Unlocking YouTube’s Background Playback: A Guide to Listening Without Watching
In the digital age, YouTube has become ubiquitous, serving as the go-to platform for video content across all imaginable niches. It’s the second most visited website in the world, rivaled only by its parent company, Google. Its influence spans individuals, businesses, and even governments, making it a powerful force in shaping online communication and entertainment. However, YouTube’s functionality can be frustratingly limited, especially when it comes to background playback. The app, available on both Android and iOS, automatically pauses videos when you leave the app or turn off your screen. This can be incredibly inconvenient for those who use YouTube for listening to music, podcasts, or audio content. Luckily, there are several workarounds to bypass this limitation, allowing you to enjoy your favorite YouTube audio content without having to keep the app open and your screen on.
Navigating iOS Limitations: Safari and Firefox for Background Playback
While the YouTube app doesn’t offer background playback, there’s a simple workaround for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users. Instead of relying on the app, you can access YouTube through your web browser, specifically Safari or Mozilla Firefox.
Here’s how to use YouTube for background music playback on iOS:
- Open Safari or Firefox and navigate to YouTube’s website.
- Locate the video you want to play in the background.
- Press the play button. The video will start playing, but don’t worry if it stops when you leave the app.
- Access Control Center by swiping up from the bottom edge of your device and then swipe left to the media pane.
- Press the play button. This will resume the video from where it left off.
However, this method comes with a significant drawback: iOS restrictions prevent you from handling playlists. Each time a video finishes, you’ll need to manually return to the YouTube website, hit play, and repeat steps 3-5. It’s not ideal, but it’s a free alternative for background playback.
Android Flexibility: Firefox Delivers Seamless Background Playback
While Google Chrome can sometimes utilize audio notifications to resume YouTube playback on Android, this functionality isn’t universal. For a more reliable solution, Mozilla Firefox stands out as the best option for background playback on Android devices.
Here’s how to enjoy YouTube videos in the background on Android:
- Open Firefox and navigate to YouTube’s website.
- Find the video or playlist you want to play in the background.
- Press the play button. The video should keep playing even after you exit the app.
The advantage with Firefox on Android is that it supports playlist playback. This means you can enjoy extended listening sessions, whether you’re on the road, at home, or at a party, without having to manually restart playback after each video.
Embrace YouTube Red: The Premium Solution for Background Playback
For those seeking a hassle-free and seamless background playback experience, YouTube Red offers a subscription-based solution. While it’s not free, YouTube Red boasts a range of benefits, including:
- Ad-free video playback: Enjoy uninterrupted viewing without annoying commercials.
- Google Play Music subscription: Access a vast library of music, similar to Spotify, at no extra cost.
- Original shows and movies: Dive into exclusive content unavailable elsewhere.
- Background playback: Continue listening to your favorite YouTube audio even when the app is closed or the screen is off.
However, the catch is that YouTube Red is currently only available in a limited number of countries: Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea, and the US. If you reside in one of these regions, the subscription cost varies from USD 9.99 to AUD 11.99. For the majority of the world’s population, YouTube Red remains inaccessible, necessitating the use of alternative methods.
Conclusion: Finding Your YouTube Background Playback Solution
YouTube’s background playback limitations can be frustrating, but there are viable solutions to overcome them. For iOS users, Safari and Firefox offer free but limited background playback with manual intervention for each video. Android users can enjoy smoother background playback, including playlists, by utilizing Mozilla Firefox. And for those who are willing to invest in a premium subscription, YouTube Red provides a seamless and ad-free experience, including background playback.
Ultimately, the best method for enjoying YouTube audio in the background depends on your individual needs and preferences. Weigh the benefits of free workarounds, the limitations they impose, and the premium features offered by YouTube Red to determine the perfect solution for your audio entertainment needs.
