How do You Play YouTube Videos in the Background?

Playing YouTube Videos in the Background has also been a much-wanted functionality for anyone wanting to play music, podcasts, or other audio-heavy content while continuing to do other things. Sure, YouTube only provides this feature directly with a paid subscription, but there are a few simple ways. Here is your recent step-by-step guide on how to play YouTube Videos in the Background, with free and premium options.

Why Do You Want to Play YouTube Videos in the Background?

Background play lets you keep listening to the YouTube videos you love while using other apps or when your phone is stuck in your pocket. Be it music, guided meditation, or even educational content, the screen-off playback with the screen-off is an advantage you cannot take for granted when trying to extend battery life or multitask.

Using YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium: The best and easiest way to receive background play and other exclusive features is YouTube Premium. This is a paid service, but it ensures a smooth experience and a myriad of additional benefits apart from background play.

Features of YouTube Premium

  1. Both YouTube and YouTube Music will be ad-free.
  2. Background playback, where the videos keep playing, even if you minimize the app or turn off the display.
  3. Offline Downloads allow you to download videos and watch them without internet access.

How to Sign Up for YouTube Premium

  1. Launch the YouTube app and tap your profile icon at the top right.
  2. Select Get YouTube Premium.
  3. Follow the steps to sign up for a month or a year. YouTube usually offers one month free for beginners.
  4. If you’re a frequent YouTube user and prefer an ad-free, seamless experience, YouTube Premium is a perfect choice.
  5. Using the YouTube Mobile Website (Free Method)

If not, the mobile website is a good alternative for background play without paying for YouTube Premium. On iOS and Android, here are the steps for doing so:

For iPhone Users

  1. Open Safari or any other browser, go to YouTube.
  2. Find the video you wish to watch.
  3. Tap the “AA” icon in the Safari address bar and choose Request Desktop Website once the video plays.
  4. Replay the video (from Safari: match out to the house screen).
  5. Swipe down to pull up the Control Center and hit the play button to start playing it in the Background.

For Android Users

  1. Open Chrome and go to www.youtube.com.
  2. Find and click on the video you want to see play.
  3. In Chrome, tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select Desktop Site.
  4. Start the video, and go back to your home screen to follow.
  5. When you pull down the notification tray, you will see playback controls for continuing the video in the Background.
  6. The mobile website has a nice layout for casual Background plays here and there, but it can be unpleasant to use if you do it often.
  7. Using Third-Party Apps (Android Only)

A few third-party apps on the Google Play Store enable background play, including YouTube Vanced, the most widely used. YouTube Vanced, on the other hand, got a facelift a couple of years later, in 2022, as it also got discontinued. Fortunately, a substitute in the form of Revanced has come to the rescue.

Using Revanced to Continue Playing In The Background

You must then download the Revanced app directly from the Revanced website (because this app is not on the Google Play Store).

  1. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the app.
  2. Launch Revanced and sign in to your YouTube account.
  3. Play any video, and it will instantly enable background play without requiring a premium subscription.

Disclaimer: Although these apps might be free of charge, technically, they are not official and could threaten your security. Download only from trusted sources to protect your device.

Picture-in-Picture Mode (PiP)

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is a new capability introduced on most Android and iOS gadgets that can return YouTube videos to a small, movable window on your screen. It is not exactly background play, but it allows you to access other tasks without stopping the video.

Using PiP on Android

  1. Open Settings > Apps & Notifications > Special app access > PiP
  2. Find YouTube and enable PiP — at least as a test.
  3. Launch the YouTube app and play a video. Tap the home button, and the video will reduce to a tiny window.

Using PiP on iOS

PiP for YouTube is available exclusively to YouTube Premium users using iOS devices. Nonetheless, PiP has finally been rolling out to all US-based iOS users through YouTube. For the rest, YouTube Premium subscribers go global with this feature.

Using YouTube Music for Background Listening

YouTube Music, though free, does have a catch if you’re mostly interested in music rather than exploring other content. However, you can still play audio-only in the Background when using it for free, which is ideal if you want to listen to songs on the app.

How to Use YouTube Music for Background Play?

  • As illustrated here, once you choose to play a song back, background play will automatically be enabled on YouTube Music.
  • You can download YouTube Music from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  • Open the app and choose the track or playlist.

If you are a free user, you can use the app for audio only, without video playback.

If you like videos with audio, the YouTube Music app does the job quite well. The ads will disappear, but if you upgrade to YouTube Music Premium, they’ll also disappear, and you can download songs for offline listening.

Background Play Using Split-Screen (Android)

You can also get creative with Android features like split-screen mode to watch YouTube in the Background. That lets you play YouTube on one part of your screen while using the other apps.

How to Use Split-Screen for YouTube Background Play

  • Launch the YouTube app and begin playing the video you want to watch.
  • Pull up the recent app’s menu, press and hold the YouTube icon, and choose Split screen.
  • Next, launch another application at the bottom half of the display.

This method isn’t technically background play on Android devices, but it enables you to multitask effectively on your Android device.

Conclusion

There are ways to play YouTube videos in the Background without paying Premium. YouTube Premium is still the way to go if you want the simplest way to do it. But then, there are free ways to use it, too, through the mobile website or through 3rd party apps to accomplish the same. Additional features for Android users will be PiP mode and split-screen. Both these methods have advantages and disadvantages, but with these solutions, you can listen to YouTube videos and be productive simultaneously.

FAQs

1. Is it free to play YouTube in the Background?

Right or free alternatives include using the mobile browser or PiP mode on Androids.

2. Are there any other perks that come with YouTube Premium?

It also involves ad-free viewing, playback in the Background, offline downloads, and the YouTube Music accessories plan.

