YouTube has become a primary source of entertainment for millions, offering everything from music videos to tutorials and vlogs. One of the most requested features by users is the ability to play YouTube videos in the background while using other apps or when the screen is turned off. Fortunately, there are ways to achieve this on both iPhone and Android devices, allowing you to multitask seamlessly. This guide will walk you through the methods for enabling background playback on both platforms, detailing the options available and their respective advantages.
Table of Contents
Understanding Background Playback on YouTube
Background playback allows users to listen to audio from YouTube videos while using other applications or when the device’s screen is off. This feature is particularly useful for listening to music, podcasts, or long-form content without needing to keep the app open. However, YouTube’s official background playback feature is primarily available to YouTube Premium subscribers. If you’re not a subscriber, there are alternative methods to achieve similar functionality.
1. YouTube Premium Subscription
The most straightforward way to enable background playback on YouTube is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. This paid service offers various benefits, including ad-free viewing, the ability to download videos for offline watching, and background playback on both iOS and Android devices.
Steps to Enable Background Playback with YouTube Premium:
- Sign Up for YouTube Premium: Open the YouTube app on your device and tap on your profile picture in the top right corner. Select “Get YouTube Premium” and follow the prompts to subscribe.
- Open a Video: Once subscribed, navigate to the video you wish to watch.
- Play in the Background: Start playing the video. You can now switch to another app or turn off your screen, and the audio will continue to play in the background.
Benefits of YouTube Premium
- Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted viewing without ads.
- Offline Access: Download videos to watch later, even without internet access.
- Enhanced Features: Access exclusive content and features like YouTube Music.
Alternative Methods for Background Playback
If you prefer not to subscribe to YouTube Premium, there are still ways to enable background playback on both iPhone and Android devices. While these methods may not provide the full functionality of a premium subscription, they can be effective for many users.
1. Using the Mobile Browser
Both iPhone and Android users can utilize mobile web browsers to play YouTube videos in the background. Here’s how:
On iPhone:
- Open Safari: Launch the Safari browser on your iPhone.
- Visit YouTube: Navigate to the YouTube website.
- Request Desktop Site: Tap on the “aA” icon in the address bar and select “Request Desktop Website.”
- Play a Video: Find and play the video you want to listen to.
- Background Playback: Once the video starts playing, you can press the Home button (or swipe up from the bottom on newer models) to exit Safari. The audio should continue playing in the background.
On Android:
- Open Chrome: Launch the Chrome browser on your Android device.
- Visit YouTube: Go to the YouTube website.
- Request Desktop Site: Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select “Desktop site.”
- Play a Video: Find the video you want to listen to and start playing it.
- Background Playback: Press the Home button, and the audio will continue playing in the background.
2. Third-Party Apps
There are also several third-party apps available that allow for background playback of YouTube videos. However, it’s essential to choose reputable apps to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Popular Third-Party Apps:
- NewPipe (Android): NewPipe is an open-source app that allows users to watch YouTube videos without ads and provides background playback functionality. Simply download the app, search for videos, and start playing them while using other applications.
- Musical YouTube (iOS): This app allows you to stream YouTube music and videos while running in the background. Download it from the App Store, search for your favorite songs, and enjoy them even when your screen is off.
3. Using YouTube Music
If your primary interest is listening to music, consider using the YouTube Music app. This app is specifically designed for music streaming and offers background playback for free, although with some limitations such as ads.
Steps to Use YouTube Music:
- Download the YouTube Music App: Available on both iOS and Android platforms.
- Sign In: Use your existing YouTube account to log in.
- Search for Music: Find songs or playlists you want to listen to.
- Play in the Background: Start playback, and you can navigate away from the app or turn off your screen while the music continues to play.
Conclusion
Enabling YouTube background playback on iPhone and Android can significantly enhance your viewing and listening experience. While subscribing to YouTube Premium offers the most straightforward solution, alternative methods such as using mobile browsers or third-party apps can effectively serve the purpose for many users.
By understanding the available options, you can enjoy your favorite content without interruptions, allowing for multitasking and seamless entertainment. Whether you’re listening to music, following a podcast, or enjoying a lengthy tutorial, these methods ensure that you can keep the audio flowing while engaging with other tasks on your device. Embrace these strategies to maximize your YouTube experience, making the most of your time spent online.