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How to Listen to YouTube in the Background: Your Definitive Guide

Want to listen to your favorite podcasts, music mixes, or educational content on YouTube while multitasking? You’re in the right place. The ability to play YouTube in the background is no longer a premium privilege. I’m here to walk you through the most reliable methods, unlocking this capability across devices and subscriptions (or lack thereof!).

The quickest answer: There are several ways to play YouTube in the background. YouTube Premium subscribers can natively enjoy background playback. However, those without a subscription can utilize browser tricks on both desktop and mobile, third-party apps (with caution), or even enable Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode where available. Now, let’s dive into the specifics of each method.

Unlocking Background Playback: Your Options Explained

The core of playing YouTube in the background lies in tricking your device or YouTube itself into believing the app is still active and playing even when it isn’t the primary focus. Here’s how to make it happen:

YouTube Premium: The Official Route

Let’s be honest, the simplest way is often the best. YouTube Premium includes background playback as a standard feature. When you subscribe, you get:

Uninterrupted listening: Videos continue playing even when you switch apps or lock your screen.
Ad-free experience: No more annoying interruptions.
YouTube Music Premium: Enjoy ad-free and background listening on YouTube Music too.
Offline Downloads: Download videos and music for offline enjoyment.

If you value convenience and actively consume YouTube content, Premium is worth considering. It eliminates the need for workarounds and supports content creators.

Browser-Based Background Playback (Mobile)

This method requires a slightly more involved process, but it’s a solid workaround for non-Premium users.

Open YouTube in a Browser: Don’t use the YouTube app. Instead, use a browser like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox on your mobile device.
Request Desktop Site: In your browser’s settings, find the option to “Request Desktop Site” or a similarly worded setting. Enable this. This forces the mobile browser to load the desktop version of YouTube.
Start Playback: Find the video you want to listen to and start playing it.
Navigate Away: Once the video is playing, you can navigate away from the browser or even lock your screen. The video will initially pause.
Control Center/Notification Shade: On Android, swipe down to access your notification shade. On iOS, swipe down from the top-right corner or up from the bottom (depending on your device) to access the Control Center.
Playback Controls: You should see media playback controls. Tap the “play” button to resume the video. The audio will now play in the background.

Important Notes:

This method can be finicky. Sometimes, the browser might automatically pause the video. Experiment with different browsers and settings.
Some devices might require you to allow background data usage for your browser. Check your device’s settings.

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) allows you to watch a video in a small, floating window while using other apps. This is technically not pure background playback, but it achieves a similar effect.

Availability: PiP support varies depending on your device, operating system, and YouTube app version. It’s more common on newer Android and iOS devices.
Enabling PiP: On many devices, PiP is enabled by default. If not, check your device’s settings under “Apps” or “Picture-in-Picture” to grant YouTube permission.
Using PiP: Start playing a video in the YouTube app. Then, simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on devices with gesture navigation) or press the home button. The video should shrink into a floating window.

Limitations: The PiP window still occupies screen space, unlike true background playback.

Third-Party Apps (Use with Caution)

Numerous third-party apps claim to enable background YouTube playback. Proceed with extreme caution when using these. Many contain:

Malware and Viruses: Downloading apps from unknown sources puts your device at risk.
Privacy Concerns: These apps may collect your data without your consent.
Violations of YouTube’s Terms of Service: Using these apps could potentially lead to your YouTube account being suspended.

If you choose to use a third-party app, do thorough research, read reviews, and only download from reputable sources. Consider using apps like NewPipe which is open-source and focused on privacy, or Brave browser, which has built-in background playback features. Always prioritize your security!

Desktop Browser Extensions

Similar to mobile third-party apps, browser extensions can also provide background playback. Again, exercise caution.

AdBlockers with Background Playback: Some ad blockers offer the added benefit of background playback functionality.
Research Thoroughly: Before installing any extension, check its permissions and reviews.
Minimize Extensions: Avoid installing too many extensions, as they can slow down your browser.

YouTube Music: A Dedicated Solution

While we’re discussing background playback for YouTube videos, it’s worth mentioning YouTube Music. If you primarily listen to music on YouTube, YouTube Music is the ideal solution. A YouTube Premium subscription often includes YouTube Music Premium. YouTube Music allows background playback.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some commonly asked questions about YouTube background playback, with answers to help clear up any lingering doubts:

1. Why does YouTube pause when I lock my screen?

YouTube’s default behavior is to pause video playback when you lock your screen or switch apps because, without YouTube Premium or a workaround, it assumes you no longer want to watch or listen. This is part of their strategy to encourage subscriptions.

2. Is it legal to use third-party apps for background playback?

Using third-party apps may violate YouTube’s Terms of Service, potentially leading to account suspension. The legality of the app itself depends on its features and how it handles copyright. Exercise caution.

3. Does YouTube Premium offer any other benefits besides background playback?

Yes! YouTube Premium includes ad-free viewing, access to YouTube Music Premium, and the ability to download videos for offline viewing.

4. Can I use background playback on my Smart TV?

Smart TV functionality varies greatly. Some smart TVs have built-in browsers where you can try the “request desktop site” method. However, YouTube’s Smart TV app typically requires YouTube Premium for background listening.

5. Will YouTube background playback drain my battery faster?

Yes, background playback will consume battery, though potentially less than actively watching the video with the screen on. Close the app or pause playback when not in use to conserve battery.

6. Is there a way to permanently enable background playback without YouTube Premium?

There’s no guaranteed permanent solution. YouTube frequently updates its app and policies. The browser-based method is the most reliable workaround, but it may require occasional adjustments.

7. Can I control the playback speed when listening in the background?

Yes, if you initiate playback through the browser method, the playback controls in your notification shade or control center typically allow you to pause, play, skip, and sometimes even adjust the playback speed.

8. Does Picture-in-Picture (PiP) work with all YouTube videos?

PiP functionality can be restricted for some content, such as live streams or certain premium content. Additionally, your device and operating system must support PiP.

9. My browser-based method stopped working. What should I do?

First, clear your browser’s cache and cookies. Then, try a different browser. YouTube might have updated its code, requiring a slightly different approach.

10. How do I cancel YouTube Premium if I no longer want it?

You can cancel YouTube Premium through your YouTube account settings or Google Play subscriptions (on Android) or through your Apple subscriptions (on iOS).

11. Are there any free and open-source apps for background YouTube playback that are safe to use?

Yes, NewPipe is a popular open-source option for Android that prioritizes privacy and doesn’t rely on the official YouTube API. However, features might be slightly limited compared to the official app.

12. Can I use a VPN to get YouTube Premium cheaper in another country and then use the background playback feature?

While technically possible, using a VPN to circumvent regional pricing for YouTube Premium violates Google’s terms of service and could result in your account being suspended. It is not recommended.

The Final Word

Playing YouTube in the background opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to multitask without missing out on your favorite content. Whether you choose the convenience of YouTube Premium, the flexibility of browser-based workarounds, or explore third-party apps with caution, you now have the knowledge to make informed decisions and unlock the true potential of your YouTube experience. Remember to prioritize your security and respect YouTube’s Terms of Service. Now go forth and enjoy uninterrupted listening!