In today’s fast-paced digital world, many of us love listening to podcasts, music videos, or educational content while multitasking or on the go. One of the most common requests among YouTube users is the ability to play videos in the background. Whether you’re working, exercising, or simply enjoying a daily commute, background playback can enhance your experience significantly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to get YouTube to play in the background, explore different methods, and discuss alternative options for enjoying your favorite content.
Understanding YouTube Background Playback
YouTube background playback allows you to listen to audio from a video without having to keep the app open or the screen on. This feature plays a vital role for many users who wish to maintain their engagement with the content while using other apps or when the screen is off.
Key Points to Note:
- YouTube Premium: Official background playback is provided to users only through YouTube Premium, a paid subscription service.
- Free Options: There are also free alternatives to enable background playback, albeit with some limitations.
Let’s delve into both options.
Option 1: Using YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a subscription service offered by YouTube that provides users with several exclusive features. One of the standout benefits is the ability to play videos in the background.
How to Subscribe to YouTube Premium
- Open the YouTube app or visit the YouTube website.
- Click on the profile icon located at the top right corner.
- Select “Get YouTube Premium” from the dropdown menu.
- Follow the prompts to enter your payment information and confirm your subscription.
Benefits of YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium isn’t just about background playback. Here are additional features that make subscribing worthwhile:
- Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted viewing without ads.
- YouTube Music: Access millions of songs ad-free and enjoy personalized playlists.
How to Play YouTube Videos in the Background with Premium
Once you have subscribed to YouTube Premium, playing videos in the background is seamless:
- Open the YouTube app on your mobile device.
- Start playing a video.
- Press the home button or swipe up (depending on your device).
- The video will continue playing in the background, allowing you to use other apps or turn off your screen.
Option 2: Using the YouTube Website on Mobile Devices
If you aren’t ready to subscribe to YouTube Premium, there are ways to enable background playback via the YouTube mobile website.
Steps to Enable Background Playback
- Open your preferred web browser on your mobile device (like Safari or Chrome).
- Navigate to the YouTube website: www.youtube.com.
- Request the desktop site by tapping the browser menu (usually three dots), then selecting “Request Desktop Site.”
- Find and select the video you want to play.
- Play the video, then press the home button.
In most cases, the audio will continue to play even if the screen is off or you’re using another app.
Option 3: Using Third-Party Apps
Several third-party applications allow you to play YouTube videos in the background for free, albeit with some restrictions.
Popular Third-Party Apps
There are many third-party apps designed specifically to allow users to listen to YouTube audio in the background. Here are a couple of examples:
- NewPipe (for Android): A lightweight app that lets you watch YouTube videos without ads and allows background playback.
- YouTube Vanced (for Android): A popular modified version of YouTube that offers background playback and other features without the need for a subscription.
Important Note: Using third-party apps comes with risks such as data privacy, unverified applications, and potential violations of YouTube’s terms of service.
Option 4: Using Screen-Off Playback on Android
Some Android devices offer a feature that allows users to play videos while the screen is off. This typically depends on the manufacturer’s software.
Steps for Screen-Off Playback
- Open the YouTube app and select a video to play.
- Start the video.
- Now, turn off the screen (by pressing the power button) or lock the device.
- If your device supports this feature, audio should still play even with the screen off.
Warning Against Unauthorized Background Playback Options
While several methods exist for background playback outside of YouTube Premium, it is essential to exercise caution. Unofficial methods may pose risks to your device and data privacy.
Risks of Using Unofficial Apps
- Data Privacy: Many third-party apps may have access to your personal information.
- Quality of Service: Unauthorized apps may not provide the same level of streaming quality or stability.
- Download Restrictions: Some apps may download videos illegally, leading to potential legal issues.
Alternative Solutions for Audio Streaming
If you frequently use YouTube for music or podcasts, you may want to explore alternatives specifically designed for audio streaming.
YouTube Music
For music lovers, YouTube Music is a tailored service that offers a vast library of songs, playlists, and music videos. Subscribing to YouTube Music Premium gives you background playback features without the video content.
Other Streaming Services
Consider alternatives like Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora, specifically designed for audio consumption. These platforms often provide a better experience for background playback with curated playlists and music options.
Conclusion
Enjoying YouTube content in the background enhances your ability to multitask and engage with various activities without sacrificing your viewing experience. Whether you choose to invest in YouTube Premium for a seamless and ad-free experience or utilize free options through the YouTube website or third-party apps, the flexibility is available.
