Have you ever wanted to listen to music or a podcast on YouTube while doing other tasks on your Android device? Unfortunately, the YouTube app doesn’t allow you to play videos in the background. As soon as you exit the app or turn off your screen, the audio stops playing. However, there are several methods you can use to overcome this limitation and enjoy uninterrupted playback on YouTube. In this blog post, we will explore different techniques to keep YouTube playing in the background on Android.
Why You Need to Keep YouTube Playing in the Background
- It allows you to multitask: By keeping YouTube playing in the background, you can listen to music, podcasts, or audio videos while browsing the web, checking emails, or using other apps on your Android device.
- Continuous playback: If you’re watching a playlist or a series of videos, keeping YouTube playing in the background ensures that the next video starts playing automatically, providing a seamless viewing experience.
- Save bandwidth: If you’re primarily interested in the audio content of YouTube videos, playing them in the background can help save data and bandwidth compared to streaming the videos.
- Convenient control: Having YouTube playing in the background allows you to control playback using the notification shade or lock screen controls, making it easier to pause, play, skip, or adjust the volume without constantly switching apps.
Video Tutorial:
Part 1. Using the YouTube Premium Subscription
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service offered by YouTube that provides an enhanced viewing experience, including the ability to play videos in the background. Here’s how to use YouTube Premium to keep YouTube playing in the background on your Android device:
1. Subscribe to YouTube Premium: Open the YouTube app on your Android device, tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner, and select "Get YouTube Premium." Follow the on-screen prompts to subscribe to the service.
2. Play videos in the background: Once you have a YouTube Premium subscription, open the YouTube app, find the video you want to listen to, and start playing it. Exit the YouTube app or turn off your screen, and the audio will continue playing in the background.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Seamless background playback without any additional steps. | 1. Requires a paid subscription to YouTube Premium. |
| 2. Officially supported by YouTube. | 2. Limited to the YouTube app; doesn’t work with embedded YouTube players in other apps or browsers. |
| 3. Provides ad-free playback and other premium features. | 3. May not be available in all countries. |
Part 2. Using the Google Chrome Browser
If you prefer not to subscribe to YouTube Premium, another method to keep YouTube playing in the background on Android is by using the Google Chrome browser. Follow these steps to achieve background playback:
1. Install Google Chrome: If you don’t already have it, download and install the Google Chrome browser from the Google Play Store.
2. Open YouTube in Chrome: Launch the Google Chrome app and visit the YouTube website (
3. Play videos in the background: Find the video you want to play in the background, start playing it, and then exit the Chrome app or turn off your screen. The audio will continue playing in the background.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Doesn’t require a paid subscription. | 1. Playback may be affected by Chrome or Android system optimizations, which can sometimes interrupt audio playback. |
| 2. Works with any website or app that uses the YouTube player. | 2. Not as seamless as YouTube Premium; audio may pause momentarily when switching between apps. |
| 3. Offers background playback for both videos and audio-only content. | 3. Requires an open tab in Chrome, which may consume additional system resources. |
Part 3. Using Third-Party Apps
Apart from YouTube Premium and the Chrome browser, there are also third-party apps specifically designed to enable background playback for YouTube on Android. These apps provide additional features and customization options for your YouTube experience. Here’s how to use a third-party app for background playback:
1. Download and install a third-party app: Search for "YouTube background playback" or "YouTube Vanced" on the Google Play Store and choose a trusted app that suits your needs. Install the app on your Android device.
2. Grant necessary permissions: Open the newly installed app and follow the on-screen instructions to grant the necessary permissions, such as overlay permission or usage access.
