Play YouTube In Background: Quick & Easy Guide

Hey guys! Ever wanted to listen to your favorite YouTube tunes or podcasts while doing other things on your phone? It's super annoying when the audio stops as soon as you leave the YouTube app, right? Well, you're in luck! I'm going to show you some simple and effective ways to play YouTube videos in the background, so you can multitask like a pro. No more interruptions while you're browsing, texting, or gaming. Let's dive in and get this sorted!

Why Play YouTube in the Background?

Before we get into the how, let's quickly talk about the why. Why would you even want to play YouTube in the background? Well, there are tons of reasons! First off, think about music. YouTube is a massive library of songs, remixes, live performances, and more. Wouldn't it be great to listen to your favorite playlists while you're working out, commuting, or just relaxing at home? Background play makes this possible without draining your battery by keeping the screen on.

Then there are podcasts and audiobooks. YouTube is increasingly becoming a platform for long-form audio content. Listening in the background allows you to catch up on your favorite shows while you're doing chores, cooking, or anything else that doesn't require constant attention. It's a fantastic way to make the most of your time. Plus, many educational videos and lectures are available on YouTube. Background play lets you learn while you're on the move, turning downtime into productive time.

Finally, let's not forget about convenience. Sometimes, you just want to hear the audio from a YouTube video without needing to watch the visuals. Maybe it's a guided meditation, a nature sounds video for relaxation, or a news report you want to listen to while getting ready in the morning. Background play simplifies all of these scenarios, giving you the flexibility to enjoy YouTube content on your terms. So, with all these benefits in mind, let's explore the various ways you can achieve background playback on your devices.

Method 1: Using YouTube Premium

The most straightforward way to play YouTube in the background is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. Yes, it's a paid service, but it comes with a bunch of perks that might make it worth the investment. One of the biggest advantages is seamless background playback. With YouTube Premium, you can switch to other apps, lock your screen, and the video will continue playing in the background without interruption. It's incredibly convenient and hassle-free.

Besides background play, YouTube Premium also offers ad-free viewing. Imagine watching your favorite videos without those annoying ads popping up every few minutes. It's a much more enjoyable and immersive experience. Plus, you get access to YouTube Music Premium, which lets you listen to music offline and without ads. If you're a heavy YouTube user, these features can significantly enhance your overall experience.

Another benefit is the ability to download videos for offline viewing. This is perfect for when you know you'll be in an area with limited or no internet access, like on a flight or during your commute. You can download your favorite videos and watch them anytime, anywhere, without worrying about buffering or data charges. YouTube Premium also supports picture-in-picture mode on some devices, allowing you to watch videos in a small window while using other apps. It's a great way to multitask and stay entertained.

To subscribe to YouTube Premium, simply open the YouTube app, tap on your profile picture, and select "Get YouTube Premium." Follow the prompts to sign up and choose a payment plan. Once you're a subscriber, background play will be enabled automatically. Just start a video, switch to another app, and enjoy the uninterrupted audio. It's that simple! While it does come at a cost, the convenience and additional features of YouTube Premium can make it a worthwhile investment for many users, especially those who rely on YouTube for their daily entertainment and information.

Method 2: Using a Web Browser (Android & iOS)

If you're not keen on paying for YouTube Premium, don't worry! There's a free workaround that works on both Android and iOS devices. The trick is to use a web browser like Chrome or Safari to access YouTube and then enable background playback through the browser settings. It might sound a bit technical, but it's actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. Let's break it down step by step.

First, open your preferred web browser on your smartphone or tablet. Navigate to the YouTube website (www.youtube.com) and make sure you're using the desktop version of the site. On Chrome, you can do this by tapping the three dots in the top right corner and selecting "Desktop site." In Safari, tap the "aA" icon in the address bar and choose "Request Desktop Website." This is crucial because the mobile version of YouTube often restricts background playback.

Next, find the video you want to play and start it. Once the video is playing, switch to another app or lock your screen. The video will likely stop playing at this point, but don't panic! On Android, pull down the notification shade, and you should see media controls for the video. Tap the play button to resume playback, and the audio should continue playing in the background. On iOS, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center. Look for the media controls and tap the play button to resume background playback.

Keep in mind that this method can be a bit finicky and may not work perfectly every time. Some browsers might aggressively suspend background playback to conserve battery life. If you encounter issues, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies or using a different browser. Also, make sure your browser is up to date to ensure the best compatibility. Despite these potential hiccups, using a web browser is a great free alternative to YouTube Premium for background playback.

Method 3: Third-Party Apps (Android)

For Android users, there's another option to explore: third-party apps. These apps are designed to enhance your YouTube experience and often include features like background playback, ad-blocking, and more. However, it's important to be cautious when using third-party apps, as some of them may pose security risks or violate YouTube's terms of service. Always download apps from reputable sources like the Google Play Store and read reviews before installing anything.

One popular app for background YouTube playback is NewPipe. NewPipe is a lightweight and open-source YouTube client that doesn't rely on the official YouTube API. This means it can bypass many of the restrictions imposed by YouTube, including the inability to play videos in the background. NewPipe also offers other useful features, such as downloading videos, playing videos in a pop-up window, and subscribing to channels without a Google account.

To use NewPipe, simply download and install the app from the official website or a trusted app repository. Once installed, open the app and search for the video you want to play. Start the video and then tap the background playback button. The video will continue playing in the background even when you switch to other apps or lock your screen. NewPipe is a great option for users who want a lightweight and privacy-focused YouTube experience.

Another app to consider is LibreTube. LibreTube is an alternative YouTube front-end built with privacy in mind. It allows you to watch YouTube videos without ads and supports background playback. It's also open source, meaning the code is publicly available for review and modification. This can provide added assurance about the app's security and privacy practices. As with any third-party app, it's always a good idea to do your research and read reviews before installing it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the methods outlined above, you might still run into some issues with background playback. Here are a few common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

• Playback stops unexpectedly: This can happen if your device is aggressively managing battery life or if the browser or app is crashing. Try disabling battery optimization for the YouTube app or browser, clearing the app's cache, or restarting your device.
• No media controls in the notification shade or Control Center: This can occur if the browser or app doesn't have the necessary permissions. Make sure the app has permission to display notifications and control media playback in your device's settings.
• Background playback is choppy or laggy: This could be due to a poor internet connection or excessive background activity on your device. Try switching to a stronger Wi-Fi network, closing unnecessary apps, or reducing the video quality.
• Third-party apps not working: If you're using a third-party app and it's not working correctly, make sure the app is up to date and compatible with your device's operating system. You might also need to clear the app's data or reinstall it.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve many of the common issues that can interfere with background playback and enjoy uninterrupted audio from your favorite YouTube videos.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Several easy ways to play YouTube in the background on your Android or iOS device. Whether you opt for YouTube Premium, use a web browser workaround, or try a third-party app, you can now enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and videos without interruptions. Background playback is a fantastic way to multitask, save battery life, and make the most of your time. Give these methods a try and see which one works best for you. Happy listening, guys!