Play YouTube Videos in Background Without Paying for Premium Subscription: Playing YouTube videos in the background can be a game-changer for anyone who enjoys listening to music, podcasts, or educational content while multitasking. However, YouTube’s premium service, which allows users to play videos in the background, requires a monthly subscription fee.
By accessing YouTube through a browser like Chrome or Firefox and switching to the desktop version of the site, you can play a video and then minimize the browser window to continue listening. This supports background play and shows that these tools are secure and trustworthy.
For iOS users, the “Picture-in-Picture” mode available in specific versions of iOS allows you to play YouTube videos. Alternatively, YouTube Music, the company’s music streaming platform, may offer a free trial for users who want to experience background play with fewer limitations.
How to Play YouTube Videos in the Background for Free
Playing YouTube videos in the background for free can be achieved through a few simple methods. Here’s how to do it:
Use Your Mobile Browser
- Step 1: Open a web browser (such as Chrome or Firefox) on your phone.
- Step 2: Go to the YouTube website and log in if needed.
- Step 3: Search for the video you want to play and start it.
- Step 4: Tap on the three-dot menu in the browser and select “Desktop site.”
- Step 5: Play the video and minimize the browser.
Picture-in-Picture Mode (iOS and Android)
- iOS: You can use the “Picture-in-Picture” mode. Start playing a YouTube video, then swipe up to home or use another app, and the video will continue playing in a small, movable window.
- Android: Some Android versions and phone models support this feature. Open YouTube, start the video and switch to another app to see the video continue in a small floating window.
Use Third-Party Apps
- Apps for Background Play: Third-party apps support background playback of YouTube videos. Examples include “NewPipe” for Android.
YouTube Music Free Trial
- YouTube Music Trial: While YouTube Music is designed for music streaming, you can use it to play background audio. Check if there’s a free trial available to enjoy the benefits of background play without subscription fees.
These methods provide simple ways to enjoy YouTube content in the background without needing a YouTube Premium subscription.
Top Methods to Enjoy Background Playback Without YouTube Premium
Use a Mobile Browser (Desktop Site Method)
- How to Do It: Open your mobile browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Firefox) and go to the YouTube website. Please search for the video you want to play and start it. Then, tap on the browser’s menu (usually three dots) and select “Desktop site.” Once the video begins playing, minimize the browser or switch to another app, and the audio will continue in the background.
- Pros: Easy and doesn’t require any extra apps.
- Cons: The video may stop if you lock your phone screen or if specific browser settings are not configured correctly.
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode
- iOS Users: On iPhones with iOS 14 or later, start playing a video on YouTube to go to the home screen. The video will continue to play in a small, movable window.
- Android Users: Some Android phones support PiP mode. To enable it, go to YouTube, start a video, and switch to another app.
- Pros: Convenient for multitasking and keeping the video on-screen in a smaller format.
- Cons: This feature may not be available on all devices or YouTube accounts.
Third-Party Apps and Browsers
- NewPipe (Android): This app is an open-source YouTube client that allows background playback, video downloading, and ad blocking.
- Firefox with Add-ons: Use Firefox and install add-ons like “Video Background Play Fix” to enable background playback.
- Pros: Offers additional features such as ad-blocking and downloading.
- Cons: Security risks with third-party apps, so be cautious and only download from trusted sources.
YouTube Music Free Trial
- How to Do It: Sign up for a free trial of YouTube Music, which offers ad-free listening and background play. You can use this to stream music or video playlists and have them play in the background.
- Pros: Provides high-quality audio streaming and background play similar to YouTube Premium.
- Cons: Free trials are limited in duration, and you must remember to cancel to avoid being charged.
Utilize YouTube’s Mobile App with Workarounds
- Android Users (Developer Options): Some Android users can access developer options and tweak settings to force background audio play.
- Pros: Customizable for advanced users.
- Cons: It may involve more technical know-how and could impact phone performance.
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Using Browser Tricks to Enable Background Playback on YouTube
Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
Desktop Site Method (Mobile Browser)
- Step 1: Open your mobile browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and navigate to YouTube.com.
- Step 2: Tap the browser menu (usually three dots or a settings icon) and select “Request Desktop Site.”
- Step 3: The video will now appear on the desktop version of YouTube. Play it and press the home button or switch to another app. The video’s audio should continue playing in the background.
- Note: Depending on your browser settings, you may need to ensure that background play is not blocked.
Using a Dedicated Browser Extension (PC)
- For PC Users: Install browser extensions like “Enhancer for YouTube” or “Magic Actions for YouTube” that offer more control over playback features, including background play when minimized.
- Step 1: Go to your browser’s extension/add-on store and search for the extension.
- Step 2: Install it and customize the settings to enable background playback.
- Step 3: Play a YouTube video and minimize the browser; the audio will continue playing.
- Note: Always verify the safety and permissions of browser extensions before installing.
Browser Workarounds for Android Devices
- Step 1: Open your mobile browser (e.g., Chrome) and navigate to YouTube.com.
- Step 2: Request the “Desktop Site” through the browser’s menu.
- Step 3: Start playing the video, then press the home button. If the audio stops, swipe down to access the notification tray and tap the play button to resume playback.
- Pros: No need for third-party apps.
- Cons: It may not work as smoothly on all devices or browser versions.
Use the Browser’s Developer Tools (Advanced)
- Step 1: Open the YouTube desktop site in a browser like Chrome or Firefox.
- Step 2: Right-click on the page and select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element.”
- Step 3: In the developer tools, go to the “Console” tab and input JavaScript commands that modify the page’s behavior to allow background audio.
- Note: This method is recommended for advanced users who are familiar with using browser developer tools. It may impact browser performance and is more complex to set up.
Tips for Optimal Background Playback:
- Keep Your Phone Screen On Some mobile browsers may stop playback if the screen is locked. Adjust your phone’s screen timeout settings if needed.
- Test with Different Browsers: If one browser doesn’t work well, try using another browser like Firefox or Opera, which may support background playback more reliably.
These browser tricks can help you enjoy YouTube in the background without needing a paid subscription, providing a more versatile way to listen to your favorite content while multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using a browser for background play use more data?
Yes, streaming videos in the background consume data, similar to when you watch them directly in the app. You can use Wi-Fi to minimize data usage.
Are there browser extensions that enable background play on a PC?
Yes, extensions like “Enhancer for YouTube” or “Magic Actions for YouTube” allow for background playback and other enhanced features on desktop browsers.
Can I play YouTube videos in the background on my iPhone?
Yes, you can use the mobile browser to access the desktop version of YouTube and play a video in the background or use PiP mode on newer iOS versions.
What are the limitations of using browser tricks for background play?
Some browsers may stop playback if the screen is locked, and not all phones or browsers reliably support background audio. You may also need to manually restart playback if it stops.
Is it safe to use third-party apps for background playback?
While many third-party apps like NewPipe are safe and open-source, it’s essential to download them from trusted sources and check permissions to avoid security risks. Always do some research before installing any app.
Conclusion
There are several effective ways to play YouTube videos in the background without needing a YouTube Premium subscription. By using mobile browser tricks, such as requesting the desktop version of YouTube or leveraging features like Picture-in-Picture mode on specific devices, users can enjoy background playback without the cost.