3. Play videos in the background: Launch the app and find the video you want to play in the background. Start playing the video, then exit the app or turn off your screen to continue listening in the background.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers advanced features and customization options. | 1. Requires installing and trusting a third-party app. |
| 2. Supports background playback for both videos and audio-only content. | 2. May not receive official updates and support from YouTube. |
| 3. Can provide ad-blocking features and other premium options for free. | 3. Potential security risks associated with third-party apps. |
Part 4. Using YouTube Go
YouTube Go is a lightweight version of the YouTube app designed for devices with limited storage or slower internet connections. Although its primary purpose is to reduce data usage, it also allows background playback. Follow these steps to use YouTube Go for background playback:
1. Install YouTube Go: Download and install the YouTube Go app from the Google Play Store.
2. Play videos in the background: Launch the YouTube Go app, find the video you want to play, and start playing it. Exit the app or turn off your screen, and the audio will continue playing in the background.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Designed for low-end devices and slow internet connections. | 1. Limited to the YouTube Go app; doesn’t work with the main YouTube app or other third-party apps. |
| 2. Provides background playback without additional steps. | 2. May not have all the features and functionalities of the main YouTube app. |
| 3. Optimized for data savings and offline viewing. | 3. May not be available in all countries. |
What to Do If You Can’t Keep YouTube Playing in the Background
If none of the above methods work for you, here are three alternative solutions you can try:
1. Use a YouTube alternative app: There are several apps available on the Google Play Store that provide background playback for YouTube-like videos. Look for apps such as "NewPipe" or "YMusic" and install them on your Android device.
2. Use a screen recorder: If you don’t mind the additional step, you can use a screen recording app to record the YouTube video while it’s playing. This way, you can listen to the audio in the background by playing the recorded video file.
3. Download videos for offline playback: If you have a stable internet connection, you can download YouTube videos using the official YouTube app and play them offline using a media player that supports background playback.
Bonus Tip
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your YouTube experience on Android:
1. Explore YouTube Music: YouTube Music is a dedicated music streaming service offered by YouTube. It provides background playback, personalized playlists, and a vast library of music content. Consider using YouTube Music if you primarily listen to music on YouTube.
2. Use Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode: If your Android device supports it, you can use the Picture-in-Picture mode to keep YouTube videos playing in a small floating window while you navigate through other apps. This feature is available in certain Android versions and requires enabling PiP mode in the YouTube app settings.
3. Try YouTube Red: YouTube Red is the predecessor to YouTube Premium. It offered background playback and ad-free viewing experience but has been replaced by YouTube Premium. If you come across an old device or an older version of the YouTube app, YouTube Red might still provide background playback.
The Bottom Line
While the official YouTube app doesn’t natively support background playback on Android, there are several methods you can use to achieve this. Whether it’s through YouTube Premium, the Google Chrome browser, third-party apps, or YouTube Go, you can find a solution that suits your needs. If all else fails, try alternative apps, screen recording, or offline playback as a workaround. Enhance your YouTube experience by exploring YouTube Music and utilizing Picture-in-Picture mode. With these methods, you can enjoy uninterrupted playback and multitask on your Android device.
5 FAQs about Keeping YouTube Playing in the Background on Android
Q1: Is background playback available for free on YouTube?
A1: No, background playback is not available for free on the official YouTube app. You need a paid subscription to YouTube Premium to enjoy this feature.
Q2: Can I use these methods on iOS devices?
A2: This blog post focuses on Android devices. The methods mentioned may not work or be available on iOS devices. However, some third-party apps and workarounds may be available for iOS.
Q3: Are there any risks associated with using third-party apps for YouTube background playback?
A3: Using third-party apps for YouTube background playback comes with some risks. These apps are not officially supported by YouTube, and their security and privacy may be questionable. It’s essential to choose trusted apps from reputable sources and read user reviews before installing them.
Q4: Why doesn’t YouTube allow background playback in the first place?
A4: Background playback is disabled in the official YouTube app to encourage users to engage with the platform and to generate more ad revenue. By restricting background playback, YouTube incentivizes users to remain active on the platform and watch videos within the app.
Q5: Can I use background playback for YouTube videos embedded in other apps or websites?
A5: Background playback methods like YouTube Premium and the Google Chrome browser generally work only within the respective app or browser. They may not extend to YouTube videos embedded in other apps or websites. Third-party apps specifically designed for background YouTube playback may offer better compatibility in these cases.