How to Make YouTube Videos Play in the Background: A Deep Dive for Audio Aficionados

Want to listen to your favorite YouTube content while multitasking? You’re not alone! The desire to have YouTube videos play in the background is a common one. Thankfully, there are several methods to achieve this, depending on your device and whether you have a YouTube Premium subscription. Here’s the breakdown:

The simplest method, and the one that provides the most seamless experience, is to subscribe to YouTube Premium. With YouTube Premium, background playback is a built-in feature. Simply start your video and then navigate away from the YouTube app – the video will continue to play audio in the background.

However, if you prefer not to pay for a subscription, there are alternative workarounds. On Android, you can use a web browser like Chrome or Firefox. Open YouTube in the browser, request the desktop version of the site (usually found in the browser’s settings), start the video, and then navigate away from the browser. The audio should continue playing. You may need to pull down your notification shade and press the “play” button that appears there if the playback stops.

On iOS, the browser method also works, although it can be a bit more finicky. Use Safari or a third-party browser like Brave. As with Android, request the desktop version of YouTube, start your video, and then navigate to your home screen. Again, you might need to use the Control Center to resume playback.

These browser-based workarounds aren’t always perfect and can be subject to updates that break the functionality. However, they remain viable options for those who don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium. Let’s delve deeper into why you might want background playback and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Why Background Playback is a Game Changer

The ability to play YouTube videos in the background opens up a world of possibilities. Imagine listening to podcasts, music playlists, or educational lectures while you’re:

• Working: Stay focused on your tasks while absorbing information or enjoying your favorite tunes.
• Exercising: Power through your workout with motivating audio without being glued to the screen.
• Commuting: Transform your travel time into a productive listening session.
• Cooking or Cleaning: Enjoy entertainment or learning while tackling household chores.

Background playback truly transforms YouTube from a primarily visual platform into a versatile audio source, fitting seamlessly into your busy lifestyle.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the methods described above, you might encounter snags. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Playback Stops When Switching Apps: This is the most frequent issue. Make sure you’ve requested the desktop version of YouTube in your browser. Also, check your device’s battery optimization settings. Some devices aggressively kill background processes to conserve battery, so you might need to exempt your browser from these restrictions.
• Audio Quality Degrades: This is usually due to your browser’s settings or network conditions. Ensure your browser is set to stream audio at a decent quality. Also, a weak Wi-Fi or mobile data signal can cause buffering and reduced audio quality.
• Ads Interrupt Playback: Even with a workaround, you’ll still encounter ads. Consider using an ad blocker in your browser.
• The Screen Keeps Turning On: On some devices, the screen might turn on intermittently even when the audio is playing in the background. You might need to adjust your device’s sleep settings to prevent this.
• YouTube App Restarts Playback: Sometimes the YouTube app recognizes audio playing from your browser and takes over the playback. To avoid this, force stop or disable the YouTube app while using the browser method.

Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions that delve into the specifics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to 12 frequently asked questions regarding background playback of YouTube videos.

1. Does YouTube Premium allow background playback on all devices?

Yes! YouTube Premium allows background playback across all devices where you’re logged into your account. This includes smartphones, tablets, computers, and even some smart TVs.

2. Is using a browser for background playback safe?

Generally, yes, but be cautious about the websites you visit. Use a reputable browser like Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or Safari, and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Also, keep your browser updated to the latest version to patch security vulnerabilities.

3. Can I use third-party apps to play YouTube in the background?

There are many third-party apps that claim to enable background playback for YouTube. However, be very careful! Many of these apps are unreliable, contain malware, or violate YouTube’s terms of service, potentially leading to account suspension. We strongly recommend sticking to the browser method or opting for YouTube Premium for a safer and more reliable experience.

4. Does requesting the desktop version of YouTube affect the video quality?

Sometimes. The desktop version of YouTube may default to a higher video quality than the mobile version. This can impact your data usage and potentially cause buffering if your internet connection is slow. You can usually adjust the video quality in the YouTube player settings within the browser.

5. Will background playback drain my battery faster?

Yes, playing audio in the background will consume battery power. However, the impact is usually less than when actively watching the video. To minimize battery drain, close unnecessary apps, reduce screen brightness, and ensure your device is properly optimized.

6. Can I control playback from the lock screen or Control Center?

Yes, in most cases. When a YouTube video is playing in the background through a browser, you should be able to control playback (pause, play, skip) using the media controls on your device’s lock screen or Control Center (iOS) or notification shade (Android).

7. What happens when I receive a call while playing YouTube in the background?

Typically, the audio playback will pause automatically when you receive a call. Once the call ends, you can resume playback from where it left off.

8. Can I listen to YouTube Music in the background without YouTube Premium?

Yes, but there are limitations. If you only want to listen to music, consider using the YouTube Music app. It offers a limited free tier that allows background playback but includes ads. YouTube Music Premium provides ad-free listening and other features.

9. Why does YouTube stop playing in the background after a while?

This can be due to several factors: your device’s battery optimization settings, your browser’s memory management, or even intermittent network connectivity. Try exempting your browser from battery optimization, clearing your browser’s cache, and ensuring you have a stable internet connection.

10. Does using a VPN affect background playback?

A VPN shouldn’t directly affect background playback functionality, but it can impact your streaming speed and potentially cause buffering. If you experience issues, try disabling your VPN temporarily to see if it resolves the problem.

11. Are there any specific browser extensions that can help with background playback?

Yes, there are browser extensions designed to enhance background playback, but exercise caution when installing them. Read reviews carefully and choose extensions from reputable developers. Some extensions may introduce security risks or violate YouTube’s terms of service.

12. Will YouTube ever permanently block browser-based background playback workarounds?

It’s possible. YouTube has historically taken measures to discourage non-Premium background playback. However, as long as browsers allow users to request desktop versions of websites, workarounds will likely continue to emerge. Ultimately, YouTube Premium remains the most reliable and officially supported method.

Background playback is a valuable feature for any YouTube user. While YouTube Premium provides the most seamless experience, browser-based workarounds offer a viable alternative. By understanding the methods and troubleshooting common issues, you can enjoy your favorite YouTube content while multitasking with ease. Remember to prioritize safety and choose reputable apps and browsers to protect your device and your data. Happy listening!