How to Play YouTube Videos in the Background

YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for streaming videos, offering everything from music and educational content to vlogs and documentaries. However, one limitation that many users face when watching YouTube videos is that the platform’s mobile and desktop versions do not allow videos to continue playing when you switch to another app or browser tab. This can be frustrating, especially when you want to listen to music or podcasts on YouTube while using other apps or browsing. Fortunately, there are ways to play YouTube videos in the background, enhancing your overall user experience.

This guide will walk you through several methods to achieve this, whether you’re using a smartphone or desktop computer.

1. Playing YouTube Videos in the Background on Mobile

For Android Devices:

If you’re using an Android phone or tablet, there are a few ways to play YouTube videos in the background:

Method 1: Using YouTube Premium

The easiest way to play YouTube videos in the background on Android devices is through YouTube Premium. This is a paid subscription service that offers several perks, including:

  • Background Play: Videos continue playing even when you exit the YouTube app.
  • Ad-Free Viewing: No interruptions from ads while watching videos.
  • Offline Viewing: Download videos to watch without an internet connection.

To enable background play with YouTube Premium, follow these steps:

  1. Download the YouTube app from the Google Play Store (if you haven’t already).
  2. Subscribe to YouTube Premium via the app or YouTube’s website.
  3. Once subscribed, open the YouTube app and start playing any video.
  4. Press the home button or navigate to another app — the video will continue playing in the background.

YouTube Premium also includes access to YouTube Music, so you can enjoy uninterrupted music and playlists as well.

Method 2: Using the Mobile Browser (Without YouTube Premium)

For those who don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium, you can use the browser workaround method. Here’s how to play YouTube in the background using Google Chrome or another browser:

  1. Open Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox on your Android device.
  2. Go to the YouTube website and play any video.
  3. Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser and select Desktop Site.
  4. Once the video is playing, press the home button or navigate to another app. The video should stop playing momentarily.
  5. Pull down your notifications bar, and you’ll see the video’s playback controls (Play, Pause, Skip). Tap Play, and the video will continue playing in the background.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps

There are some third-party apps designed to allow YouTube videos to play in the background. These apps are usually free and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Examples include:

  • YouTube Vanced: A modified version of the official YouTube app that offers background play, ad-blocking, and other features not available on the regular app.
  • NewPipe: A lightweight app that lets you watch YouTube videos with background playback, in addition to offering other privacy features.

These apps may require you to enable installation from third-party sources or use specific steps to install them.

For iOS Devices:

iPhone and iPad users also face similar challenges with YouTube’s native app, as videos typically stop when you exit the app. However, there are solutions.

Method 1: Using YouTube Premium

As with Android devices, the easiest way to enable background play on iOS is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. Once subscribed, the steps are almost identical to Android devices:

  1. Open the YouTube app and start playing a video.
  2. Press the home button or swipe to exit the app.
  3. The video will continue playing in the background, and you can control playback from the notification center.
Method 2: Using Safari (Without YouTube Premium)

For those who don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium, there’s a workaround using Safari:

  1. Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Go to youtube.com and play a video.
  3. Tap the aA button in the URL bar and select Request Desktop Site.
  4. Once the video starts playing, press the home button (or swipe up to go home).
  5. You’ll need to open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner (or swipe up on older models) to find the playback controls and resume the video.

2. Playing YouTube Videos in the Background on Desktop

On desktop computers, YouTube doesn’t stop playing when you switch tabs or minimize the browser window. However, it does stop playing when you navigate away from the website entirely. There are a couple of options for bypassing this limitation.

Method 1: Using Picture-in-Picture Mode

YouTube’s Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode allows you to watch videos in a floating window while using other apps or browsing other websites. This feature is supported on both Google Chrome and Firefox browsers.

Here’s how to use PiP mode:

  1. Open YouTube on your preferred browser (Google Chrome or Firefox).
  2. Play the video you want to watch.
  3. Right-click twice (or use the context menu) on the video.
  4. Select Picture-in-Picture from the menu.
  5. The video will appear in a small, resizable window that stays on top of other windows, allowing you to browse other sites or work while the video continues to play.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Extensions

For a more customizable experience, you can install browser extensions that let you play YouTube videos in the background without interruptions. Some popular extensions include:

  • Enhancer for YouTube: This Chrome extension allows background play and includes features like volume control, ad-blocking, and playback speed adjustments.
  • Magic Actions for YouTube: Another extension for Chrome and Firefox that provides features like background play, custom themes, and auto-hiding of annotations.

These extensions can make the experience even more seamless.

3. Other Methods to Enjoy YouTube in the Background

Use YouTube Music: For music lovers, YouTube Music is a great alternative. YouTube Music allows users to stream music and playlists without the visual component, making it ideal for background listening. You can either subscribe to YouTube Music Premium for background play or enjoy the free version with ads and the occasional interruption.

Download YouTube Videos for Offline Playback: YouTube’s mobile app offers a built-in feature to download videos for offline viewing. This can come in handy when you want to watch or listen to content without needing to stay connected to the internet.

While YouTube doesn’t natively support background playback for free users, there are several workarounds available for those who want to continue enjoying content while using other apps or browsing the web. Whether you subscribe to YouTube Premium or use third-party apps and browser features, there are plenty of options to enhance your YouTube experience and enjoy uninterrupted background play.

By following these methods, you can enjoy YouTube’s vast library of videos without the limitation of having to keep the app open, making it easier to multitask, listen to music, or get your work done while still enjoying your favorite content.

Thankyou………..

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