Playing YouTube in the background has become increasingly important as we multitask on our devices. Whether you’re catching up on your favorite podcasts or enjoying music while working, here’s how you can keep YouTube playing even when your screen is off or you’re using other apps.
Method 1: YouTube Premium Subscription
The most straightforward (and official) way to play YouTube in the background is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. Yes, it costs money, but it’s like having a VIP pass that lets you unlock this feature along with ad-free viewing and offline downloads. I personally use this when I’m working out or cooking – it’s wonderful to have my screen off while still listening to content.
Method 2: Browser Workarounds
Here’s a little trick I love sharing with friends: if you’re using Safari or Chrome on your iPhone, you can:
1. Open YouTube in your browser (not the app)
2. Request the desktop site
3. Start your video
4. Lock your screen
5. Tap play in your control center
The video will continue playing in the background – pretty neat, right?
Android Alternative Methods
Android users have a few extra options up their sleeves. One of my favorite methods is using picture-in-picture mode:
– Start playing a video in the YouTube app
– Press the home button
– The video will shrink into a floating window
– You can now use other apps while the video plays
Third-Party Apps
While I should mention there are third-party apps available that enable background play, I’d recommend sticking to official methods. These unofficial solutions often violate YouTube’s terms of service and might compromise your security.
Smart TV and Gaming Console Options
Here’s something many people don’t realize – if you’re at home, you can cast YouTube to your smart TV or gaming console and let it play in the background while you use your phone for other tasks. It’s not exactly the same as background play, but it’s a practical alternative I use quite often.
Final Thoughts
While YouTube Premium might seem expensive at first glance, consider how much time you spend watching YouTube content. If you’re like me and use it daily for music, tutorials, or entertainment, the subscription cost might be worth it for the convenience of background play and other premium features. Think of it as investing in your daily digital experience – sometimes paying for convenience is worth every penny.
Remember, whichever method you choose, make sure it aligns with your device’s capabilities and YouTube’s terms of service. This way, you can enjoy your content worry-free while going about your day.
