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How to Play YouTube in the Background: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re looking to listen to YouTube while simultaneously using other apps on your phone? Smart move! It’s a question I get asked constantly, and thankfully, there are several reliable methods to play YouTube in the background on both Android and iOS devices. The direct answer? It depends on your subscription status, device type, and willingness to explore alternative solutions. Let’s break it down.

The most straightforward approach is a YouTube Premium subscription. This official method unlocks background playback as a core feature. Pay the monthly fee, and voilà! You can lock your screen, switch to other apps, and YouTube will continue serenading you (or informing you, depending on your viewing habits).

However, if you’re not keen on a subscription, don’t despair! Numerous workarounds and alternative methods exist, ranging from using specific browsers to leveraging third-party apps. These methods often require a bit more setup but can be incredibly effective. I’ll delve into these techniques, giving you a toolkit for uninterrupted audio enjoyment. Let’s explore these methods in detail.

Unlocking Background Playback: Your Arsenal of Options

Method 1: The YouTube Premium Route

This is the official and easiest method. A YouTube Premium subscription grants you ad-free viewing and the coveted background playback.

Pros: Seamless integration, ad-free experience, supports YouTube creators.
Cons: Requires a monthly fee.

How to get it: Simply subscribe to YouTube Premium through the YouTube app or website. Once activated, the background playback option is automatically enabled in your settings. You don’t need to do anything else. Just start a video, switch to another app, and enjoy!

Method 2: Browser-Based Background Playback (Android & iOS)

This method involves using a browser on your smartphone. This works for both Android and iOS.

Pros: Free, no need for extra apps (in some cases).
Cons: May require tweaking browser settings, less seamless than YouTube Premium.

How to do it:

Open your browser: (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) on your phone.
Navigate to YouTube: Go to YouTube’s website (youtube.com) in your browser.
Request Desktop Site: This is crucial. In your browser settings (usually found in the three-dot menu), select “Request Desktop Site” or a similar option. This forces the mobile browser to load the desktop version of YouTube.
Play Your Video: Find the video you want to listen to and start playing it.
Minimize the Browser: Once the video is playing, minimize the browser or lock your screen.
Control from Notification Shade/Lock Screen: You should see media playback controls in your notification shade (Android) or on your lock screen (iOS). Use these controls to resume playback if it pauses.
Fine-tune Chrome (Android): In some cases, Chrome might restrict background audio. Go to Chrome’s settings, find “Site Settings,” then “Media,” and ensure “Background audio playback” is allowed.

Method 3: Third-Party Apps (Android)

Several third-party apps allow background YouTube playback on Android devices. Be cautious when downloading these apps and always check reviews and permissions.

Pros: Can offer additional features like downloading videos.
Cons: Security risks associated with third-party apps, potential for ads, app updates might break functionality.

Examples of Apps (Use with Caution!):

NewPipe: A popular open-source YouTube client that prioritizes privacy and background playback.
Vanced (Discontinued, but alternatives exist): While the original Vanced is no longer available, similar apps with the same functionality might surface. Always exercise extreme caution before installing anything unofficial.

Important Disclaimer: I strongly advise researching any third-party app thoroughly before installing it. Check reviews, permissions requested, and the developer’s reputation. Apps that ask for excessive permissions or have poor reviews should be avoided.

Method 4: Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode (Android & iOS)

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode allows you to watch YouTube videos in a small, floating window while using other apps. While not technically “background” playback, it’s a useful alternative.

Pros: Allows you to watch the video while multitasking.
Cons: Requires constant video playback, can be distracting for some users.

How to use PiP on Android: Most modern Android phones support PiP natively. If you have YouTube Premium, simply start a video and switch to another app. The video should automatically shrink into a PiP window. If you don’t have YouTube Premium, some Android versions still allow PiP through the browser method described above.

How to use PiP on iOS: Picture-in-Picture (PiP) requires iOS 14 or later and YouTube Premium. Start playing the video, then swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the home button to return to the home screen. The video should automatically shrink into a PiP window.

Method 5: Using a VPN (Circumstantial)

In some rare cases, using a VPN server located in a country where YouTube Premium is cheaper might be an option to acquire a YouTube Premium subscription at a lower price. However, be aware that this may violate YouTube’s terms of service and potentially lead to account suspension. I do not recommend this method, but it is possible.

Pros: Cheaper YouTube Premium subscription (potentially).
Cons: May violate YouTube’s terms of service, potential account suspension.

Disclaimer: Using a VPN to circumvent geographical restrictions can have consequences. Proceed with extreme caution and at your own risk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I get regarding playing YouTube in the background.

Is playing YouTube in the background illegal? No, it’s not illegal. YouTube’s terms of service might discourage it without a Premium subscription, but it’s not a legal offense.
Does background playback drain my battery faster? Yes, any audio playback will consume battery. Background playback is typically more efficient than having the YouTube app actively open on your screen, but it will still impact battery life.
Why does the browser method sometimes stop working? YouTube frequently updates its website, which can break browser-based workarounds. Also, browser updates themselves can affect compatibility.
Are third-party YouTube apps safe? Not all of them. Stick to reputable open-source options and always read reviews carefully. Pay close attention to the permissions the app requests.
Will YouTube detect if I’m using a third-party app? It’s possible. YouTube actively tries to prevent unauthorized access to its content. Using unofficial apps comes with the risk of your account being flagged.
Can I play YouTube Music in the background without YouTube Premium? The YouTube Music app generally requires a YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium subscription for background playback. However, the browser method described above might work in some cases.
How do I stop YouTube from playing in the background? Simply close the YouTube app (if you have Premium) or close the browser tab you were using. You can also pause the playback controls in your notification shade or on your lock screen.
Does YouTube count background playback views? Yes, YouTube generally counts background playback views towards a video’s total view count.
Why is background playback disabled on my YouTube Premium account? Check your YouTube app settings. There might be a specific setting to enable or disable background playback. Also, ensure your YouTube app is up to date.
Can I download YouTube videos for offline background playback? YouTube Premium allows you to download videos for offline viewing within the YouTube app. Some third-party apps also offer this functionality, but use them cautiously.
Will these methods work on my Smart TV or other devices? These methods are primarily for mobile devices. Smart TVs and other devices typically have their own YouTube apps with varying levels of background playback support.
What’s the best method for playing YouTube in the background? The “best” method depends on your priorities. YouTube Premium is the most seamless and reliable option. The browser method is a good free alternative. Third-party apps can offer extra features but come with risks.

In conclusion, while YouTube Premium offers the most straightforward way to play YouTube in the background, several alternatives exist for those seeking a free solution. Remember to prioritize your security and privacy when exploring third-party options, and always be aware of the potential risks involved. Happy listening!