AEP guideline: Picture in Picture Support (PiP)

Adopt Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode to ensure that apps featuring primary video playback, video calling, communication, or active navigation allow content to seamlessly shrink to a floating window when a user navigates away. This functionality is critical for modern multi-tasking, preventing a restrictive experience where users are forced to keep an app fully open just to continue a stream or call.

Required implementation

To qualify for AEP, your app must adhere to the following requirements:

  • The app must use Android's PiP APIs.
  • The app must smoothly transition primary video content into PiP mode on app exit.
  • Playback must continue without interruption or pausing during the transition.
  • The transition must be fluid and immediate. Apps that fully close and then slowly re-open as a floating window provide a sub-par experience and don't meet the requirement.

Guideline applicability

This guideline applies to:

  • Apps that have the following use cases:
    • Video playback (including SFV and live streaming)
    • Video calling and chat
    • Maps and navigation
  • Phone, tablet, foldable, and desktop form factors.

Exemptions

Apps can use an equivalent alternative framework that provides similar quality, user capabilities, stability and compatibility across the ecosystem. Contact support if you have a suitable framework for consideration.

Feature documentation and resources

The following resources provide implementation guidance and technical details on the Picture-in-Picture feature. These resources are for your reference only and don't contain additional program requirements.