YouTube PiP Support Might Return to Google Messages

After vanishing last year, YouTube PiP Google Messages support could be making a comeback. A recent beta update hints that Google may be quietly reviving the feature.

In August 2024, Google removed all traces of YouTube Picture-in-Picture from its Messages app. Videos stopped working in chats, thumbnails broke, and PiP functionality was completely disabled. Most assumed the feature was dead for good—possibly removed due to low usage or to nudge users toward YouTube Premium.

But things are changing. According to Android Authority’s APK teardown in the new Google Messages v20250319 beta, strings related to YouTube controls have reappeared. Code entries like “youtube_pause” and “youtube_play” suggest that Google is actively working on playback functionality.

Digging deeper, an activity for a new YouTube player has also been discovered. It’s even possible to trigger a PiP window now—something that wasn’t functional just a few weeks ago. It doesn’t play video yet, but that could change soon with a server-side switch.

This could mean a revival of lightweight YouTube viewing inside messages. It’s not quite Premium-level PiP (which can float anywhere on the screen), but it’s still handy for quickly watching shared links in conversation without leaving the app.

The previous removal disappointed a niche group of users who valued seamless video playback during chats. If this beta update is anything to go by, YouTube PiP Google Messages support might officially return in a future release.

As always, features spotted in APK teardowns aren’t guaranteed. But signs are strong that Google is getting serious again about rich media support inside Messages—and PiP could be next on the return list.