Understanding Background Play Limitations

YouTube's free version deliberately prevents videos from playing in the background on mobile devices. When you switch to another app or lock your screen, the video pauses automatically. This limitation is intentional as YouTube wants to encourage users to upgrade to YouTube Premium, which offers background play as one of its key features. However, there are several workarounds that allow you to enjoy YouTube content while multitasking.

YouTube Premium: The Official Solution

The most straightforward and legitimate way to play YouTube in the background is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. This paid service costs around $11.99 per month and offers several benefits, including ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and background play. With YouTube Vanced Premium, you can listen to music, podcasts, or any other content while using other apps or when your screen is locked. Though it requires a subscription fee, it's the most reliable method and supports content creators through your subscription.

Browser Workarounds for iOS

For iPhone users who don't want to pay for Premium, there's a clever browser trick. Using browsers like Safari, you can request the desktop version of YouTube. First, open YouTube in Safari, tap the "aA" icon in the address bar, and select "Request Desktop Website." Play your video, then lock your screen or switch apps. When playback stops, you can resume it through the Control Center's media controls. While this method works, it may be less reliable after system updates as YouTube often patches these workarounds.

Browser Solutions for Android

Android users can employ similar browser-based techniques. Using browsers like Firefox or Chrome, you can enable desktop mode for YouTube. In Chrome, tap the three dots menu, select "Desktop site," and play your video. When you exit the browser, pull down the notification shade to find media controls that allow you to resume playback. Another option is to use browsers specifically designed for background playback, such as Brave Browser, which includes built-in features for continuing audio when the screen is off.

YouTube Vanced: The Popular Alternative

YouTube Vanced was once the most popular unofficial solution for background play. YouTube Vanced offered a modified version of the YouTube app with Premium features unlocked, including background play, ad blocking, and picture-in-picture mode. Many users preferred YouTube Vanced because it provided a seamless experience almost identical to the official app. However, it's important to note that YouTube Vanced discontinued its services in 2022 following legal pressure. Despite this, some users still have functional installations of YouTube Vanced or use similar alternatives.

YouTube Vanced Alternatives

Since YouTube Vanced shut down, several alternatives have emerged to fill the void. Apps like NewPipe, Skytube, and LibreTube offer similar functionality to YouTube Vanced, including background playback. These open-source alternatives don't require Google services and often provide additional features like subscription management without a Google account. While these apps may not perfectly replicate the YouTube Vanced experience, they offer a viable solution for users seeking background playback without a Premium subscription.

Using Music Streaming Apps

If your primary goal is listening to music in the background, consider using music streaming apps that offer YouTube content. Apps like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music might have the songs you're looking for. Additionally, some podcast apps can play YouTube audio content in the background. This approach is particularly useful if you're mainly interested in the audio portion of YouTube videos rather than the visual content.

Picture-in-Picture Mode

Most modern smartphones support picture-in-picture (PiP) mode, which allows you to watch videos in a small floating window while using other apps. On Android, you can enable PiP in the YouTube app settings (if available in your region). On iOS, PiP is available for YouTube Premium subscribers or through Safari's desktop mode trick. While not exactly background play, PiP offers a way to multitask while still watching your video content.

Conclusion

Finding the right method to play YouTube in the background depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you frequently use YouTube and want a hassle-free experience, YouTube Premium is worth considering. For occasional users or those on a budget, browser workarounds or alternative apps might be sufficient. While YouTube Vanced was once the go-to solution for many users seeking background play, its discontinuation has led to a diverse ecosystem of alternatives. Remember that using modified apps may violate YouTube's terms of service, so proceed with caution and be aware of potential security risks when installing third-party applications.