Are you tired of YouTube stopping playback whenever you switch to another app or lock your screen? Do you want to keep listening to your favorite music videos, podcasts, or vlogs while you multitask or sleep? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to play YouTube in the background on different devices, browsers, and operating systems.
Why Can’t I Play YouTube in the Background?
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why YouTube doesn’t allow background playback by default. There are two main reasons for this:
Reason 1: Monetization
YouTube’s primary revenue source is video ads. When you watch a video, you’re supposed to see ads, which generate revenue for content creators and YouTube. By allowing background playback, YouTube would lose ad revenue, as users wouldn’t be actively watching ads.
Reason 2: Content Licensing
YouTube has licensing agreements with music labels, movie studios, and other content owners. These agreements often restrict background playback, as it’s considered a separate use case that requires additional licensing fees.
Method 1: Using YouTube Premium
The easiest way to play YouTube in the background is to subscribe to YouTube Premium (formerly YouTube Red). This paid service offers ad-free videos, exclusive content, and background playback. With YouTube Premium, you can play videos in the background on your mobile device, even when you’re using other apps or your screen is locked.
YouTube Premium is available in select countries and costs $11.99 per month. If you’re a heavy YouTube user, it might be worth considering this option. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t want to commit to a subscription, there are other ways to play YouTube in the background.
Method 2: Using Android Apps
If you have an Android device, you can use third-party apps to play YouTube in the background. Here are a few popular options:
1. YouTube Vanced
YouTube Vanced is a modified YouTube app that allows background playback, ad-blocking, and other customization options. It’s a popular choice among Android users, but be cautious when installing, as it’s not available on the Google Play Store.
2. NewPipe
NewPipe is an open-source YouTube client that supports background playback, downloading, and more. It’s a great alternative to the official YouTube app, but it’s not affiliated with YouTube.
3. OGYouTube
OGYouTube is another modified YouTube app that offers background playback, ad-blocking, and other features. However, it’s not available on the Google Play Store, and you’ll need to sideload it.
Method 3: Using iOS Apps
If you have an iOS device, you can use third-party apps to play YouTube in the background. Here are a few options:
1. Documents by Readdle
Documents by Readdle is a file manager app that also allows you to play YouTube videos in the background. It’s a workaround, as you’ll need to open the YouTube video in the app’s built-in browser and then switch to another app or lock your screen.
2. VLLO
VLLO is a video player app that can play YouTube videos in the background. You’ll need to copy the YouTube video URL and paste it into the app.
Method 4: Using Browser Tricks
If you don’t want to install third-party apps, you can use browser tricks to play YouTube in the background. Here are a few methods:
1. Chrome Browser
On desktop, you can use the Chrome browser to play YouTube in the background. Simply open YouTube in a new tab, press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac) to open a new incognito window, and then play the video. You can then minimize the window or switch to another app.
2. Safari Browser
On macOS, you can use the Safari browser to play YouTube in the background. Open YouTube in a new tab, press Cmd + Option + I to open the Inspector, and then click on the “Resources” tab. Find the YouTube video URL and open it in a new tab. You can then minimize the window or switch to another app.
3. Firefox Browser
On desktop, you can use the Firefox browser to play YouTube in the background. Open YouTube in a new tab, press Ctrl + Shift + E (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + E (Mac) to open a new private window, and then play the video. You can then minimize the window or switch to another app.
Method 5: Using Browser Extensions
If you’re using a desktop browser, you can install browser extensions to play YouTube in the background. Here are a few popular options:
1. YouTube Background Player
This Chrome extension allows you to play YouTube videos in the background with a single click.
2. Video Background Play Fix
This Firefox extension enables background playback for YouTube and other video sites.
Method 6: Using Operating System Features
Some operating systems offer built-in features to play YouTube in the background. Here are a few examples:
1. Android 10 and Above
On Android 10 and above, you can use the “Picture in Picture” mode to play YouTube videos in the background. Simply play a YouTube video, press the home button, and then tap on the “PiP” icon to enable picture-in-picture mode.
2. iOS 14 and Above
On iOS 14 and above, you can use the “Picture in Picture” mode to play YouTube videos in the background. Simply play a YouTube video, press the home button, and then tap on the “PiP” icon to enable picture-in-picture mode.
