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How to Watch Two Videos at Once on a Chromebook

Emily Harris

Ever found yourself wanting to watch two videos at once on your Chromebook? Whether you’re trying to follow a cooking tutorial while keeping up with your favorite show, or monitoring a livestream while watching a lecture, multitasking with video can be incredibly convenient. Chromebooks, with their lightweight operating system and flexible Chrome browser, offer multiple ways to make this possible — and surprisingly, it’s easier than you might think.

In this article, we’ll explore several methods to view two videos simultaneously on a Chromebook. These include using built-in features like split screen and Picture-in-Picture (PiP), browser extensions, and even some creative tips that power users swear by. Whichever method you choose, this guide will walk you through it step-by-step.

Why Watch Two Videos at Once?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s briefly discuss why you might want to watch two videos at the same time:

Whatever your reason, using your Chromebook to stream multiple videos at once can be a real game-changer.

Method 1: Using Split Screen on Chromebook

One of the simplest ways to watch two videos is by splitting your screen between two browser tabs. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open your Chromebook’s Chrome browser and go to the first video you want to watch (e.g., YouTube, Twitch).
  2. Open a new tab and navigate to your second video source.
  3. Click and drag the first tab to the left side of the screen. You’ll see a translucent outline. Drop the window there.
  4. Repeat this with the second tab, dragging it to the right side.

Now you’ll have two video windows side by side. Most video platforms are intelligently designed to continue playing when the tab is less than full size. Some platforms, however, may pause or behave differently—YouTube, for instance, needs the video to remain in focus for volume controls and keyboard shortcuts to function correctly.

Tips for Better Split-Screen Experience:

Method 2: Using Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode

Chrome OS supports native Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, a feature that allows you to pop out a video window and keep it on top of your other tasks. This is great for watching one smaller video while focusing on another full-screen stream.

Here’s how to use PiP mode:

  1. Go to the video website, such as YouTube.
  2. Right-click twice on the video to open the custom context menu.
  3. Select Picture in Picture from the menu.

The video will detach into a smaller floating window that stays on top of other applications or tabs. Now navigate to your second video in full screen or its usual browser window.

Quick PiP Tip:

If right-clicking doesn’t bring up the PiP option, consider installing the official Chrome extension from Google: Picture-in-Picture Extension (by Google). This extension adds a toolbar button that enables PiP on nearly every video-enabled webpage.

Method 3: Using a Chrome Extension for Side-by-Side Viewing

If the native browser layout feels a bit clunky, or you’re watching more than two sources, you may benefit from browser extensions designed to enhance your multitasking potential.

Here are a few popular Chrome extensions that help with dual viewing:

To use these tools:

  1. Install the desired extension from the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Pin the extension to your browser toolbar for quick access.
  3. Open two video tabs, click the extension icon, and choose a layout.

This process is intuitive and can be tailored to your needs—some extensions even let you drag and snap windows automatically based on predefined templates.

Method 4: Using Android Apps on a Chromebook

Most modern Chromebooks support Android apps via the Google Play Store. This opens up additional flexibility, especially if you want to run two separate video apps (e.g., Netflix and YouTube) simultaneously.

To do this:

  1. Go to your Chromebook’s Settings and enable Google Play Store access if it’s not already turned on.
  2. Download two video apps (e.g., Netflix and VLC).
  3. Open each app in split screen mode: click and hold the resize icon in the top right, then drag left/right.

Keep in mind that not all apps support multitasking or may behave differently depending on your Chromebook’s screen resolution and processing power.

Method 5: Multitasking with Virtual Desktops

While not a direct method for simultaneous on-screen viewing, using virtual desks can help you quickly switch between video sources and keep your workspace organized.

To use this method:

  1. Swipe up with three fingers (or press Search + ]) to enter Overview mode.
  2. At the top of your screen, click New Desk.
  3. Drag and assign each video window to different desks.
  4. Swipe with four fingers left or right to switch between virtual desktops seamlessly.

This method is especially handy when you’re keeping tabs on multiple live events or switching frequently between lecture videos and hands-on tutorials.

Extra Tips for Smooth Multivideo Streaming

To ensure smooth performance while watching two videos simultaneously, keep the following tips in mind:

Final Thoughts

Watching two videos at once on a Chromebook is entirely possible thanks to various built-in features, browser-based strategies, and helpful third-party tools. Whether you’re casually streaming or deep into a learning session, these techniques can significantly enhance your multitasking game.

Start simple with split-screen or PiP, and expand into apps and extensions as needed. Remember, the best method often depends on personal workflow and the kind of content you’re juggling. With the right approach, your Chromebook becomes a dynamic dual-streaming powerhouse.

Happy multitasking!

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