictions

Enables PiP on sites like YouTube that deliberately block the feature, as highlighted in the README's philosophy of user control over playback.

Native Safari Integration

Installs as a toolbar extension on macOS and an action extension on iOS, offering seamless activation directly from Safari's interface without modifying websites.

Free and Accessible

Available for free on the Mac App Store and iOS App Store, with no hidden costs, making it easily accessible to all users.

Cross-Platform for Apple

Supports macOS 10.12+ and iOS/iPadOS (iPad with iOS 10+, iPhone with iOS 14+), covering a wide range of Apple devices for consistent PiP functionality.

Cons

Code Quality Issues

The author admits the code is 'a bit dirty' with unused parts, which may hinder maintenance, contributions, or long-term reliability for developers.

Safari-Only Limitation

Only works with Safari on macOS and iOS, excluding users of other browsers, and offers no support for desktop or mobile platforms outside Apple's ecosystem.

Manual Activation Required

Requires users to interact with the video player (e.g., play/pause) before activating PiP, adding an extra step compared to native controls that work immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

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