YouTube lets you watch a video and browse the site at the same time

From the "why the hell did this take so long" department: YouTube has launched a new "Miniplayer" feature, which lets you continue watching a video in a smaller window while you browse other sections of the site.

To say the feature was highly coveted is an understatement, especially since a similar feature has been available on the mobile version of YouTube for ages. But alright, here it is and I'll stop complaining right now.

SEE ALSO: Internet steps up to help YouTuber robbed of $18,000, 14-year Lego collection

To access the feature, play a video on YouTube, hover over it with the mouse pointer, and you'll notice a new button on the lower right side, the Miniplayer button. Click it, and the video will smallify and relocate itself into the lower right corner, leaving you free to browse through other videos on the site.

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The Miniplayer has a few commands of its own: play/pause and previous/next video buttons. Click the down-pointing arrow in the bottom right corner to access the playlist. To close the Miniplayer, hit X or ESC on your keyboard. And to go back to regular video view, just click on the Miniplayer (anywhere except the controls).

The Miniplayer, magnified. Credit: stan schroeder/Masahble/Youtube

The feature has first been tested in March and has been gradually rolled out to some users over the past weeks, but it's now available to everyone.

---

Featured Video For You

---

Meet the man who makes music with vegetables

---