YouTube has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, offering a vast library of videos ranging from educational content to entertainment. However, one limitation that frustrates many users is the inability to play YouTube videos in the background on their mobile devices. Whether you’re on an iPhone or an Android device, this feature seems elusive, but fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various methods and tricks to help you unlock the ability to play YouTube in the background seamlessly.
Understanding the Challenge: Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand why playing YouTube in the background isn’t straightforward. YouTube’s native app is designed to pause playback as soon as you exit the app or lock your device screen. This restriction is intentional and aimed at driving user engagement within the app. However, with a few workarounds and third-party apps, you can overcome this limitation and enjoy uninterrupted playback while multitasking on your device.
Method 1: YouTube Premium Subscription YouTube offers a subscription service called YouTube Premium, which provides several benefits, including background playback. With a YouTube Premium subscription, you can play videos in the background on both iPhone and Android devices without any hassle. Here’s how to do it:
- Subscribe to YouTube Premium: Sign up for YouTube Premium through the YouTube app or website.
- Enable Background Playback: Once subscribed, open the YouTube app, play a video, and exit the app or lock your device. The video will continue playing in the background seamlessly.
While YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service, it offers additional features like ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and access to YouTube Originals, making it a comprehensive package for avid YouTube users.
Method 2: Using Web Browsers (iPhone & Android) Another workaround to play YouTube in the background involves using web browsers on your mobile device. Most web browsers allow you to play YouTube videos in desktop mode, enabling background playback. Follow these steps:
For iPhone:
- Open Safari or any other web browser on your iPhone.
- Go to the YouTube website (youtube.com).
- Play the desired video.
- Exit the browser or lock your device while the video is playing.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center and tap Play to resume playback.
For Android:
- Open Google Chrome or any other web browser on your Android device.
- Visit the YouTube website (youtube.com).
- Play the video you want to listen to in the background.
- Exit the browser or lock your device.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the notification panel and tap Play to resume playback.
Using web browsers for background playback is a convenient solution, especially for users who don’t want to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
Method 3: Third-Party Apps (Android Only) Android users have the advantage of exploring third-party apps from the Google Play Store that offer background playback for YouTube videos. These apps work by playing YouTube videos in a floating window or background service, allowing you to multitask while listening to your favorite content. Here are some popular options:
- NewPipe: NewPipe is a free and open-source app that provides background playback, ad-free experience, and the ability to download videos and audio.
- YouTube Vanced: YouTube Vanced is a modified version of the official YouTube app that offers features like background playback, ad-blocking, and more customization options.
To use these apps, simply download and install them from the Google Play Store, search for your desired video within the app, and enjoy background playback without any restrictions.
Conclusion: Playing YouTube in the background on iPhone and Android devices may seem like a daunting task due to the platform’s inherent limitations. However, with the right strategies and tools at your disposal, you can effortlessly overcome these obstacles and enjoy uninterrupted playback while multitasking on your mobile device. Whether you opt for a YouTube Premium subscription, leverage web browsers, or explore third-party apps, the choice ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. With these methods in your arsenal, you can take full control of your YouTube experience and make the most out of its vast content library.