Quick Answer
It is possible to play a video while on a call on most devices. The easiest way is to use a multi-window or split screen feature to run the video app and calling app side-by-side. On Android, use the multi-window menu to split the screen between the video player and calling app. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom to bring up the app switcher, then tap the icon above one app to put it in split screen. On Windows and Mac, click and drag the video window to one side of the screen. You can also play a video file in a small popup window using video apps that support this.
Split Screen Method
The most straightforward way to play a video during a call is to use your device’s split screen or multi-window capability. This allows you to run two apps simultaneously, with each taking up a portion of the screen. Here is how to enable split screen on common platforms:
Android Split Screen
On Android 8.0 and higher:
1. Open the recent apps menu during your call by swiping up from the bottom.
2. Tap the app icon at the top of the app you want to put in split screen. Select “Split screen.”
3. Select the video app you want to use from the recent apps or app drawer.
This will display the calling app and video app side-by-side. You can adjust the divider to give more room to either app.
iPhone Split Screen
On iPhone models with Face ID (iPhone X and later):
1. Swipe up from the bottom to bring up the app switcher during your call.
2. Long press on the app icon you want to put in split screen. Choose “Open in Slide Over.”
3. Swipe left or right to find the video app you want to use. Tap it to open as a small overlay window.
You can slide the divider to adjust the sizes. Tap the line on the top of the video window to make it fullscreen.
Windows Split Screen
On Windows 10 and 11:
1. Open the video file or app you want to use during your call.
2. Click and drag the video window to the left or right side of the screen until you see a gray window outline.
3. Release the video window to snap it to that half of the display.
4. Switch to the calling app, which will fill the other half.
You can adjust the divider or swap which app is in which half.
Mac Split Screen
On Macs running OS X El Capitan or later:
1. Open the video app or file during your call.
2. Hover over the green Full Screen button at the top left of the video window. Click and hold.
3. Drag the video window to the left or right side of the screen until you see the snap zones appear.
4. Release the mouse button to make the video fill that half of the display.
5. Switch to your calling app, which will take up the other half of the screen.
Adjust the divider or swap app positions as needed.
Picture-in-Picture Mode
Some video apps and web browsers allow you to pop out a video into a floating window that stays on top of other apps. This picture-in-picture mode enables you to watch over your call screen.
On Android, open the video then tap the small PiP icon in the corner to enable it. On iPhone, start playing the video, then swipe up and press the PiP icon. In compatible web browsers like Chrome, right-click or long press on the video and select “Picture-in-picture.”
You can usually drag the floating video window around and resize it while your call occupies the rest of the screen.
Same Device Solutions by Platform
The options for running video alongside calls depends on which device and platform you are using:
| Platform | Options |
|---|---|
| Android phone | Split screen, PiP mode in supported apps |
| iPhone | Split screen, PiP mode |
| Windows PC | Split screen by snapping windows, some PiP support in apps |
| Mac | Split screen, PiP video in Safari and Chrome |
| iPad | Slide Over, Split View, PiP video |
| Android tablet | Split screen, Freeform windows |
So the capability exists across most common devices, with the exact method varying.
Multi-Device Streaming
If you need to play a video file on a separate device like a TV or second display while on a call, you have a couple options:
– Use screen mirroring or a cable to display your device’s screen on the other display. This will show both the call and video.
– Use a media streaming device like Chromecast, Fire TV, or Roku to cast the video from your phone to the TV while you take the call on your phone.
– Play the video on a separate laptop, PC, or tablet via a service like Plex or synced cloud storage. Use your primary device for just the calling app.
The multi-device approach gives you more flexibility to position the video display optimally while staying mobile on your call.
Conclusion
There are a few straightforward techniques to play or stream video while participating in a voice or video call on your device:
– Enable split screen or multi-window modes to run the calling and video apps side-by-side
– Use picture-in-picture mode in compatible video apps to float over the call
– Cast the video to an external display or device so your primary screen can handle the call
– On PCs and Macs, snap windows or use split view for simultaneous video and calling
So with the right device setup and app capabilities, you can conveniently watch video without disruptions during your calls. Multi-window and secondary screens give you flexibility to configure the ideal setup.