How to Play YouTube with the Screen Off: The Definitive Guide

So, you crave that sweet YouTube audio goodness while conserving precious battery life, but how do you actually make it happen? Playing YouTube with the screen off boils down to leveraging background playback, and there are several avenues to achieve this, each with its own pros and cons. The most straightforward methods include YouTube Premium, utilizing specific browser tricks, or employing third-party apps. Let’s dive deep into each option and equip you with the knowledge to become a true audio ninja.

YouTube Premium: The Official Route

Advantages of YouTube Premium

The most reliable and legally sound way to play YouTube videos with your screen off is, without a doubt, YouTube Premium. It’s Google’s official subscription service that unlocks a treasure trove of benefits, with background playback being a key perk. You can minimize the app, lock your phone, or even switch to other apps, and the audio will continue uninterrupted. Think of it as your official hall pass to audio paradise. Furthermore, you will get an ad-free experience along with offline downloads with your YouTube Premium subscription.

Drawbacks of YouTube Premium

The obvious downside is the price tag. YouTube Premium isn’t free, and the monthly subscription cost might not be appealing to everyone, especially if you’re primarily interested in background playback. However, consider the value: ad-free viewing, background playback, YouTube Music Premium access – it’s a package deal. Whether or not it’s worth it is a personal decision based on your YouTube consumption habits.

Browser-Based Workarounds: The Frugal Option

Using Chrome and Other Browsers

For those seeking a free solution, leveraging the power of your mobile browser can be surprisingly effective. The trick lies in requesting the desktop version of YouTube. Here’s the general process:

1. Open Chrome (or your preferred browser) on your smartphone.
2. Navigate to YouTube.com.
3. Tap the three vertical dots (menu) in the top right corner.
4. Select “Desktop site” or “Desktop version.”
5. Find the video you want to play and start it.
6. Minimize Chrome or lock your screen. The audio should stop initially.
7. Pull down your notification shade (on Android) or open Control Center (on iOS). You should see media playback controls for Chrome.
8. Press the “Play” button.

This should resume the audio playback even with your screen off. The reliability of this method can vary slightly depending on your phone’s operating system and browser version, but it’s generally a solid workaround.

Troubleshooting Browser Playback

Sometimes, the audio playback might stubbornly refuse to cooperate. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Clear your browser’s cache and cookies: This can resolve conflicts or glitches.
• Update your browser: Ensure you’re running the latest version for optimal performance.
• Try a different browser: If Chrome isn’t working, Firefox or Brave might do the trick.
• Check your phone’s battery optimization settings: Some aggressive battery-saving features might interfere with background playback. Ensure your browser isn’t being restricted.

Third-Party Apps: The Risky Road

The Allure and the Danger

The app stores are overflowing with apps that promise background YouTube playback. These apps often offer additional features like ad-blocking and offline downloads. However, proceed with caution! Many of these apps are unofficial and could pose security risks. They might contain malware, track your data, or violate YouTube’s terms of service.

Choosing Wisely

If you’re considering a third-party app, do your research. Read reviews carefully, check the developer’s reputation, and be wary of apps that request excessive permissions. Some relatively safe options include:

• NewPipe: A lightweight and privacy-focused YouTube alternative for Android. It allows background playback without needing a Google account.
• Brave Browser: Brave has an built-in option to play the YouTube videos in the background.

Always download apps from reputable sources like the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Even then, exercise caution.

Potential Risks

Downloading unofficial apps can expose you to numerous risks:

• Malware infection: Malicious apps can steal your personal information, track your location, or even damage your device.
• Privacy violations: Unofficial apps might collect your browsing history, contacts, or other sensitive data without your consent.
• Account suspension: Using third-party apps that violate YouTube’s terms of service could lead to your account being suspended.

YouTube Music: The Audio-Centric Approach

A Dedicated Music App

If your primary goal is to listen to music on YouTube, consider using YouTube Music. This separate app is designed specifically for music streaming and offers seamless background playback. With YouTube Music Premium (which is included with YouTube Premium), you can enjoy ad-free listening, offline downloads, and, crucially, background playback.

Advantages of YouTube Music

YouTube Music boasts a vast library of songs, including official music videos, live performances, covers, and remixes. It’s an excellent alternative to other music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, especially if you’re already invested in the YouTube ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is playing YouTube with the screen off illegal?

Playing YouTube with the screen off isn’t inherently illegal, but it can violate YouTube’s terms of service if you’re using unofficial methods to bypass ads or access content without a subscription. Sticking to YouTube Premium or browser-based workarounds is generally safer.

2. Will background playback drain my battery faster?

Yes, background playback will consume battery power, but it will likely be less than keeping the screen on. The actual battery drain depends on your device, network connection, and the volume level.

3. Does YouTube Music have all the same videos as regular YouTube?

While YouTube Music has a vast music library, it doesn’t include every video available on regular YouTube. It primarily focuses on music-related content like official songs, albums, live performances, and remixes.

4. Can I use a VPN to get YouTube Premium cheaper in another country?

While technically possible, using a VPN to purchase YouTube Premium in a country with lower pricing is a grey area. YouTube might detect VPN usage and potentially suspend your account. It’s generally not recommended.

5. Will using a third-party app get my YouTube account banned?

Using third-party apps that violate YouTube’s terms of service can potentially lead to your account being suspended or banned. Proceed with caution and choose apps from reputable sources.

6. How do I prevent YouTube from automatically playing the next video?

In the YouTube app or website, look for the “Autoplay” toggle switch and turn it off. This will prevent YouTube from automatically playing the next video in the queue.

7. Can I listen to YouTube podcasts with the screen off?

Yes, if you’re a YouTube Premium subscriber, you can listen to podcasts with the screen off just like any other video.

8. What’s the best browser for playing YouTube in the background?

Chrome is generally reliable, but Firefox and Brave are also excellent options. Experiment to see which browser works best on your device.

9. Why does my browser keep pausing the video when I lock my screen?

This is often due to your phone’s battery optimization settings. Ensure your browser isn’t being restricted from running in the background.

10. Is YouTube Premium Family worth the cost?

If multiple members of your household use YouTube regularly, YouTube Premium Family can be a cost-effective option. It allows up to five family members to share a single subscription.

11. Can I download YouTube videos for offline playback without Premium?

Officially, you need YouTube Premium to download videos for offline playback. However, some third-party apps or websites might offer this functionality, but they come with the risks mentioned earlier.

12. How do I report a third-party app that violates YouTube’s terms of service?

You can report apps that violate YouTube’s terms of service through the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Look for the “Report” option on the app’s listing page.