Always approach third-party applications with caution, considering potential risks to your privacy and device. Finally, exploring alternative streaming services can provide additional options for audio enjoyment.
In a world where multitasking is the norm, learning how to play YouTube videos in the background can transform the way you consume content, making it more accessible and enjoyable as you go about your daily activities.
What is background playback on YouTube?
Background playback on YouTube allows users to continue listening to videos even when they are not actively viewing the app. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who want to enjoy music videos, podcasts, or any content where audio is the primary focus. It enables users to multitask by using their devices for other activities while still listening to their favorite content.
To access background playback, users typically need a YouTube Premium subscription. This subscription not only unlocks background playback but also provides an ad-free experience, the ability to download videos for offline viewing, and access to YouTube Music, which is a dedicated music streaming service. Users can enjoy a seamless experience across various devices, including smartphones and tablets.
How do I enable background playback on YouTube?
Enabling background playback on YouTube is a straightforward process, especially for YouTube Premium subscribers. Once you have subscribed, simply open the YouTube app on your mobile device and navigate to the settings. Within the settings menu, you can find the “Background & Downloads” section where you can enable background playback for your videos.
For users who don’t have a Premium subscription, there are some workarounds to achieve this feature, though they may not be officially sanctioned by YouTube. One common method involves using the mobile browser instead of the app. By accessing the desktop version of YouTube through a mobile browser, users can sometimes play videos and exit the browser, enabling the audio to continue playing in the background.
Is background playback available for free users?
Background playback is primarily a feature designed for YouTube Premium subscribers. Free users do not have direct access to this feature through the official YouTube app. However, some users explore alternative methods to enable background audio playback, such as using third-party apps or altering their browser settings, but these methods can be inconsistent and may violate YouTube’s terms of service.
For those who wish to enjoy YouTube content without the interruptions of ads and the ability to play in the background, subscribing to YouTube Premium is the recommended route. It not only provides background playback but also enhances the overall viewing experience with additional features and no advertisements.
Can I use YouTube in the background on my laptop or desktop?
Yes, you can use YouTube in the background on a laptop or desktop, although the approach differs from mobile devices. On a desktop, if you want to continue listening to a video while using other applications, you can simply minimize the browser. This allows the video to continue playing in the background, although it’s important to keep the browser window open.
Alternatively, for more advanced users, there are browser extensions available that facilitate background playback functionality. These extensions can help enhance the experience by allowing you to control playback and manage videos more efficiently without needing to keep the YouTube tab active. Always ensure that you are using reliable extensions to avoid any security risks.
Are there risks associated with using third-party apps for background playback?
Using third-party apps for background playback on YouTube comes with certain risks that users should be aware of. These risks can include compromised security, as unverified apps may collect personal information or expose users to malware. Additionally, these apps often do not abide by YouTube’s terms of service, which could lead to the potential banning of your account or unauthorized access to your content.
Furthermore, third-party apps may not provide the same quality of service as the official YouTube app, leading to issues such as reduced video and audio quality, glitches, or ads that are not properly blocked. For a safe and reliable user experience, it is always best to utilize official applications and services such as YouTube Premium, which is specifically designed to provide the features users desire.
What are the benefits of using YouTube Premium for background playback?
YouTube Premium offers a range of benefits that enhance the viewing and listening experience, making it a valuable subscription for avid users. One of the main advantages is the ability to utilize background playback without any interruptions, enabling users to enjoy music, podcasts, and other video content while multitasking. This is particularly useful for those who like to listen to tutorials or music while engaging in other activities.
In addition to background playback, YouTube Premium removes all advertisements from videos, allowing for uninterrupted viewing. Subscribers also gain the option to download videos for offline viewing, which is perfect for travel or areas with limited internet connectivity. Overall, YouTube Premium provides a comprehensive and enhanced experience tailored to meet the needs of modern users.
Can I listen to YouTube Music in the background for free?
YouTube Music, a dedicated music streaming service, does offer some features for free users, including the ability to listen to many songs and playlists. However, the free version does not allow background playback, meaning that if you exit the app or lock your device, the music will stop playing. To unlock background playback on YouTube Music, users have to upgrade to the YouTube Premium subscription.
The benefits of YouTube Music Premium go beyond just background playback. It also offers an ad-free experience and the ability to download songs for offline listening. This makes it an appealing choice for music enthusiasts who want to have complete control over their listening experience without interruptions.