Playing YouTube in the background without video is possible through several methods, with the most common free workaround involving your web browser. This allows you to listen to audio while using other apps or with your screen off, bypassing the need for a YouTube Premium subscription.
The Browser Trick: Play YouTube Audio Without Premium
One of the most reliable ways to play YouTube in the background for free is by using your mobile web browser and requesting the desktop version of the site. This method works for both iOS (like Safari on an iPhone) and Android devices.
Step-by-Step Guide for Mobile Browsers:
- Open the YouTube App: Find the video you wish to listen to in the official YouTube app.
- Share and Copy Link: Tap the Share option, then select Copy Link from the menu.
- Open Your Web Browser: Launch your preferred web browser on your phone (e.g., Safari, Chrome, Firefox).
- Paste and Go: Paste the copied link into the browser's address bar and navigate to the video.
- Request Desktop Site: This is a crucial step.
- On iOS (Safari): Tap the "aA" icon in the address bar and select Request Desktop Website.
- On Android (Chrome): Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner and check the Desktop site box.
- Start Playback: Play the video within the desktop version of the YouTube site in your browser.
- Minimize/Lock Screen: You can now minimize your browser, switch to another app, or even lock your phone's screen. The audio should continue to play in the background. If it stops, pull down your notification shade (or control center on iOS) and press play from the media controls.
This method effectively tricks YouTube into thinking you're on a desktop computer, which generally allows background playback.
Other Methods for Background Playback
While the browser trick is excellent for free background audio, there are other approaches, some official and some involving third parties.
1. YouTube Premium (Official & Feature-Rich)
The most straightforward and officially supported way to play YouTube in the background, without video, is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. This subscription offers several benefits, including:
- Background Playback: Audio continues playing even when you leave the YouTube app or lock your device.
- Ad-Free Experience: No interruptions from ads across all YouTube content.
- Downloads: Save videos and playlists for offline viewing.
- YouTube Music Premium: Access to YouTube's dedicated music streaming service.
How to get started:
- Visit the YouTube Premium page or open the YouTube app and look for the Premium tab.
- Sign up for a free trial, then choose a monthly subscription plan.
2. Picture-in-Picture (PIP) Mode (Limited Availability)
Picture-in-Picture (PIP) mode allows you to watch a small, floating video window while you use other apps. While it still shows the video, it allows for multitasking without stopping the audio.
- Availability:
- Android: Generally available for all users. Start a video, then simply navigate home, and it should automatically switch to PIP.
- iOS: For non-Premium users, PIP is primarily available in the YouTube app for content like music videos in the US. For all content and regions, a YouTube Premium subscription is typically required for PIP through the YouTube app. You can sometimes force it via the browser method on iOS by going full screen, then swiping home.
3. Third-Party Apps (Use with Caution)
Several third-party apps claim to offer background playback for YouTube videos. However, these apps often violate YouTube's terms of service and can sometimes come with privacy risks or excessive ads. Using them is generally not recommended due to potential security vulnerabilities or service interruptions.
Method Comparison
Here's a quick overview of the main methods for playing YouTube in the background:
| Feature | Browser Trick (Free) | YouTube Premium (Paid) | Picture-in-Picture (Varies) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video Display | No (audio only when minimized/locked) | No (audio only when minimized/locked) | Yes (small, floating video) |
| Cost | Free | Monthly Subscription | Varies by OS/region, often Premium |
| Ads | Yes (within the video) | No | Yes (within the video) |
| Offline Play | No | Yes | No |
| Ease of Use | Medium (initial setup for desktop site) | Very Easy (built-in feature) | Easy (if available for you) |
| Reliability | Good (can sometimes be interrupted) | Excellent | Good |
By utilizing the browser trick, you can effectively enjoy YouTube audio in the background without incurring any costs, making it a popular choice for many users.
