Do you ever feel like you want to listen to music on YouTube while doing other things on your phone or computer? Unfortunately, the YouTube app does not allow background playback, which means when you exit the app, the video or audio stops playing. However, there are ways to bypass this restriction and play YouTube audio while using other apps. In this blog post, I will introduce several methods to achieve this, along with their pros and cons.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before getting started, you will need to make sure you have the following:
– A device with a YouTube app installed
– A pair of headphones or speakers
– An internet connection
What requires your focus?
As with any technical process, some methods may require more attention than others. For instance, some methods require you to download extra apps or perform additional steps. It is important to read and follow the instructions thoroughly to avoid any complications. Additionally, some methods may not work on all devices, so be sure to check the compatibility before proceeding.
Methods to play YouTube Music in the background
Method 1: Use the YouTube Premium subscription
YouTube Premium is the official way to play YouTube audio in the background. The service costs $11.99 per month and comes with additional benefits, such as ad-free videos and offline playback. Here are the steps to play YouTube music in the background using YouTube Premium:
1. Open the YouTube app
2. Find the music video or playlist you want to listen to.
3. Tap on the "play" button to start the video.
4. Exit the app to go to your device’s home screen or to open another app.
5. Music will continue to play in the background.
Pros:
– Official and legal way to play YouTube music in the background.
– Provides additional benefits, such as ad-free videos and offline playback.
Cons:
– Requires a monthly subscription fee.
– Only available in certain countries.
Method 2: Use a third-party YouTube player app
There are several third-party YouTube player apps that allow you to play YouTube audio in the background. These apps work by playing the audio in a separate window while keeping the YouTube app open in the background. Here’s how to use these apps:
1. Search for a third-party YouTube player app in the app store, such as Musi or Stream.
2. Download and install the app.
3. Open the app and search for the music video or playlist you want to listen to.
4. Tap the "play" button to start the audio.
5. Exit the app to go to your device’s home screen or to open another app.
6. Use the app’s mini-player or control center to pause, play, skip, or rewind the music.
Pros:
– Free to use.
– Offers additional features, such as creating playlists or radio stations.
Cons:
– May be less stable than official YouTube app.
– Display ads or require in-app purchases.
Method 3: Use a web browser app
Another way to play YouTube music in the background is by using a web browser app, such as Google Chrome or Safari, to play the audio. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open a web browser app.
2. Go to the YouTube website and search for the music video or playlist you want to listen to.
3. Play the audio by tapping on the "play" button on the video.
4. Exit the app to go to your device’s home screen or to open another app.
5. Use the control center or widget to pause, play, skip, or rewind the music.
Pros:
– No need to download additional apps.
– Can be used on most devices with a web browser.
Cons:
– Limited features compared to the official YouTube app.
– May require a strong internet connection to avoid buffering.
Why Can’t I Play YouTube Music in the Background?
1. YouTube does not allow background playback for free users to save bandwidth and enforce copyright restrictions.
2. YouTube Premium is not available in all countries.
3. The official YouTube app does not have a built-in feature to play audio in the background.
Fixes:
1. Try one of the methods mentioned above to play YouTube audio in the background.
2. Check if YouTube Premium is available in your country.
3. Use a third-party YouTube player app or web browser to play the audio in the background.
Implications and Recommendations
While the above methods can help you play YouTube music in the background, it is important to consider the implications. For instance, using third-party apps may not be as secure as the official YouTube app, as they may collect data or display ads. Additionally, using background playback may drain your battery faster, especially if the internet connection is weak. Therefore, it is recommended to use these methods judiciously and only when necessary.
5 FAQs
Q1. Can I still receive phone calls while listening to YouTube music in the background?
A1. Yes, you can still receive phone calls while listening to YouTube music in the background. The music will pause automatically when you receive a call.
Q2. Will these methods work on both Android and iOS devices?
A2. Yes, these methods can be used on both Android and iOS devices, with some slight differences in the steps.
Q3. Will using a third-party YouTube player app violate YouTube’s terms of service?
A3. It depends on the app and how it is used. Some apps may violate the terms of service by collecting data or displaying ads, while others may be safe to use.
Q4. Can I still play YouTube music in the background if I don’t have an internet connection?
A4. No, you need an internet connection to play YouTube music. However, some third-party apps may offer offline playback or downloads.
Q5. Can I switch between apps while listening to YouTube music in the background?
A5. Yes, you can switch between apps while listening to YouTube music in the background. The music will continue to play until you pause or stop it.
In Conclusion
While the official YouTube app does not allow background playback, there are several methods to bypass this restriction and play YouTube audio while using other apps. By using third-party apps or web browsers, you can easily listen to your favorite music while multitasking on your phone or computer. However, it is important to consider the implications and use these methods judiciously. We hope this blog post helped you learn how to play YouTube music in the background on your device.