[input_sh]

Also the option for a picture-in-picture on a phone used to be free, then they've just decided to make it a premium feature.

Back when it was introduced on Android, it worked on YouTube just fine. Then it was intentially broken (hidden behind a paywall).

[CydeWeys]

Yes, companies purposely don't include all desired features in the free tier as an incentive to induce users to upgrade to the paid tier. And features are liable to move between tiers as they fine-tune their monetization strategy.