How to Play YouTube in Background

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2022-05-20
Carl Paige

Being the most popular video streaming platform, YouTube also offers a wide range of music and podcasts. Running YouTube in the background is more needed for smartphone users than a feature. Innovative phone companies have started adding features to answer the most popular question, how to play YouTube in the background? 

This post will show you how to play YouTube in the background while your phone's screen is turned off or locked. Officially, YouTube provides this help as part of its YouTube Red membership. However, because this is a premium show only offered in a few countries, it is either unaffordable or out of reach for most viewers.

How to Play YouTube in Background

How to Play YouTube in the Background?

We can currently pick between smartphones that run the iOS or Android operating systems. And as you may be aware, the two smartphone operating systems in question have considerable variations. Something that works on Android may not work on iOS, and the opposite is true. This is what happens most of the time. However, the identical procedure will likely work on both smartphones, although there are minor changes.

Let us run you through the most effective ways to play YouTube in the background:

Method 1: Request Desktop Site

This is by far the easiest and most effective trick for all devices. Your browser should support the desktop version of the website, and that is all. Google Chrome is a perfect choice for running desktop apps on your smartphone. Once you have the browser, follow these steps - 

  • Enter https://m.youtube.com into the address bar. This link will launch YouTube's mobile version on your phone.
  • Select Desktop from the drop-down menu by clicking on the three verticals in the upper right corner of Google Chrome.
  • Play any video of your choosing after the webpage refreshes, then switch to another program, and the video will cease broadcasting.
  • Swipe down to open your phone's control center. Your paused video will be shown in a tray. Press the Play button.

That is all, and you can even listen to your favorite music artist even when your device is locked. Try out this feature, and we hope it works for all operating systems. But, the only drawback of this method is that you will not be able to see the video once you switch from Google Chrome to another app.

Method 2: Use Picture-In-Picture Mode

Picture-in-picture is a newer feature on Android phones. It is explicitly designed for multitasking and is compatible with most subsequent versions of Android. Follow the steps below to use the Picture-in-picture feature to play YouTube videos in the background.

  • Go to Settings and select Apps.
  • Select YouTube from the list of applications.
  • After selecting the app, go to the advanced options and pick "Picture-in-Picture."
  • Select Allowed from the Picture-in-Picture menu.

This feature is the best for users who want to run different apps without missing everyday entertainment. Using this feature requires high RAM storage for multiple programs to run harmoniously. 

Method 3: For Ios Users

IOS users always feel they are left out of such great tricks on Android. Do not worry; we will not let you feel the fear of missing out this time. Although PiP is not available without a subscription on YouTube for iOS devices, you may still play YouTube clips in the background on your iPhone using a different browser, such as Opera or Dolphin.

Here is how to play YouTube in the Background - 

  • Install Dolphin or Opera on your iOS device.
  • Open the browser once it has been downloaded. To access YouTube, enter https://m.youtube.com into the search bar.
  • Look for the video you wish to watch on YouTube within the browser.
  • Watch the video. Switch to another app or put your screen to sleep once the video begins. The video will be stopped.
  • Swipe to find the music player and see if the title of your video appears there.
  • When the title of your video appears in the control center, press play to watch it.
  • If you return your phone to sleep mode or switch apps, the video will continue to play.

This works for most versions of Android and iOS devices. However, this is not a foolproof way to use YouTube all the time. These videos can stop, and you will have to go back and set it all up again. The best way to run YouTube videos in the background without any hassle is to buy a premium membership.

How to Play YouTube in the Background Using YouTube Premium?

Activate YouTube Premium and follow the steps mentioned below - 

  • Go to the YouTube Premium homepage.
  • Make the payment and activate your premium membership.
  • Navigate to the video you wish to play in the background.
  • Once it begins to play, you can return to your phone's home screen and launch other apps. By activating the Control Center and holding your finger down on the music tab for a few seconds, you may pause and play the video's audio.
  • You can listen to YouTube videos without launching the app if you have a YouTube Premium subscription.

Why YouTube Cannot Play Music in the Background?

Playing YouTube in the background or listening to your favorite music from YouTube is explained above. Method 1 is the best way to run YouTube in the background without running out of RAM for another application.

Last Thoughts

There is no doubt that YouTube is one of the most popular video streaming services. Unfortunately, because it is a video streaming platform, it cannot play YouTube videos in the background unless you have a Premium Membership. These appear to be the alternatives available for playing YouTube videos in the background. As you can see, Android offers more options than iOS, but that's it.