Conclusion
Playing YouTube in the background can be a convenient way to multitask or fall asleep to your favorite music. While YouTube doesn’t allow background playback by default, there are several workarounds using third-party apps, browser tricks, and operating system features. Whether you’re an Android or iOS user, you can use one of the methods outlined above to play YouTube in the background like a pro.
What is YouTube background play and why do I need it?
YouTube background play is a feature that allows you to continue listening to YouTube videos even when you’re not actively watching them. This means you can browse other apps, lock your screen, or turn off your device’s screen without the video stopping. You need YouTube background play because it enhances your multitasking experience, allowing you to continue listening to your favorite music, podcasts, or educational content while doing other tasks.
With background play, you can conserve your screen’s battery life, reduce distractions, and stay productive. You can also use it to listen to YouTube content while doing chores, exercising, or during daily commutes. Additionally, background play can be a game-changer for people who use YouTube for music or ASMR content, as they can now seamlessly switch between apps without interruptions.
Is YouTube background play available on all devices?
YouTube background play is available on select devices, including Android devices with the YouTube Premium subscription and iOS devices with the YouTube Music Premium subscription. However, it’s not available on all devices, and the availability might vary depending on your location and YouTube app version. To check if background play is available on your device, you can try playing a video and then locking your screen or switching to another app.
If background play is not available on your device, you can explore alternative methods, such as using third-party apps or browsers that support background play. You can also consider upgrading to a supported device or subscribing to YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium to unlock this feature. Additionally, you can try using the YouTube website on your device’s browser, which might allow background play, depending on the browser and device combination.
How do I enable YouTube background play on my Android device?
To enable YouTube background play on your Android device, you need to have a YouTube Premium subscription. Once you’ve subscribed, follow these steps: open the YouTube app, tap on your profile picture, and go to Settings > Background play. Toggle the switch next to “Background play” to enable it. You might need to restart the YouTube app or your device for the changes to take effect.
After enabling background play, you can play a video, then lock your screen or switch to another app. The video should continue playing in the background. If you encounter any issues, ensure that you’re running the latest version of the YouTube app and that your subscription is active. You can also try restarting the app or device to resolve any conflicts.
Can I use YouTube background play on my iPhone or iPad?
Yes, you can use YouTube background play on your iPhone or iPad, but only with a YouTube Music Premium subscription. To enable background play, follow these steps: open the YouTube Music app, tap on your profile picture, and go to Settings > Background play. Toggle the switch next to “Background play” to enable it.
Once enabled, you can play a video or song on YouTube Music, then lock your screen or switch to another app. The audio should continue playing in the background. Note that background play is only available on the YouTube Music app, not the regular YouTube app. Also, ensure that your subscription is active and you’re running the latest version of the YouTube Music app.
Are there any alternative methods for background play on devices that don’t support it?
Yes, there are alternative methods for background play on devices that don’t support it natively. One popular method is to use third-party apps or browsers that support background play. For example, you can use the Firefox or Chrome browser on your device to play YouTube videos, which will continue playing in the background even when you switch to another app or lock your screen.
Another method is to use third-party apps like NewPipe or YouTube Vanced, which are modified versions of the YouTube app that support background play. These apps are often available for download on unofficial app stores or websites. However, be cautious when using third-party apps, as they might not be officially sanctioned by YouTube and might pose security risks.
Will YouTube background play drain my device’s battery?
YouTube background play can consume some battery power, but the impact is usually minimal. The amount of battery drain depends on various factors, such as your device’s specifications, screen resolution, and video quality. However, when you use background play with a stable internet connection and a moderately powered device, the battery drain should be negligible.
To minimize battery drain, you can take a few precautions. First, ensure that your device’s screen is turned off or set to a low brightness level when using background play. Second, adjust the video quality to a lower setting or use a lower bitrate to reduce power consumption. Finally, consider closing other resource-intensive apps or Background apps to conserve battery life.
Is YouTube background play legal and safe to use?
YouTube background play is legal and safe to use, as long as you’re using the official YouTube app or authorized third-party apps that comply with YouTube’s terms of service. However, be cautious when using modified or unofficial apps that might violate YouTube’s policies or compromise your device’s security.
When using background play, ensure that you’re not violating any copyright laws or YouTube’s community guidelines. If you’re using background play for commercial purposes or distributing copyrighted content without permission, you might face legal consequences. Always use background play responsibly and in compliance with YouTube’s policies and terms of service.