Have you ever wished to stream your preferred YouTube videos while utilizing other applications or browsing the internet? I can relate. It can be frustrating to have the YouTube app open and not be able to use your device for other tasks. However, fear not, as there is a solution! In this article, I will demonstrate how to enable background play on YouTube, allowing you to multitask and enjoy your desired content.
The Official Way
Unfortunately, YouTube does not provide an official way to play videos in the background on mobile devices. They want you to stay engaged with their app and ads, after all. However, there are some workarounds and third-party apps that can help you achieve this.
Method 1: YouTube Premium
If you’re willing to pay for the additional features, YouTube Premium is the official solution to play YouTube videos in the background. With a subscription, you can enjoy ad-free videos, offline playback, and the ability to play videos in the background on both mobile devices and computers. It’s a great option if you frequently use YouTube and want a seamless experience.
Method 2: Web Browsers
Another way to play YouTube videos in the background is by using web browsers on your mobile device instead of the YouTube app. Browsers like Safari (on iOS) and Chrome (on Android) allow you to play YouTube videos in the background while you navigate to other apps or websites.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open your preferred web browser on your mobile device.
- Go to the YouTube website by typing in the URL: https://www.youtube.com.
- Search for the video you want to play in the background.
- Start playing the video.
- Once the video starts playing, exit the browser or switch to another app.
- The video will continue playing in the background, allowing you to listen to the audio while using other apps.
Note: This method may not work on all devices or browsers due to changes made by YouTube or limitations imposed by the browser.
Third-Party Apps
If the official methods don’t suit your needs, there are several third-party apps available that allow you to play YouTube videos in the background. These apps provide additional features and flexibility, but keep in mind that they may not be officially endorsed by YouTube.
Method 3: YouTube Vanced
YouTube Vanced is a popular third-party app for Android devices that offers background playback, ad-blocking, and other advanced features. It essentially replaces the official YouTube app with a modified version that provides the additional functionality you’re looking for. To install YouTube Vanced, you’ll need to follow the installation instructions provided on their official website.
Method 4: Musi
If you’re an iOS user, Musi is a great option for playing YouTube videos in the background. Musi is a free app that allows you to stream YouTube videos as if they were songs, making it perfect for background listening. It also offers features like playlist creation and integration with Apple Music and Spotify.
Conclusion
While YouTube doesn’t officially support background playback on mobile devices, there are several methods you can use to achieve this functionality. From subscribing to YouTube Premium to using web browsers or third-party apps, you have options to suit your needs. Whether you’re an Android or iOS user, these workarounds will help you enjoy your favorite YouTube content while multitasking. Happy background listening!