An unpopular removal was quietly made to Google Messages of its YouTube picture-in-picture feature. Added last year, this feature allowed users to view YouTube videos directly in the app, making it easier for users to keep watching videos without switching apps. Unfortunately, this functionality was killed in the last updates.
The APK teardown continues to note that all related code and text triggering the feature have been torn out. Now, when users tap a YouTube link, they’ll be redirected to the app instead of opening in a floating video. There’s no official word from Google Messages on this change yet, leaving users to speculate.
It is not known why the feature was removed. Maybe it was taken away because few people were using it. Anyway, there’s a new reason for YouTube lovers to get excited.
YouTube is currently testing a new mini-player that is movable and resizable on the screen. Only a few users have access to this feature, but it might provide greater flexibility while watching.
