Accessing YouTube in the background is one of the most common desires of Android and iOS users who use the platform to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, or any other type of content. When you lock your screen or switch apps, the official YouTube app usually pauses playback automatically, unless you have a YouTube Premium subscription. However, there are different methods and apps that allow you to continue listening to YouTube in the background without spending money on subscriptions.
Why play YouTube in the background?
Many users utilize YouTube as a true music streaming service, accessing playlists, live concerts, podcasts, and music videos of all kinds. Being able to play YouTube audio in the background offers numerous advantages:
- You can save battery by turning off the screen while listening to long content.
- It allows you to use your phone for other tasks (chatting, browsing, checking social networks) without losing the audio thread.
- Turn YouTube into an alternative to Spotify, Deezer or Apple Music without paying any money.
However, the standard experience of the official YouTube app is restricted to Premium users . Therefore, knowing about free alternatives and methods is key.
YouTube Premium and YouTube Music: The Official Solution
The simplest and most unrestricted way to play YouTube in the background is to subscribe to YouTube Premium. This subscription not only removes ads, but also allows you to:
- Play videos and music with the screen off or using other apps.
- Download videos for offline viewing.
- Access to YouTube Music, dedicated to music, which enables background listening and audio-only playback.
You can access a free trial period (usually one month) and then choose between individual, family, or student plans. It's the most convenient and stable option, with constant support and updates. It also allows you to enjoy the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature in countries where it's available, so you can continue watching the video in a floating window while using other apps.
Play YouTube in the background with web browsers
In the absence of Premium, many browsers allow you to bypass the YouTube background restriction on mobile devices, both on Android and iPhone. Of particular note:
- Brave BrowserThis free browser, available for Android and iOS, has a dedicated option in Settings > Media > Background Playback. By enabling this setting, you can play any YouTube video, turn off the screen, and still hear the audio. It's one of the simplest and most straightforward options available today.
- Mozilla Firefox: Install the extension Video Background Play FixAfter doing so, go to YouTube, play the video, and turn off the screen. The audio will continue to play, and you can control playback from the notification bar.
- Google Chrome (desktop mode)Open YouTube from Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, and enable "View as Desktop." When you play a video and exit the app, you can continue listening from notifications, although it's not always as stable as with other browsers.
- Dolphin Browser: Available for Android, it allows you to open YouTube, start playback, and continue listening in the background when you minimize the browser.
These browsers may require additional settings depending on the operating system version, but they offer a reliable alternative without the need to install third-party apps.
Alternative apps to play YouTube in the background on Android
In addition to browsers, there are third-party applications that offer expanded functionality compared to the official YouTube app. Among the most popular and recommended by the community are:
NewPipe
NewPipe is a free and open-source app that replicates almost all of YouTube's functions, adding unique advantages:
- Download videos in any resolution.
- Download only the audio from videos.
- Play in pop-up window or background.
- Does not include intrusive ads.
- No Google account or registration required.
NewPipe can be downloaded from its official website , with versions adapted to different Android versions. It is also available in alternative app stores such as F-Droid. Before installing, it is important to enable the option to allow apps from unknown sources (see final section).
vanced
For a long time, YouTube Vanced was the preferred option for accessing almost all of YouTube's premium features for free: background playback, ad blocking, floating window, etc. Although official development has ceased, the last version is still available for download through alternative repositories like Uptodown. Its future will depend on future Android and YouTube updates.
sky tube
SkyTube is another notable alternative, free and ad-free, ideal for users looking for a clean experience focused on video and audio playback. Its features include:
- Play playlists in the background.
- Download videos and thumbnails.
- Gesture controls for brightness and volume.
- Blocking unwanted channels and videos.
- Subscribing to channels and managing favorites.
- Import your YouTube subscriptions.
It is available for download on F-Droid and requires Android 4.0 or higher.
libretube
LibreTube is an open-source, ad-free app that doesn't require a Google account. It lets you follow channels, create custom playlists, and easily listen to content in the background. Plus, it protects your privacy by not connecting directly to Google services.
VLC Media Player on Android
The VLC media player, available for free on Google Play, allows you to play YouTube videos in the background. Simply share a YouTube video link with the VLC app and activate the "Play as Audio" option to continue listening to the content even after you exit the app or turn off your screen. It's a simple, versatile, and ad-free alternative.
How to Play YouTube in the Background on iPhone
On iOS, the restrictions are even greater, but there are some tricks and apps that allow you to continue listening to YouTube when you turn off the screen :
- Use Safari in desktop modeWhen you access YouTube from Safari and request the "Desktop version," you can start playing a video, return to the Home screen, and resume audio from the playback bar in Control Center.
- PiP (Picture-in-Picture) applications: Some free apps like X.App allow you to send the video to a floating window and minimize it or leave only the audio active.
- Brave Browser and FirefoxBrave also offers background playback on iOS, and Firefox has dedicated add-ons to enable this feature. However, their performance may be less stable depending on system updates.
- External appsThere are specific apps, both free and paid, on the App Store that allow you to minimize the video and continue listening to the audio while browsing or locking your phone.
Other free alternatives to listen to music in the background
Spotify
Spotify allows any user to enjoy music in the background with their free account, albeit with ads. You can create playlists, follow artists, and enjoy the huge variety of songs and podcasts available on the platform. If you're looking for a seamless, ad-free experience, the paid version removes these limitations.
Amazon Music Free
Amazon Music also offers a free option with access to thousands of stations and playlists. If you're a Prime member, you have access to a broader catalog without ads and with background playback, on both Android and iOS.
Download music from YouTube for offline listening
Some users prefer to download the audio from their favorite YouTube videos or songs and play them using their phone's native player. Among the most popular apps for this feature are:
- SnapTube: Allows you to download both videos and just audio from YouTube and other platforms.
- TubeMate: Download videos and audios from YouTube, although it includes a lot of advertising and the interface is less refined.
Before using these methods, please check your country's laws regarding downloading copyrighted content.
Advantages of playing YouTube in the background
- Save battery by turning off the screen while listening to long-form content.
- Increased productivity and multitasking on your mobile device.
- Free access to the largest library of music, podcasts, and streaming content with no subscription required.
Furthermore, these methods expand YouTube's usability, making it a true competitor to the most popular music streaming platforms.
How to install apps from unknown sources on Android?
To use apps like NewPipe, Vanced, SkyTube, or any other that is not available on Google Play, it is essential to allow the installation of applications from unknown sources :
- Accede to Settings on your Android device.
- Sign in Security o Privacy policy.
- Look for the option Unknown origins o Install unknown apps and activate the switch.
- Confirm the security warning to allow the installation of APK files.
Remember to always download apps from official or well-known sites to avoid malware risks.
Exploring the different ways to play YouTube in the background will allow you to enjoy music, podcasts, and videos without limitations, adapting the experience to your needs and preferences, whether you use Android or iOS. Whether through dedicated apps, browsers, system tricks, or alternative streaming services, you have multiple solutions at your disposal to access all of YouTube's content without spending money on subscriptions. Choose the option that best suits your device and lifestyle, and enjoy the full potential of YouTube on your mobile phone or tablet, uninterrupted and completely free if you prefer.