How to Use Split Screen with YouTube TV

Split screen on YouTube TV works differently depending on your device

YouTube TV does not have a built-in split-screen feature of its own. Instead, you use your device's native split-screen tools to run YouTube TV alongside another app. On Android phones and tablets, this means using the system's multitasking menu. On iPads, you use iPadOS multitasking controls. On computers and smart TVs, split screen is handled by your operating system or TV software, not by YouTube TV itself.

The steps vary significantly by device type because each operating system manages side-by-side apps differently. A phone running Android 9 or later has different controls than an iPad running iPadOS 15 or later. Windows and Mac computers have their own window-management systems. Smart TVs typically do not support split screen at all, even though they can run YouTube TV.

Key Takeaways

YouTube TV itself has no split-screen button—you must use your device's built-in multitasking tools to run it alongside another app.
Android phones and tablets use the Recent Apps menu or gesture controls to set up split screen, while iPads use the App Switcher or drag-and-drop from the dock.
Windows computers can snap YouTube TV to one side of the screen using keyboard shortcuts or by dragging the window edge, and Macs use Mission Control or window-tiling apps.
Smart TVs running YouTube TV do not support split-screen viewing because the TV's operating system does not allow multiple full-screen apps at once.
Your internet connection must be strong enough to stream two video sources simultaneously, which typically requires at least 10 Mbps upload and read speeds.

Split screen on Android phones and tablets

Open YouTube TV and start playing the content you want to watch. Then press and hold the Recent Apps button (the square icon on the bottom right of most Android phones, or swipe up from the bottom and hold on gesture-based phones). This opens a list of recently used apps. Tap the YouTube TV window at the top of the screen, then look for a "Split screen" or "Open in split screen" option that appears above or below the app preview.

If you do not see that option, try this alternative: open YouTube TV, then swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app drawer. Find the second app you want to use (for example, a messaging app or web browser), and tap and hold its icon. Drag it to the top half of the screen and release. YouTube TV should automatically resize to the bottom half. You can adjust the dividing line between the two apps by dragging the center bar up or down.

On some Android tablets, you can also open YouTube TV, then open the app switcher and drag a second app's window onto the screen from the side. The exact method depends on your tablet's Android version and manufacturer—Samsung tablets, for instance, sometimes have a dedicated multitasking button or gesture.

Split screen on iPad

Start YouTube TV and begin playing what you want to watch. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Dock (the row of app icons at the bottom). Find the app you want to open alongside YouTube TV, press and hold its icon, then drag it to the left or right edge of the screen. Release it when you see a gray dividing line appear. The two apps will now share the screen side by side.

Alternatively, open the App Switcher by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen. Swipe left or right to find the app you want, then drag it to the left or right edge of the screen and release. You can adjust the dividing line between YouTube TV and the other app by dragging the center bar left or right. To exit split screen, drag the dividing line all the way to one edge of the screen.

If you want to use three apps at once on iPad, you can add a floating window on top of your split-screen pair. Open the App Switcher, find a third app, and drag it to the center of the screen instead of to an edge. It will float as a smaller window that you can move and resize.

Split screen on Windows computers

Open YouTube TV in your web browser and position the window so you can see it. Then open the second app or browser window you want to use. Use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Left Arrow to snap YouTube TV (or whichever window is currently active) to the left half of the screen. The right half will show a list of open windows—click the one you want to fill the right side.

If keyboard shortcuts do not work, drag the title bar of the YouTube TV window to the left edge of the screen until the window snaps to fill the left half. Then click on your second app or window to bring it to focus, and drag its title bar to the right edge to snap it to the right half. You can adjust the dividing line by clicking and dragging it left or right.

Some Windows users prefer to use third-party window-tiling apps like PowerToys (free from Microsoft) or FancyZones, which give you more control over how windows divide the screen. These tools are optional—the built-in snap feature works for most people.

Split screen on Mac computers

Open YouTube TV in your web browser. Then open the second app you want to use. Click and hold the green full-screen button (the circle in the top-left corner of the YouTube TV window) for about one second. A menu will appear asking which side of the screen you want the app to occupy. Select "Tile window to left of screen" or "Tile window to right of screen." Then click on your second app and repeat the process, choosing the opposite side.

If the green button does not show a menu, your version of macOS may not support this feature. Instead, open Mission Control (swipe up with three or four fingers, or press F3), then drag the YouTube TV window to the top of the screen. This creates a new desktop space. Open your second app on the original desktop, then use Mission Control again to arrange them side by side. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Control + Up Arrow to open Mission Control.

Mac users who want more flexible window management can read free or paid tiling apps like Rectangle, Magnet, or Mosaic. These apps let you snap windows to custom positions without using the full-screen feature.

Internet speed and performance considerations

Running YouTube TV in split screen while streaming another video source (like Netflix, a live sports stream, or a video call) requires more bandwidth than watching YouTube TV alone. Most home internet connections can handle this, but your speeds matter. YouTube TV recommends at least 3 Mbps per stream for standard definition and 7 Mbps per stream for high definition. If you are running two streams at once, you should have at least 10 to 15 Mbps available.

Check your internet speed using a free tool like Speedtest.net. If your speeds are lower than 10 Mbps, try lowering the video quality on one or both streams. On YouTube TV, you can adjust quality by tapping your profile icon, selecting Settings, then Video Quality, and choosing a lower option. On other streaming apps, look for similar settings in their menus.

If your device feels slow or the video keeps pausing, close other apps and browser tabs that might be using bandwidth. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If problems continue, contact your internet provider to check whether your connection is stable.

Why split screen does not work on smart TVs

Smart TVs that run YouTube TV (through built-in apps or streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV) do not support split-screen viewing. These devices are designed to show one full-screen app at a time. The TV's operating system does not allow two apps to run side by side the way phones, tablets, and computers do.

If you want to watch YouTube TV and another app simultaneously on your TV, your only option is to use a second device—a phone, tablet, or computer—and position it next to your TV. You can also switch back and forth between apps using your remote, though this means you will miss parts of whichever stream you are not watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch two YouTube TV channels at the same time on one device?

No. YouTube TV does not allow you to open the app twice on the same device, even in split screen. You can only watch one YouTube TV stream per device. If you want to watch two channels simultaneously, you need two separate devices—for example, a phone and a tablet, or a computer and a phone.

Will split screen affect my YouTube TV picture quality?

Not directly. YouTube TV will stream at the quality your internet speed and device settings allow. However, if your internet connection is slow and you are running two streams at once, both videos may drop to lower quality to avoid buffering. Closing other apps and browser tabs can help maintain quality.

Does split screen work on Chromebooks?

Yes. Chromebooks running Chrome OS support split screen. Open YouTube TV in one browser window, then press the Overview key (usually the magnifying glass button on the keyboard) and drag a second app or window to the left or right side of the screen. You can also use Alt + [ or Alt + ] to snap windows to each side.

Can I use split screen if I am watching YouTube TV on a streaming device plugged into my TV?

No. Streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Google TV do not support split-screen apps. You would need to use a separate device like a phone or tablet to watch something else at the same time.

What should I do if split screen is not working on my Android phone?

Make sure your Android version is 9 or later—older versions do not support split screen. Restart your phone and try again. If the Recent Apps menu does not show a split-screen option, your phone manufacturer may have disabled the feature. Try the alternative method of dragging an app from the app drawer to the top of the screen instead.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.