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Effortless Ways to Play YouTube Background on Devices

Discovering how to play YouTube background can significantly enhance your multitasking experience while consuming content on the platform. Playing YouTube videos in the background on devices provides numerous benefits. It allows for multitasking and increased productivity by letting you listen to audio while performing other tasks on your device. It enhances the music listening experience, turning your device into a portable music player for enjoying songs, playlists, and podcasts without interruptions.

Playing YouTube videos in the background also grants access to audio-only content, such as podcasts and lectures, without the need for video playback. It promotes continued learning and education by enabling you to listen to educational videos while engaging in other activities or studying. It conserves battery life and reduces data usage, making it more efficient for devices with limited resources, and offers greater accessibility and convenience, allowing you to listen to your preferred content even with the device locked or while using other apps.

Play YouTube Background

Using the Desktop Version of YouTube on Chrome

One simple trick to play YouTube videos in the background is using the desktop version of YouTube on your phone’s Chrome browser. This method allows you to continue listening to videos even when switching between apps or turning off your screen. 

To access and play the desktop version of YouTube on Chrome, follow these steps:

Steps for Accessing and Playing the Desktop Version of YouTube Through Chrome

  1. Open Chrome: To start, open up Google Chrome on your Android device. Make sure it is updated to its latest version.
  2. Navigate to YouTube: Type “youtube.com” into the address bar at the top of your screen and tap “Go” or press enter.
  3. Select Desktop Site: Once you’re on youtube.com, tap on three vertical dots located at the top-right corner of your screen. A drop-down menu will appear; scroll down until you see an option labeled “Desktop site.” Checkmark that box by tapping it once.
  4. Browse Videos: You should now be viewing a mobile-optimized version of youtube.com with all features available as if browsing from a computer. Search for any video or music content that interests you using either search bar provided within the website layout itself (not Chrome’s).

Now that you’re on the desktop version of YouTube, you can start playing videos in the background. Simply find the video you want to play, and press the play button. Once the video starts playing, you can exit the YouTube app and continue listening to the audio in the background. You can also turn off your screen and the audio will keep playing.

Note: This method only works with the Chrome browser. If you prefer to use a different browser, such as Safari, you can still play YouTube videos in the background by opening Safari and navigating to youtube.com. 

Once you’re on the mobile version of the site, start playing a video, and then press the home button to exit Safari. The video will continue playing in a small pop-up window.

If you want to download YouTube videos to watch offline, you can do so with a YouTube Premium subscription. YouTube Premium costs $11 per month and allows you to download videos and music to watch or listen to offline. You can also use the YouTube app to download videos for offline viewing.

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode for Android Devices

Android users can utilize the PiP feature to watch YouTube videos while multitasking, available on phones running Android 8.0 Oreo and above. This feature is available on smartphones running Android 8.0 Oreo and later versions. 

However, PiP mode for music content is only accessible if you have a YouTube Premium subscription. Ensure that the YouTube app is up to date on your device.

How to Enable PiP Mode on Compatible Devices

To start playing YouTube videos in PiP mode on your compatible Android device, follow these simple steps:

  1. Open the YouTube app and find a video you want to watch.
  2. Tap the Play button to start playing the video.
  3. Tap the Home icon or swipe up from the bottom of the display (based on your device’s navigation system).
  4. The video will continue playing in a small window overlaying other apps or screens.
  5. You can move this small window around by dragging it with one finger or resizing it using pinch-to-zoom gestures.

Note: If PiP isn’t working as expected, make sure that both your device software and YouTube app are updated. Also, check if PiP settings are enabled under Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special access > Picture-in-picture.

Limitations and Requirements for Using PiP with Music Content

While PiP mode is a convenient way to play YouTube videos in the background, there are some limitations and needs you should know when it comes to music content:

  • PiP mode for music content is only available with a YouTube Premium subscription. This means that if you’re not subscribed, your video will pause once you switch apps or go back to the home screen.
  • To ensure the latest version of YouTube is installed, open Google Play Store and check for updates in the My Apps & games tab. To check for updates, open Google Play Store, tap Menu > My apps & games > Updates tab, and look for any pending updates related to YouTube.
  • Some videos may not support PiP due to restrictions set by their respective creators or copyright holders. For this, you’ll need to watch these videos within the main YouTube app interface.