3. Is it safe to use a third-party app such as Revanced?

Another secret is always downloading apps from trusted sites, as third-party apps can bring risks.

4. How can I enable PiP on YouTube for iOS?

PiP is part of Premium but is also gradually being rolled out to some free users in certain regions.

5Can YouTube Music play in the Background for free?

The answer is yes! The YouTube Music app does not have background playback restrictions, so it will still work perfectly even if you close it.

Check out: YouTube upgrades the mobile app to the improved TV experience.

Recent Posts

Easy Guide on How to Fix Wi-Fi Speed and Connection Problems

Wi-Fi connectivity issues and slow internet speeds are some of the most frustrating problems we encounter daily. Whether you're working from home, streaming videos,...

How to Check RAM Speed and How to Boost It?

If you want to Check RAM Speed and enhance your computer’s RAM performance, then continue reading this article as it will help you with...

How Online English Certification Can Help You Study Abroad?

In the era of globalization, English has now become mandatory especially for those who wish to study abroad. A good level of English language...

How to Split PDF Pages without Downloading Software?

There are reasons to split PDF files, and they mainly apply to when you need to use some parts of the PDF. You may...

Mahjong Solitaire Free Online: Features and Easy Guide

Mahjong Solitaire can be a complex game, yet there are strategies that can help players achieve victory. These tactics do not constitute cheats but...

The Ultimate Guide to Creating Electronic Signatures

In our rapidly evolving digital age, electronic signatures have never been more important. From finalizing business contracts to personalizing e-cards, the ability to securely...

How to Connect Your Smartphone to Smart TV Without WiFi

Have you ever had the experience where you're watching your favorite show, but you have to pause it because you need to get something...

More from Author

The 6 Best Gaming Laptops to Buy

Gaming laptops provide powerful performance, portability, and versatility. Whether you’re a...

What is Deepfake? What is It and How does It Work?

What is Deepfake? Deepfake uses artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate media—images,...

Impacts of Quantum Cybersecurity on Digital Protection

Quantum computing is transforming data processing, creating both opportunities and risks...

How MDM plays a vital role in Healthcare Technology?

In the ever-evolving healthcare sector, accurate data management is more critical...

Read Now

The 6 Best Gaming Laptops to Buy

Gaming laptops provide powerful performance, portability, and versatility. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a professional eSports competitor, choosing the right gaming laptops to buy can make a world of difference. In this article, we will explore six of the top gaming laptops available today, detailing their...

What is Deepfake? What is It and How does It Work?

What is Deepfake? Deepfake uses artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate media—images, videos, or audio—to make them appear real, though they are entirely fabricated. The term combines "deep learning" and "fake," highlighting the AI techniques used to create such content. This technology has rapidly advanced, making it increasingly...

Impacts of Quantum Cybersecurity on Digital Protection

Quantum computing is transforming data processing, creating both opportunities and risks for cybersecurity. The Quantum Cybersecurity Impact describes how quantum technologies could both strengthen and challenge existing cybersecurity frameworks. This article delves into the implications of quantum computing on digital security, exploring its potential threats and examining...

How MDM plays a vital role in Healthcare Technology?

In the ever-evolving healthcare sector, accurate data management is more critical than ever. With the increase in digital health systems, the need for robust systems to manage and streamline data has led to the widespread adoption of Master Data Management (MDM). MDM in healthcare technology ensures that...

Revolutionizing Security: The Role of Identity Verification with AI in Modern Systems

Identity verification with AI is changing the way organizations authenticate individuals. Traditional methods of verification, such as passwords or security questions, are increasingly vulnerable to hacking and fraud. AI-powered solutions use advanced algorithms, biometric data, and machine learning models. These technologies offer higher security and efficiency. AI...

Website Speed Optimization: Tools and Techniques

Website speed optimization refers to the process of improving the load time of a website. A fast website ensures that users have a smooth experience, increasing engagement and retention. Speed optimization involves technical improvements and tools that help your website load faster, improving both user experience and...

Top Integral Mobile Apps for Productivity

In today’s fast-paced world, mobile apps play a critical role in how we live, work, and connect with others. Among the vast array of apps available, some are considered essential tools, or integral mobile apps, for both productivity and entertainment. These apps seamlessly integrate into our daily...

Empowering Women in the Shipping Industry

The shipping industry has been traditionally male-dominated, but women are gradually making their presence felt. While progress has been made, the industry still faces significant challenges when it comes to gender equality. Women bring diverse perspectives and fresh ideas, which are essential for growth and innovation. For...

How to Protect SaaS Data Security Effectively?

As the adoption of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions grows, so does the need for robust data security measures. SaaS platforms often store sensitive data such as customer information, financial records, and intellectual property. Ensuring the safety of this data is critical for maintaining customer trust, complying with regulations,...

How to Scale Your SaaS Business: Tips from Industry Experts

Scaling a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business is a challenging yet rewarding journey. It requires not only a deep understanding of your market and product but also strategic planning and the implementation of efficient systems. Whether you're a startup or an established SaaS company, the principles of scaling are...

SaaS Customer Success: Best Practices for Retention and Growth

In today’s fast-paced Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) environment, customer success is more than just a support function. It is a vital strategy for retaining customers, ensuring satisfaction, and driving growth. SaaS companies that prioritize customer success are able to foster long-term relationships with their customers, reducing churn while expanding...

Discord App: How To Solve The Discord Login Problem on Mobile Phones and Different Browsers

If the Discord App has been causing login issues for you, you're not alone. Many users struggle to access their accounts. If you’ve been experiencing login issues with the Discord App, you’re not alone. Many users face difficulties when trying to access their accounts. Luckily, most login...