How to Play YouTube in Background

YouTube's standard app doesn't allow background playback without a Premium subscription. However, there are several workarounds that enable this useful feature. This guide explores different methods to play YouTube videos in the background on various devices.

Using YouTube Premium

The official solution to background playback is YouTube vanced mod apk Premium. This paid subscription removes ads and enables background play officially. While it costs money, it supports creators and provides additional features like offline downloads and access to YouTube Music.

Premium is perfect for heavy YouTube users who want a seamless experience across all devices without workarounds.

Browser Methods for Mobile Devices

Most mobile browsers can play YouTube in the background with simple tricks. On iOS, using Safari with desktop mode enabled allows videos to continue playing when minimized. Android users can achieve similar results with browsers like Firefox or Chrome by requesting the desktop site.

This method requires no additional apps but may consume more battery than dedicated solutions.

YouTube Vanced for Android

YouTube Vanced is a popular modified version of the YouTube app that enables background playback without a Premium subscription. Vanced YouTube offers the familiar YouTube interface with premium features unlocked for free, including background play, ad blocking, and dark mode.

To use YouTube Vanced, you'll need to install the Vanced Manager from a third-party source since it's not available on the Google Play Store.

Alternative Third-Party Apps

Several third-party apps provide background playback functionality. NewPipe for Android is an open-source alternative that's lightweight and privacy-focused. iOS users can try apps like Musi or Documents by Readdle which create workarounds for background playback.

These alternatives often provide different interfaces from the official YouTube app but offer the essential background playback feature.

Picture-in-Picture Mode

Many modern smartphones support picture-in-picture (PiP) mode, which allows YouTube videos to play in a small floating window while using other apps. On newer Android versions, this feature works with YouTube even without Premium. iOS users with recent versions can also use PiP mode.

PiP isn't exactly background play but offers a compromise between visibility and multitasking.

Using Web Wrappers

Web wrapper apps essentially frame the YouTube website in an app that continues playing audio when minimized. These apps are often available on official app stores and provide a simple way to achieve background playback without using YouTube Vanced or similar modified apps.

While not as feature-rich as YouTube Vanced, these wrappers are typically more accessible and don't require third-party installations.

Smart TV and Casting Workarounds

If you have a smart TV or casting device like Chromecast, you can cast YouTube videos to your TV and turn off your phone screen while the video continues playing on the TV. This isn't true background playback but can save battery life while watching longer videos.

This method is particularly useful for lengthy videos or when you want to enjoy content on a larger screen.

Battery-Saving Tips When Using Background Play

Whether you're using YouTube Vanced or another solution for background playback, it's important to consider battery consumption. Background video processing can drain your battery quickly. Consider using audio-only mode when available, especially with YouTube Vanced which offers this feature.

Lowering video quality before backgrounding the app can also help preserve battery life during extended listening sessions.

FAQ About Background YouTube Playback

Is YouTube Vanced legal to use?

YouTube Vanced operates in a legal gray area. While using it isn't illegal, it does circumvent YouTube's intended limitations and terms of service.

Why did official YouTube Vanced shut down?

The original YouTube Vanced project was discontinued after legal pressure from Google, but alternative versions and forks of YouTube Vanced continue to be maintained by the community.

Does background play work for all YouTube content?

Most background play methods work for standard YouTube videos, but some content with specific copyright restrictions may still be prevented from playing in the background.

Will Vanced YouTube affect my Google account?

When using YouTube Vanced, you can safely log in with your Google account. However, there's always a small risk associated with using unauthorized modifications.

Are there alternatives to YouTube Vanced for iOS?

iOS users don't have direct access to YouTube Vanced, but alternatives like browser methods or dedicated apps like Musi provide similar functionality.