Playing YouTube Videos in the Background on Android: Easy Hacks

So, you’re watching a great video on YouTube and then — BAM! — you need to switch apps, but your audio stops. Annoying, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re jamming out to music, listening to a podcast, or catching up on a lecture, having the ability to play YouTube videos in the background can elevate your multitasking game. Let’s dive into some easy hacks that will let you enjoy uninterrupted audio while using your Android device for other tasks!

Understanding Background Playback on Android

Background playback refers to the ability to continue listening to audio or video from an app while navigating away from that app. For YouTube, this means you can keep enjoying your videos without having to keep the app open. Here’s what you need to know:

• Why Background Playback is Useful:
  • You can browse other apps or check messages while still enjoying YouTube content.
  • It’s perfect for listening to music, podcasts, or any content that doesn’t require constant visuals.
• Limitations of YouTube’s Background Playback:
  • Without a premium subscription, background playback isn’t readily available.
  • You may experience interruptions when the screen is off or if you switch to a different app.
• Available Workarounds:
  • Utilize the free version of YouTube for audio-only channels or music.
  • Employ third-party apps that support YouTube background playback.

Understanding these fundamentals will help you find the best method for enjoying YouTube in the background on your Android device. With this knowledge, you’ll be ready to explore some handy hacks!

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Using YouTube Premium for Background Playback

If you're an avid YouTube user and you love listening to music, podcasts, or any other content on the platform, subscribing to YouTube Premium is a solid option to consider. One of the standout features of YouTube Premium is its ability to let you play videos in the background, which means you can keep the audio going even when you switch to another app or turn off your screen.

Let’s break down why YouTube Premium is a game-changer for background playback:

• Seamless Experience: With YouTube Premium, once you start a video and navigate away from the app, the audio continues playing without interruption.
• Ad-Free Viewing: Not only can you enjoy videos in the background, but you also won't have to deal with those annoying ads that pop up in the middle of what you’re trying to watch or listen to.
• Offline Downloads: Another perk is the ability to download videos for offline playback. This is super handy for when you’re on a long trip and don’t want to use up your data.
• Access to YouTube Music: Your subscription also grants you access to YouTube Music, which means more music and playlists at your fingertips.

Sure, it comes with a monthly fee, but if you don’t want the hassle of jumping through hoops with other hacks, YouTube Premium is definitely worth considering for effortless background playback.

Read This: How Much Money Can You Make from 400K Views on YouTube?

Using Third-Party Apps for Background Playback

If YouTube Premium isn’t quite the right fit for you, don’t worry! There are several third-party apps that can help you play YouTube videos in the background without the need for a subscription. Here’s a look at a couple of popular options, plus their features and advantages:

• NewPipe: This is a free, open-source app that allows background playback by extracting the audio from YouTube videos. It is lightweight and offers a minimalist interface. You can also download videos for offline viewing, and the app is completely ad-free!
• VLC for Android: This versatile media player supports background playback of YouTube videos as well. You just need to paste the YouTube link in the app, and it can stream content seamlessly. The added benefit? It supports a wide range of video formats too!

Here’s a simple comparison table:

These apps provide fantastic alternatives to YouTube Premium, allowing you to enjoy your favorite videos in the background without breaking the bank!

Read This: How Do You Turn Off Captions on YouTube TV? Steps to Disable Subtitles on YouTube TV

5. How to Use Google Chrome for Background Playback

Want to enjoy your favorite YouTube tunes while browsing the web or even when your screen is off? Google Chrome offers a nifty way to play YouTube videos in the background on your Android device. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Open Google Chrome: If you haven’t already, download and install Google Chrome from the Google Play Store.
2. Visit YouTube: In the Chrome address bar, type in www.youtube.com and hit enter. Do ensure you’re not redirected to the mobile site.
3. Desktop Site: Tap on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of your screen. From the dropdown menu, select ‘Desktop site’. This will switch the browser to a version that’s more suited for desktop users, giving you full functionality.
4. Play Your Video: Now, search for the video you wish to play. Once you find it, tap on it to start playing.
5. Background Playback: Now, just press the home button on your device. The video will continue to play in the background. You can now enjoy multitasking while listening!

And there you have it! This simple method makes it easy to enjoy YouTube videos without being glued to your screen. Just be mindful to keep your browser open to continue the playback!

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6. Creating a Shortcut for Background Playback

If you're a frequent YouTube listener who loves background playback, creating a shortcut on your home screen can save you those extra steps each time you want to play a video. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Google Chrome: Launch the browser on your Android device.
2. Navigate to YouTube: Go to www.youtube.com and switch to the desktop site by tapping the three dots and selecting ‘Desktop site’.
3. Play Any Video: Choose a video and start playing it.
4. Create the Shortcut: Once you have the video open, tap on the three dots again at the top right. Look for the option that says ‘Add to Home screen’. Click on it.
5. Name Your Shortcut: You’ll be prompted to name the shortcut. Pick a name you’ll easily remember. Something like ‘YouTube Background Player’ works great!
6. Access the Shortcut: Now, go to your home screen, and you’ll see the newly created shortcut. Tap on it whenever you want to start listening!

With this shortcut handy, you can jump straight into your YouTube listening experience seamlessly! Just remember to keep the screen on or periodically reactivate it to maintain playback. Enjoy your favorite playlists without any interruptions!

Read This: Can You Get YouTube TV in Australia? Accessing YouTube TV in Australia and International Locations

7. Limitations and Considerations

While playing YouTube videos in the background on your Android device can significantly enhance your viewing experience, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind:

• Subscription Requirement: One of the most notable limitations is that many of the methods for background playback, especially with YouTube's official app, require a subscription to YouTube Premium. Without it, you're often limited to only listening to the video when the app is open.
• App Compatibility: Not all third-party apps that allow background playback are created equal. Some may have limited functionality or might not work properly with all content on YouTube. Always check reviews and updates to ensure compatibility.
• Battery Usage: Streaming videos in the background can consume a significant amount of battery life. If you're listening to multiple videos or long playlists, keep an eye on your battery levels to avoid running out of juice when you need your device most.
• Potential Quality Issues: Background playback often requires compression to optimize performance. This means you might experience lower audio or video quality compared to standard playback.
• Quality of Content: Automated playlists or background videos may not always feature the most relevant or high-quality content, which can detract from your experience.
• Data Consumption: Streaming videos consumes a lot of data. If you’re not on an unlimited data plan, consider monitoring your usage to avoid unexpected charges.

By being aware of these limitations, you can make more informed choices about how to enjoy YouTube content on your Android device while minimizing any inconvenience.

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8. Conclusion

Playing YouTube videos in the background on Android isn't just a luxury; it's a practical solution that allows you to enjoy music, podcasts, or even tutorials while you multitask. With various methods available, from using the official YouTube app with a premium subscription to leveraging third-party applications, there are plenty of options tailored to meet your needs.

However, as with any technology, there are pros and cons. Understanding the limitations—like subscription requirements, battery consumption, and data usage—can help you navigate your options wisely. Here’s a quick recap of what to remember:

In conclusion, while you can enjoy your favorite content in the background, staying informed and mindful of the limitations will help you get the most out of your experience. So whether you're jamming out to your favorite tunes or diving deep into instructional videos, the world of YouTube awaits you—just a background play away!

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