If you meet all these requirements but still can’t get PiP mode working with music content on your Android device, consider upgrading your subscription plan from regular (free) access to either YouTube Premium ($11.99/month) or YouTube Music ($9.99/month).

Troubleshooting Tips for Playing Videos in Background Using PiP Mode

In case you experience issues while trying to play videos using Picture-in-Picture mode on your Android device, here are some troubleshooting tips:

  1. Check App Permissions: Ensure that both the Chrome browser and the Youtube app have the permission enabled under Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special access > Picture-in-picture.
  2. Battery Optimization Settings: Some devices may restrict background activity to save battery life. To disable this feature, go to Settings > Battery > Battery optimization and look for YouTube or Chrome in the list of apps. Tap on it and select “Don’t optimize.”
  3. Third-Party Apps: If you have installed any third-party app that claims to enable PiP mode without a subscription, uninstall it as these apps might interfere with the proper functioning of your device.

Using Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is an effective way for Android users running Android 8.0 Oreo or later versions to play YouTube videos in the background while multitasking on their devices. 

Remember that playing music content requires a YouTube Premium subscription and make sure your device meets all necessary requirements before attempting to use this feature.

Alternative Browsers for iOS Devices

Although iOS devices do not support Picture-in-Picture (PiP) without a subscription, alternative browsers like Opera and Dolphin allow iPhone or iPad users to play YouTube videos in the background while working on their devices. 

With Opera and Dolphin, multitasking can be done easily while enjoying content without disrupting your workflow.

Overview of Opera Browser Features That Support Background Playback

Opera Browser, available for both iPhone and iPad, is an excellent alternative solution for playing YouTube videos in the background. The browser’s built-in video player supports background playback by default, meaning you can continue listening to audio from a video even when switching between apps or locking your screen.

  • To use this feature with Opera Browser:
  1. Download and install the app from the App Store.
  2. Open Opera Browser and navigate to the YouTube website.
  3. Select and play your desired video.
  4. The video will continue playing in the background as you switch between apps or lock your screen.

In addition to its background playback functionality, Opera also offers other useful features such as ad-blocking capabilities, data-saving mode, customizable speed dials for quick access to frequently visited websites, and more. This makes it an attractive option for those looking beyond just enabling YouTube playback in the background on their iOS devices.

Advantages of Using Dolphin Browser as an Alternative Solution

Dolphin Browser is another popular alternative browser for iOS devices that allows users to play YouTube videos in the background. Like Opera, Dolphin’s built-in video player supports background playback, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite content without interruptions.

To use this feature with Dolphin Browser:

  1. Download and install the app from the App Store.
  2. Open Dolphin Browser and navigate to the YouTube website.
  3. Select and play your desired video.
  4. The video will continue playing in the background as you switch between apps or lock your screen.

Beyond its support for background playback, Dolphin also provides a range of features designed to improve user experience including gesture-based navigation controls, personalized home screens with customizable icons, voice search functionality powered by Google Assistant integration, private browsing mode (incognito), and more. 

These additional benefits make it an appealing choice for those seeking a comprehensive solution beyond just enabling YouTube playback in the background on their iPhone or iPad devices.

Tips for Optimal Background Playback Experience

To ensure smooth performance when using either Opera or Dolphin browsers to play YouTube videos in the background on your iOS device:

  • Ensure both browser and device software are up-to-date.
  • Close any unnecessary applications running simultaneously.
  • Check internet connection stability if experiencing buffering issues during playback.
  • Consider adjusting video quality settings within YouTube if necessary.

By following these tips alongside choosing one of the alternative browsers mentioned above, you’ll be able to multitask effectively while enjoying undisturbed access to your favorite content on YouTube.

Subscription Services – YouTube Premium & Music

If you’re looking for a smooth and uninterrupted background playback experience on YouTube, consider subscribing to either YouTube Premium or YouTube Music. These subscription services not only enable multitasking capabilities but also provide additional benefits such as ad-free viewing experiences and offline downloads. 

