Are you tired of having to choose between watching your favorite Netflix show and getting work done on your Mac? Do you wish you could multitask and have Netflix playing in the corner of your screen while you tackle your to-do list? You’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to get Netflix to play in the corner of your Mac, increasing your productivity and making your workflow more efficient.
The Benefits of Picture-in-Picture Mode
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why you’d want to have Netflix playing in the corner of your Mac in the first place. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, as it’s commonly known, offers several benefits:
Improved Multitasking: With Netflix playing in the corner of your screen, you can continue to work on your tasks while still keeping an eye on your favorite show. This is especially useful for those who need to take breaks or have a long commute.
Increased Productivity: By allowing you to multitask, PiP mode can help you get more work done in less time. You can respond to emails, work on documents, or tackle other tasks while still enjoying your favorite Netflix content.
Enhanced Entertainment Experience: PiP mode can also enhance your entertainment experience. Imagine being able to watch your favorite show while browsing social media, checking email, or chatting with friends.
Using the Built-in PiP Feature on Mac
If you’re running macOS Sierra or later, you’re in luck! Apple introduced a built-in PiP feature that allows you to watch videos in a corner of your screen while continuing to use other apps. Here’s how to use it:
Enable PiP on Netflix
To enable PiP on Netflix, follow these steps:
- Open Netflix in the Safari browser on your Mac.
- Start playing a video.
- Click on the Safari menu and select “Settings” (or press Command + ,).
- In the Settings window, click on the “Websites” tab.
- Scroll down to the “Media” section and select “Allow all auto-play” or “Allow picture-in-picture” for Netflix.
Activate PiP on Your Mac
Once you’ve enabled PiP on Netflix, you can activate it on your Mac. Here’s how:
- Click on the video player in Netflix.
- Hover your mouse over the video player until you see a small icon with two arrows pointing outward.
- Click on the icon to detach the video player from the Netflix window.
- Drag the video player to the corner of your screen, where it will resize to a smaller window.
Using Third-Party Apps and Extensions
If you’re running an older version of macOS or prefer a more customizable experience, you can use third-party apps and extensions to get Netflix playing in the corner of your Mac. Here are a few options:
PiPifier
PiPifier is a free browser extension available for Safari and Chrome. It allows you to enable PiP mode on any website, including Netflix. Here’s how to use it:
- Install PiPifier from the App Store or Chrome Web Store.
- Open Netflix in your browser.
- Click on the PiPifier icon in the top-right corner of your browser window.
- Select “PiP” from the dropdown menu.
- Drag the video player to the corner of your screen, where it will resize to a smaller window.
Helium
Helium is a free, open-source app that allows you to create a floating video window on your Mac. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install Helium from the official website.
- Open Netflix in your browser.
- Open Helium and select “New Window” from the menu.
- Drag the video player from Netflix into the Helium window.
- Resize the Helium window to your desired size and drag it to the corner of your screen.
Tips and Tricks for Optimizing Your PiP Experience
To get the most out of your PiP experience, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
Customize Your Video Player
Most PiP modes and apps allow you to customize the video player to your liking. You can adjust the size, position, and even add custom controls to the player.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
To quickly toggle PiP mode on and off, use keyboard shortcuts. For example, in Safari, you can press Command + Shift + P to toggle PiP mode.
Minimize Distractions
To avoid distractions, consider minimizing the video player or setting it to a lower opacity. This will allow you to focus on your tasks while still keeping an eye on your Netflix show.
Experiment with Different Apps and Extensions
Each PiP app and extension offers a unique set of features and customization options. Experiment with different ones to find the one that works best for you.
Conclusion
Getting Netflix to play in the corner of your Mac is easier than you think. With the built-in PiP feature on Mac or third-party apps and extensions, you can multitask and increase your productivity like never before. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite Netflix shows while still getting work done. So go ahead, give it a try, and take your productivity to the next level!
Q: Why would I want to play Netflix in the corner of my Mac?
Playing Netflix in the corner of your Mac allows you to multitask more efficiently. You can continue watching your favorite show or movie while working on a project, browsing the web, or chatting with friends. This setup is especially useful for those who like to stay entertained while completing tasks that don’t require their full attention.
Additionally, having Netflix play in the corner of your Mac can help you stay focused on your work. With the ability to glance at your show or movie occasionally, you’ll be less tempted to get distracted and watch an entire episode or movie when you should be working.
Q: Is it possible to play Netflix in the corner of my Mac without any additional software or apps?
Yes, it is possible to play Netflix in the corner of your Mac without downloading any additional software or apps. You can use the built-in Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature in Safari to achieve this. Simply open Netflix in Safari, start playing a video, and then click the PiP button in the bottom left corner of the video player.
However, the PiP feature has some limitations. For example, it can be finicky and may not work with all websites or video players. Additionally, the video window may not be resizable, which can limit your viewing experience.
Q: What are some alternative methods to play Netflix in the corner of my Mac?
If you’re not satisfied with the PiP feature in Safari, there are other methods to play Netflix in the corner of your Mac. One popular option is to use a third-party app like Helium or PocketTV. These apps allow you to create a floating video window that can be moved and resized to your liking.
Another method is to use a browser extension like Float for Netflix. This extension creates a floating video window that can be placed in any corner of your screen. It also allows you to customize the video window’s size and transparency.
Q: Can I play Netflix in the corner of my Mac with a Chrome browser extension?
Yes, you can play Netflix in the corner of your Mac using a Chrome browser extension. There are several extensions available in the Chrome Web Store that offer this feature, such as Netflix Party or Floating Netflix. These extensions allow you to create a floating video window that can be moved and resized to your liking.
Keep in mind that some Chrome extensions may not work as seamlessly as native Mac apps, and may have limitations or bugs. Be sure to read reviews and check the extension’s permissions before installing.
Q: How do I adjust the size and position of the Netflix video window?
Once you’ve set up Netflix to play in the corner of your Mac, you can adjust the size and position of the video window to your liking. If you’re using a third-party app or browser extension, you can usually do this by dragging the edges of the video window to resize it, or clicking and dragging the window to move it to a different location.
Some apps and extensions may also offer additional customization options, such as the ability to set a default size or position for the video window, or to create custom keyboard shortcuts for moving and resizing the window.
Q: Can I play Netflix in the corner of my Mac while using a different app or window?
Yes, one of the main benefits of playing Netflix in the corner of your Mac is that you can continue watching your show or movie while using a different app or window. This allows you to multitask more efficiently and stay entertained while working on a project or chatting with friends.
Just be sure to set up your Netflix video window to float on top of other windows, so you can continue watching even when you’re not actively using the Netflix app or website.
Q: Are there any potential drawbacks to playing Netflix in the corner of my Mac?
While playing Netflix in the corner of your Mac can be a convenient and entertaining way to multitask, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. For example, having a video window floating on top of your other apps and windows can be distracting, and may negatively impact your productivity.
Additionally, playing Netflix in the corner of your Mac may consume more system resources than playing it in a normal window, which could potentially slow down your computer or drain your battery more quickly.