How to use picture-in-picture during a WhatsApp video call

WhatsApp for iOS now introduces a highly anticipated addition, Picture-in-Picture, which allows users to shrink their video calls to a corner of the screen. This enables uninterrupted conversations while navigating other applications. While FaceTime has long supported this feature, WhatsApp users would previously encounter a video pause when switching apps on their iPhones, although audio remained active. With the recent update, iOS’s picture-in-picture capability minimizes the video call into a small, floating window that hovers over the home screen and other apps.

Enabling Picture-in-Picture on WhatsApp for iOS:

To take advantage of the Picture-in-Picture feature on WhatsApp for iOS, you can follow a simple process. By accessing the Settings app on your iPhone, you can activate the feature and begin using it during your video calls on WhatsApp. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Settings app: Locate the Settings app on your iPhone’s home screen and tap on it to launch the application.
2. Access General settings: Within the Settings app, scroll down and look for the “General” option. Tap on it to proceed.
3. Locate Picture in Picture: As you enter the General settings, browse through the available options until you find “Picture in Picture.” Tap on it to access the specific settings related to this feature.
4. Enable Start PiP Automatically: Within the Picture in Picture settings, you will find a toggle switch labelled “Start PiP Automatically.” Flip the toggle to turn it on, and the switch should turn green, indicating that the feature is now activated.

Using Picture-in-Picture during a WhatsApp Video Call:

Once you have enabled the Picture-in-Picture feature in the Settings app, you can utilize it during your WhatsApp video calls. The following steps outline how to initiate and utilize Picture-in-Picture during a WhatsApp video call:

1. Start a video call: Open the WhatsApp application on your iPhone and initiate a video call with your desired contact using the regular process.
2. Activate Picture-in-Picture: Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone’s screen once the video call begins. As you perform this gesture, the ongoing video call will automatically shrink into a small window displaying the call participant.
3. Adjust the window: The minimized video call window can be moved to any corner of the screen by tapping and dragging it with your finger. Position it according to your preference for a convenient viewing experience.

Differences from FaceTime Picture-in-Picture:

While using Picture-in-Picture on WhatsApp video calls is similar to the functionality found in FaceTime, there are a few notable differences:

1. Whole window shrinkage: WhatsApp minimizes the entire video call window, including the smaller window showing your face, whereas FaceTime only displays a video of the person you are calling.
2. Video call quality: As shown in the provided image, the video call quality on FaceTime appears superior to WhatsApp. However, despite potential differences in quality, the introduction of Picture-in-Picture on WhatsApp is a long-awaited and appreciated addition to the iOS app.

Also Read: WhatsApp account removed on not sharing Personal Data with Facebook

Conclusion:

To enable Picture-in-Picture on WhatsApp for iOS, access the Settings app, navigate to General settings, and activate the Start PiP Automatically toggle. Moreover, Swipe up from the bottom of the screen during a video call to shrink the call into a movable window. Although there are some distinctions between WhatsApp and FaceTime’s Picture-in-Picture functionality, the introduction of this overdue feature enhances the user experience on WhatsApp for iOS.