Features Comparison Between YouTube Premium & Music Subscriptions

  • YouTube Premium: Priced at $11.99 per month, this subscription offers an ad-free experience across all videos on the platform. This subscription allows users to keep playing videos while they use other apps or when the device screen is turned off. Additionally, subscribers can download videos for offline viewing and access exclusive original content produced by YouTube.
  • YouTube Music: For $9.99 per month, subscribers get access to an extensive library of songs without any ads interrupting their listening experience. This service also enables background playback and provides an option to download music for offline listening. However, it doesn’t include access to exclusive original content as its counterpart does.

To help you decide which subscription is best suited for your needs, let’s dive deeper into some key differences between these two options:

  1. If you primarily use YouTube for watching non-music related videos (such as tutorials or documentaries) alongside music streaming purposes, then opting for a YouTube Premium membership might be more suitable due to its comprehensive range of features.
  2. In case your primary focus is solely on music streaming, then YouTube Music would be a more cost-effective choice as it offers an uninterrupted and enjoyable listening experience.

Benefits Beyond Just Allowing Background Playback

While background playback is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of these subscription services, there are several other benefits that make them worth considering:

  • Ad-free Viewing Experience: Both YouTube Premium and Music subscribers can enjoy their favorite content without any ads. This not only maximizes user experience but also saves time spent watching unwanted advertisements.
  • Offline Downloads: With either subscription, you have the option to download videos or songs for offline viewing or listening. This feature is helpful when traveling or during instances where internet connectivity may be limited.
  • Exclusive Original Content: YouTube Premium subscribers get access to exclusive original content produced by YouTube itself. These shows and movies often feature popular creators from the platform and cover various genres such as comedy, drama, action, etc., providing additional entertainment value for users.
  • Better Recommendations & Personalized Playlists: Subscribers of both services receive improved recommendations based on their interests along with personalized playlists curated by experts within different genres. 

Whether you’re a business owner looking to learn new strategies through informative videos while multitasking or simply someone who enjoys listening to music without interruptions – subscribing to either YouTube Premium or YouTube Music can greatly enhance your overall experience on the platform.

FAQs in Relation to Play Youtube Background

Yes, it is possible to play YouTube videos in the background using various methods. These include enabling Picture-in-Picture mode on Android devices, using alternative browsers like Opera or Dolphin for iOS devices, and subscribing to services like YouTube Premium & Music.

YouTube removed native background playback functionality from its app due to copyright concerns and monetization strategies. However, you can still access this feature through workarounds such as alternative browsers or by subscribing to their premium services.

Several browsers support playing YouTube videos in the background. For Android users, Google Chrome with Picture-in-Picture mode enabled works well. For iOS users, Opera Browser and Dolphin Browser are good alternatives that allow for seamless playback.

  1. Android: Use Google Chrome’s desktop version of YouTube or enable Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode on compatible devices.
  2. iOS: Utilize alternative browsers like Opera Browser or Dolphin Browser that support seamless playback features.
  3. All Devices: Subscribe to either YouTube Premium or Music subscription service which includes uninterrupted ad-free listening even when the screen is off.

Conclusion

In summary, there exist a number of techniques for playing YouTube videos in the background, contingent on the gadget and browser utilized. For desktop users, accessing the desktop version of YouTube through Chrome is a simple solution. Android users can enable Picture-in-Picture mode for compatible devices while iOS users can opt for alternative browsers like Opera or Dolphin Browser.

For those who want additional features beyond just background playback, subscription services like YouTube Premium and YouTube Music offer ad-free viewing, offline playback, and exclusive content.

If you’re looking to improve your video marketing strategy with tips on how to effectively use social media platforms like YouTube, check out WallBlog.

Youssef Hodaigui is an entrepreneur, blogger and SEO expert with a strong track record of success in launching and growing blogs and websites. He has a deep understanding of search engine algorithms and the latest digital marketing techniques, and he is committed to helping bloggers and entrepreneurs achieve their online business goals.

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