How To Play YouTube In Background: Multi-tasking Guide

Hey guys! Ever wanted to watch your favorite YouTube videos while also texting your friends, browsing the web, or getting some work done? It’s super frustrating when YouTube stops playing as soon as you switch to another app, right? Well, you're in luck! I'm going to show you some simple and effective ways to keep YouTube running in the background on your phone or computer. Let's dive in!

Why Play YouTube in the Background?

Why is playing YouTube in the background so important? Think about it: maybe you’re listening to a chill playlist while working on a project, or perhaps you’re following a tutorial but need to use another app to complete the steps. Without background play, your music stops, and your tutorial pauses! It totally disrupts your flow. Plus, sometimes you just want to listen to a podcast or an audiobook on YouTube without needing to keep the app open and draining your battery. So, being able to play YouTube in the background is a huge convenience and can seriously boost your productivity and enjoyment.

Having the ability to multitask with YouTube is a game-changer. Imagine you're working on a presentation and need some background music to keep you focused. Instead of being stuck on the YouTube app, you can switch between your presentation software, email, and other necessary tools without interrupting your audio. This seamless integration means you can stay in the zone for longer, getting more done and feeling less stressed. Also, consider language learning; you might want to listen to a lesson while taking notes in a separate app. Background play makes all this possible, turning your device into a true multitasking powerhouse.

Moreover, playing YouTube in the background is not just about convenience—it's about efficiency. For those who rely on YouTube for news, educational content, or even ASMR to relax, the ability to listen without watching is invaluable. Think of all the data you save by not constantly streaming video when audio is all you need! Whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone who loves to consume content on the go, mastering the art of background YouTube playback can significantly enhance your daily routine and make your digital life a whole lot easier. Let’s get into the how-to!

Method 1: YouTube Premium (The Official Way)

The easiest and most straightforward way to play YouTube in the background is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. Yes, it’s a paid service, but it comes with a ton of perks! YouTube Premium not only allows background playback but also gets rid of all those annoying ads and lets you download videos for offline viewing. It’s a pretty sweet deal if you’re a heavy YouTube user.

With YouTube Premium, background playback is seamless. Once you start playing a video, you can switch to any other app, and the audio will continue without interruption. It works like a charm on both Android and iOS devices. Plus, you’re directly supporting the content creators you love since they get a portion of your subscription fee. Think of it as a win-win situation: you get uninterrupted entertainment, and your favorite YouTubers get the support they deserve. Also, the ability to download videos is a lifesaver for commutes or travel when you might not have a stable internet connection.

However, I know that not everyone wants to shell out money for a subscription. So, don't worry; there are other ways to achieve background playback without YouTube Premium. While the official method provides the most polished and reliable experience, it's definitely not the only option. In the following sections, I’ll walk you through some clever workarounds that you can use to enjoy your YouTube content while multitasking, all without spending a dime. So, keep reading to discover how to get the most out of YouTube without the premium price tag! There are methods for both Android and iOS users, so stay tuned for the solutions that best fit your device and preferences.

Method 2: Using a Web Browser (Android & iOS)

Okay, so you don't want to pay for YouTube Premium? No problem! Another great method is using a web browser on your phone. This trick works on both Android and iOS devices. Just open your favorite browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari), head to YouTube’s website, and start playing a video. The key here is to switch to the desktop version of the site.

To enable the desktop version on Chrome (Android), tap the three dots in the top right corner and check the “Desktop site” box. On Safari (iOS), tap the “aA” icon in the address bar and select “Request Desktop Website.” Once you’re on the desktop site, start playing your video, and then simply switch to another app. The video will stop, but you can pull down your notification shade (on Android) or open the Control Center (on iOS) and hit the play button. Voila! Your video should now be playing in the background.

This method essentially tricks your phone into thinking you’re on a computer, allowing the audio to continue playing even when you’re not actively on the YouTube page. It’s a bit of a workaround, but it’s surprisingly effective. Just remember to always use the desktop version of the site, as the mobile version is designed to pause playback when you switch apps. Also, keep in mind that this method might be a bit finicky at times, and you might need to repeat the process if it stops working. However, for a free solution, it’s definitely worth a try. Plus, you can use this trick for other websites that play audio or video, giving you even more multitasking power.

Method 3: Third-Party Apps (Android)

If the browser method feels a bit clunky, there are also third-party apps available on Android that let you play YouTube in the background. One popular option is NewPipe. NewPipe is a lightweight, open-source YouTube player that doesn’t rely on the official YouTube API. This means it doesn’t require Google Play Services and can run on devices without them.

NewPipe allows you to play videos in a popup window (picture-in-picture mode) or in the background. Simply install the app, search for your video, and select the “Background” option. The audio will continue playing even when you switch to another app. Another great feature of NewPipe is that it allows you to download videos directly to your device, so you can watch them offline without using any data. Plus, it’s ad-free, so you won’t have to deal with annoying interruptions.

However, it's important to note that using third-party apps comes with some risks. Always make sure to download apps from trusted sources, like the official NewPipe website or F-Droid, to avoid malware or other security issues. Also, keep in mind that Google doesn’t officially support these apps, so they might stop working if YouTube changes its API. Despite these potential drawbacks, third-party apps like NewPipe offer a convenient and feature-rich way to enjoy YouTube in the background without paying for Premium. Just be sure to do your research and choose apps carefully to ensure a safe and reliable experience.

Method 4: Picture-in-Picture Mode (Android & iOS)

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is another fantastic way to multitask while watching YouTube. This feature allows you to shrink the YouTube video into a small, movable window that floats on top of other apps. That way, you can keep an eye on the video while doing other things.

On Android, PiP mode is available on most devices running Android 8.0 (Oreo) and later. To enable it, go to your phone’s settings, find the “Apps & notifications” section, and look for “Special app access.” Tap on “Picture-in-picture” and make sure YouTube is allowed. Then, when you’re watching a video, simply swipe up to go to the home screen, and the video will shrink into a PiP window.

On iOS, PiP mode is available on iPads running iOS 9 and later, and iPhones running iOS 14 and later. To use it, just start playing a video and swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the home button. The video will shrink into a PiP window that you can move around and resize. Keep in mind that PiP mode might not be available for all videos, as it depends on the content creator’s settings and your YouTube Premium status (for some regions).

While PiP mode doesn’t exactly play YouTube in the background (since the video is still visible), it’s a great alternative if you want to keep watching while using other apps. It’s perfect for following tutorials, watching live streams, or just keeping an eye on your favorite content while staying productive. Plus, it’s a built-in feature on most modern devices, so you don’t need to download any extra apps or use any complicated workarounds.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Several easy ways to play YouTube in the background while using other apps. Whether you choose to go the official route with YouTube Premium or use one of the clever workarounds I’ve shown you, you can now enjoy your favorite videos and music without interruption. From using a web browser to exploring third-party apps and utilizing Picture-in-Picture mode, there's a solution for everyone, no matter what device you're using or how tech-savvy you are.

Remember, multitasking is all about efficiency and convenience. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to stay productive, entertained, and connected, all at the same time. So go ahead, try out these methods, and find the one that works best for you. And don’t forget to share this guide with your friends so they can enjoy the benefits of background YouTube playback too! Happy multitasking!