Play YouTube in Background on Android Easily
Originally posted on February 17, 2024 @ 7:41 am
Have you ever wanted to listen to your favorite YouTube videos while multitasking on your Android device? Is it possible to play YouTube in the background on Android? We have the answers and methods that will allow you to enjoy uninterrupted playback, even when you switch to other apps or lock your screen.
Key Takeaways:
- There are multiple methods to play YouTube in the background on Android.
- YouTube Premium is a subscription service that enables background playback.
- Using Android browsers or YouTube’s picture-in-picture mode are alternative methods.
- YouTube Premium comes with a cost, but there is a free trial available.
- Android devices running Android 8.0 Oreo or later have a built-in picture-in-picture mode for YouTube.
How to Get YouTube to Play in the Background with YouTube Premium
If you’re looking for a seamless way to play YouTube videos in the background on your Android device, YouTube Premium is the answer. YouTube Premium is a subscription service that not only removes ads and allows for video downloading but also enables background playback on Android devices.
By default, YouTube Premium has background playback enabled, making it a convenient option for playing YouTube videos in the background while you multitask on your device. Whether you’re catching up on your favorite podcast or browsing the web, you can enjoy uninterrupted playback of your favorite YouTube content.
However, it’s important to note that YouTube Premium comes at a cost. The subscription is priced at $12 per month, or $23 per month for a family subscription, which allows up to six family members to enjoy the benefits of YouTube Premium.
If you’re unsure about committing to the service, new users can take advantage of a one-month free trial to test out YouTube Premium and see if it meets their needs. This trial period gives you the opportunity to explore all the features, including background playback, without any financial commitment.
The Benefits of YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium offers a range of features that enhance your YouTube experience:
- Ad-free viewing: Say goodbye to those annoying ads that interrupt your favorite videos.
- Video downloading: Download videos to watch offline, even when you don’t have an internet connection.
- Background playback: Enjoy uninterrupted playback while using other apps or when your screen is off.
- YouTube Music Premium: Access to the vast library of music on YouTube without any interruptions.
With YouTube Premium, you can truly make the most out of your YouTube experience, whether you’re a casual viewer or a dedicated fan.
How to Get YouTube to Play in the Background on Android Browsers
If you don’t want to subscribe to YouTube Premium, there are alternative methods to play YouTube videos in the background on Android browsers. By using iPhone browsers such as Firefox or Opera, you can navigate to the YouTube website, switch to the desktop version, and play your desired video. This allows you to start the video and then go back to your home screen, with the video playing in picture-in-picture (PiP) mode.
To get YouTube to play in the background on Android browsers:
- Open Firefox or Opera browser on your Android device.
- Navigate to the YouTube website.
- Tap the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner of the browser.
- Select “Request Desktop Site” to switch to the desktop version of YouTube.
- Search for or select the video you want to play.
- Start playing the video by tapping on it.
- Press the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go back to your home screen.
- The video will continue playing in picture-in-picture mode.
This method requires a few extra steps but provides the convenience of background playback without any additional cost. With the video playing in picture-in-picture mode, you can browse other apps, read emails, or perform other tasks on your Android device while enjoying your favorite YouTube content.
| Method | Instructions | Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium | Subscribe to YouTube Premium. By default, the background playback feature is enabled. | $12 per month or $23 per month for a family subscription | No ads, video downloading, and background playback |
| Using Android Browsers | Navigate to YouTube website on iPhone browsers like Firefox or Opera, switch to desktop version, and play the video. | Free | Background playback without subscription |
| YouTube’s Picture-in-Picture Mode | Start playing a video in the YouTube app on Android devices running Android 8.0 Oreo or later, and press the home button to activate Picture-in-Picture mode. | Free | Convenient multitasking with video playback in a floating window |
How to Use YouTube’s Picture-in-Picture Mode on Android
Android devices running Android 8.0 Oreo or later come with a convenient built-in feature called picture-in-picture (PiP) mode that allows you to continue watching YouTube videos in a small, floating window while you navigate other apps or perform tasks on your Android device.
To use YouTube’s picture-in-picture mode on Android, simply start playing a YouTube video within the YouTube app. Then, press the home button on your Android device to activate the PiP mode. Once activated, you can move the PiP window around the screen and access playback controls to adjust the volume, play, pause, or minimize the window.
It’s important to note that YouTube’s picture-in-picture mode may not work with content classified as music, and that your Android device must be running at least Android 8.0 Oreo or a later version to utilize this feature.
Enjoy the convenience of multitasking on your Android device while still being able to enjoy your favorite YouTube videos with YouTube’s picture-in-picture mode. It’s a great way to stay entertained and productive at the same time!
FAQ
How can I play YouTube videos in the background on my Android device?
There are several methods you can try to play YouTube videos in the background on Android devices. These include using YouTube Premium, utilizing iPhone browsers, using Android browsers, and utilizing YouTube’s picture-in-picture mode on Android.
How does YouTube Premium enable background playback on Android devices?
YouTube Premium is a subscription service that not only removes ads and allows for video downloading but also enables background playback on Android devices. By default, YouTube Premium has background playback enabled.
How much does YouTube Premium cost?
YouTube Premium costs $12 per month for an individual subscription and $23 per month for a family subscription. Additionally, new users can enjoy a one-month free trial to test out the service.
How can I play YouTube videos in the background on Android browsers?
If you don’t want to subscribe to YouTube Premium, you can use alternative methods to play YouTube videos in the background on Android browsers. By using iPhone browsers such as Firefox or Opera, you can navigate to the YouTube website, switch to the desktop version, and play your desired video. This allows you to start the video and then go back to your home screen, with the video playing in picture-in-picture (PiP) mode.
How can I use YouTube’s picture-in-picture mode on Android?
Android devices running Android 8.0 Oreo or later have a built-in picture-in-picture (PiP) mode. This feature allows YouTube videos to continue playing in a small, floating window while you navigate to other apps or perform tasks on your Android device. Simply start playing a YouTube video within the YouTube app and press the home button to activate PiP mode. However, please note that this feature may not work with content classified as music and requires at least Android 8.0 Oreo.
