YouTube App Updated With Continuous Playback and Search-While-Watching Features - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

YouTube App Updated With Continuous Playback and Search-While-Watching Features

by

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

166 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
166 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
166 months ago
No HD on 3G.......
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
166 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)
166 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
166 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

iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

Why You Might Want to Wait to Buy a MacBook Pro

Friday May 1, 2026 3:43 pm PDT by
Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max models in March 2026, but depending on your needs and interests, you might want to skip this generation because there's something better in the works. The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models have faster chips, but the same design that Apple has used since 2021. An updated design with new display technology and faster ...
Related Apple News: Hide Betting Odds Apple Sports App | Wwdc 2016 | Opinion | Mac | Iphone Deals