A method includes receiving, during playback of a content item in a content player of a first mobile application presented on a client device of a first user, an indication of a user request pertaining to a second mobile application, the user request corresponding to a first point in the content item played in the content player of the first mobile application. The method additionally includes causing the playback of the content item to continue in the content player presented on a client device while a user interface of the second mobile application is displayed on the client device, wherein the content player persists on top of the user interface of the second mobile application to provide the playback of the content item in a continuous manner from the first point in the content item. The method further includes causing the content item to be shared with a second user in response to an input event initiating sharing of the content item, the input event following a user interaction by the first user with the content player persisting on top of the user interface of the second mobile application.