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Background Play on YouTube

How to Play YouTube in the Background on iPhone and Android: A Comprehensive Guide

YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for video content, ranging from music videos and tutorials to vlogs and documentaries. While it is designed primarily for viewing content, many users prefer to listen to videos in the background, especially when it comes to music, podcasts, or lengthy discussions. Unfortunately, the native YouTube app does not support background playback unless you are a YouTube Premium subscriber. However, various workarounds allow you to enjoy YouTube audio while multitasking on your device. This article will explore multiple methods to enable background playback on both iPhone and Android devices.

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1. Understanding YouTube Premium

Before diving into alternative methods, it’s important to acknowledge YouTube Premium. Subscribing to YouTube Premium offers a suite of features, including:

  • Background Playback: Users can continue listening to videos even when they switch to other apps or lock their screens.
  • Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted viewing without ads.
  • Offline Playback: Download videos to watch without an internet connection.
  • YouTube Music: Access to the music streaming service that allows you to play audio in the background.

Although this subscription offers an optimal experience, not everyone is willing to pay for it. For those seeking free alternatives, here are some effective solutions.

2. Playing YouTube in the Background on iPhone

Method 1: Using Safari Browser

One of the simplest methods to enable background playback on iPhone involves using the Safari web browser:

  1. Open Safari: Launch the Safari browser on your iPhone.
  2. Go to YouTube: Visit the YouTube website by entering www.youtube.com in the address bar.
  3. Select a Video: Find the video you want to watch and start playing it.
  4. Switch to Desktop Mode: Tap the “aA” icon in the address bar, then select “Request Desktop Website.”
  5. Play the Video: Once the video starts playing, you can exit Safari. The video will stop playing at this point.
  6. Access Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner (or swipe up from the bottom on older iPhones) to access the Control Center.
  7. Resume Playback: In the Control Center, you should see the video listed. Tap the play button to continue playing audio in the background.

Method 2: Using Picture-in-Picture Mode (iOS 14 and Later)

If your iPhone runs iOS 14 or later, you can utilize the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature:

  1. Open YouTube in Safari: Follow the steps in Method 1 to access a video in Safari.
  2. Play the Video: Start playing the video.
  3. Activate Picture-in-Picture: While the video is playing, swipe up or press the home button. The video will shrink into a PiP window, allowing you to use other apps while continuing to listen.
  4. Close the PiP: You can drag the PiP window to the corners of your screen or close it when finished.

Method 3: Third-Party Apps

Several third-party apps available on the App Store allow background playback of YouTube videos. Apps like Musica or NewPipe (available on Android) can serve as alternatives. While using these apps, users should be cautious of their privacy policies and ensure they are downloading from reputable sources.

3. Playing YouTube in the Background on Android

Method 1: Using the YouTube App with YouTube Premium

For users willing to invest in a subscription, YouTube Premium is the most seamless option, allowing background playback within the official app. Simply subscribe, and you can enable background playback directly from the app settings.

Method 2: Using Chrome Browser

Android users can easily use the Chrome browser to enable background playback:

  1. Open Chrome: Launch the Chrome browser on your Android device.
  2. Go to YouTube: Type www.youtube.com in the address bar and hit enter.
  3. Select a Video: Find and play the video you want.
  4. Switch to Desktop Mode: Tap the three dots in the top right corner and select “Desktop site.”
  5. Play the Video: The video will start playing.
  6. Exit Chrome: Once you exit the Chrome app, the audio will stop playing.
  7. Access Notifications Panel: Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notifications panel.
  8. Resume Playback: You should see the video playback controls in the notifications panel. Tap play to continue listening.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps

Similar to iPhone, Android users can explore third-party apps that support background playback. Applications like VLC for Android or YouTube Vanced offer alternative methods to listen to YouTube audio in the background. YouTube Vanced, in particular, is popular among users for its ad-free experience and background playback feature. However, users should always ensure they are aware of any risks involved with downloading third-party apps.

4. Conclusion

Playing YouTube videos in the background on iPhone and Android devices can significantly enhance the user experience, allowing for multitasking and seamless content consumption. While YouTube Premium offers the most straightforward solution, various workarounds are available for those looking for free alternatives. Whether through web browsers, PiP features, or third-party applications, users can enjoy their favorite content without interruption. Each method has its advantages and considerations, allowing users to choose the best approach according to their preferences and device capabilities.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the ability to multitask efficiently is essential. By leveraging these methods, you can maximize your engagement with YouTube while seamlessly integrating it into your daily routines.

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