Introduction
Playing YouTube videos in the background allows users to continue listening to audio or watching content while using other apps or when the device’s screen is off. This feature is particularly useful for listening to music, podcasts, or following tutorials without interruption.
Using YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a subscription-based service that offers several benefits, including background playback. By subscribing to YouTube Premium, users can play videos in the background on mobile devices, enabling them to switch to other apps or turn off the screen without stopping the audio.
- Advantages: Ad-free experience, offline downloads, access to YouTube Originals.
- How to Subscribe: Visit the YouTube app or website, navigate to the Premium section, and follow the subscription process.
Background Playback on Mobile Devices
With YouTube Premium, background playback is straightforward. Simply start a video, then navigate away from the YouTube app or turn off the screen, and the audio will continue playing.
Alternative Methods Without YouTube Premium
If you prefer not to subscribe to YouTube Premium, there are alternative methods to play YouTube videos in the background:
Using Mobile Browsers
Some mobile browsers allow background playback of YouTube videos.
- Google Chrome: Limited support; sometimes requires switching to desktop mode.
- Mozilla Firefox: Offers better support; can play videos in the background more reliably.
- Safari (iOS): On iOS devices, Safari can be used to play YouTube videos in the background by accessing desktop mode and using the Control Center to resume playback.
Steps for Android Devices
- Open the preferred browser and navigate to YouTube’s website.
- Switch the browser to desktop mode.
- Play the desired video and switch to another app or turn off the screen; the audio should continue.
Steps for iOS Devices
- Open Safari and go to YouTube’s website.
- Select “Request Desktop Website” from the browser menu.
- Play the video, then press the Home button and use the Control Center to resume playback.
Third-Party Apps and Extensions
In addition to browser methods, there are third-party apps and browser extensions designed to enable background playback:
NewPipe (Android)
NewPipe is an open-source YouTube client for Android that offers background playback without requiring a subscription.
- Features: Lightweight, ad-free, background and popup playback.
- Installation: Available through F-Droid or can be side-loaded from the official website.
YouTube Background Playback Extensions
Browser extensions can also facilitate background playback on desktop browsers.
- Enhancer for YouTube [Chrome/Firefox]: Provides various enhancements, including background playback.
- Magic Actions for YouTube [Chrome/Firefox]: Another extension offering advanced playback controls.
Conclusion
Playing YouTube videos in the background is achievable through various methods, whether by subscribing to YouTube Premium or utilizing alternative techniques such as mobile browsers and third-party apps. Depending on your device and preferences, you can choose the method that best fits your needs to enjoy uninterrupted audio or video content while multitasking.