Many users enjoy multitasking while watching videos. Whether you're learning from a tutorial, catching up on your favorite series, or following a live stream, having a video play in the background can enhance productivity. In this article, we’ll discuss how to play a video from Chrome in the background on an always-on-top layer, making it easy for you to keep an eye on your content while you focus on other tasks.
The Problem Scenario
You might want to watch a video on Chrome but find it difficult to manage your workspace since the browser window tends to minimize or obstruct other applications. A common issue arises when you need to switch between tabs or applications while still keeping an eye on the video. Here's an example of a common code snippet that users might be experimenting with:
// Original code snippet example
const videoElement = document.querySelector('video');
videoElement.play();
While the above code simply plays a video, it doesn't address how to keep it on top of other windows.
Solution Overview
To achieve the desired functionality of playing videos in the background while keeping them on top, we can utilize specific tools and extensions available in Chrome and Windows operating systems. Below are step-by-step instructions to make your video play seamlessly.
Step 1: Use Chrome’s Picture-in-Picture Mode
One of the simplest ways to keep a video on top is by using Chrome’s built-in Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode. Here’s how to enable it:
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Open Chrome and Navigate to Your Video: Start by opening Chrome and navigating to the video you wish to play.
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Right-Click Twice: Right-click on the video you want to watch. In some cases, you may need to right-click twice (the first click may show the website's context menu).
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Select Picture-in-Picture: From the context menu, select “Picture-in-Picture.” This will pop the video out into a resizable window that stays on top of all other windows.
Step 2: Use Third-Party Tools
If you need more customization options or want to use videos from other sources (e.g., local files), consider using third-party software like:
- Desktop Video Player: Players like VLC Media Player or PotPlayer can be set to "Always on Top" mode. Just load your video file into the player and enable the always-on-top feature.
- Floating Video Players: Programs like
Floating Playercan also achieve this for various video formats.
Step 3: Additional Tips
- Adjust Window Size: Once your video is playing in PiP mode, you can drag to resize it. This allows you to make it smaller or larger, depending on your viewing preferences.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts in both Chrome and your video player of choice to improve efficiency.
Practical Example
Imagine you’re working on a presentation and need to reference a tutorial video playing in Chrome. By using the Picture-in-Picture mode, you can easily drag the floating video to the corner of your screen while typing out your presentation notes. This way, you’re utilizing screen space efficiently without the need to continuously switch back and forth between tabs.
Conclusion
Playing videos from Chrome in the background on an always-on-top layer can significantly boost your productivity and enhance your multitasking capabilities. By utilizing Chrome's Picture-in-Picture mode and third-party software options, you can create a seamless viewing experience that fits your workflow.
Additional Resources
By following the steps outlined in this article, you'll be well on your way to enjoying videos without interruption. Happy watching!
