How to Keep YouTube Running While Opening Other Apps on Android and iOS

Kapanlagi.com - YouTube has become the most popular video platform in the world with millions of active users every day. However, sometimes we want to listen to the audio from YouTube videos while using other apps on our smartphones. Unfortunately, by default, YouTube will stop playing videos when we switch to another app or lock the screen. Fortunately, there are several ways to address this issue.

This article will discuss in detail how to keep YouTube running while opening other apps on Android and iOS devices.

1. Understanding Playing YouTube in the Background

The initial display when the YouTube app is opened (credit: unsplash)

Playing YouTube in the background refers to the ability to continue playing audio from YouTube videos while the YouTube app is not active on the main screen. This allows users to listen to YouTube content while using other apps or even when the device screen is locked.

By default, YouTube will stop video playback when users switch to another app or lock their device screen. This is done to save bandwidth and battery. However, many users desire the flexibility to continue listening to YouTube audio while engaging in other activities on their devices.

Some common scenarios where this feature is useful include:

• Listening to music or podcasts from YouTube while browsing the web or using other apps
• Playing YouTube tutorial videos while following steps in another app
• Listening to news or discussions from YouTube while multitasking
• Playing YouTube audio while the screen is locked to save battery

Although YouTube Premium officially offers this feature, there are several alternative methods that free users can utilize to achieve similar results. These methods leverage built-in features of the operating system or third-party apps to enable YouTube playback in the background.

2. Benefits of Playing YouTube in the Background

The ability to play YouTube in the background offers several benefits for users:

1.Increased Productivity

With YouTube running in the background, users can multitask more effectively. They can listen to informative or educational content from YouTube while working on other tasks on their devices. For example, listening to coding tutorials while trying to implement them in a development application.

2.Better Listening Experience

For audio-focused content such as music, podcasts, or discussions, the ability to play in the background allows users to enjoy content without having to constantly look at the screen. This is especially useful while traveling or engaging in physical activities.

3.Battery and Data Savings

Playing YouTube with the screen off or while using other lighter apps can save battery usage compared to continuously displaying the video. In addition, for content that does not require visual elements, this can also save mobile data usage.

4.Flexibility of Use

Users have more freedom in how they consume YouTube content. They can switch between actively watching videos and just listening to audio as needed and depending on their situation at the time.

5.Access to Broader Content

There is a lot of useful content on YouTube that does not always require visual elements to be enjoyed. With the ability to play in the background, users can access more informative and educational content in situations where they cannot continuously look at the screen.

3. How to Play YouTube in the Background on Android

The initial display when the YouTube app is opened (credit: unsplash)

Here are some methods to play YouTube in the background on Android devices:

1.Using Chrome in Desktop Mode

One of the easiest ways to play YouTube in the background is by using the Chrome browser in desktop mode. Here are the steps:

1. Open Chrome on your Android device
2. Visit youtube.com
3. Tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner and check the “Desktop site” option
4. Find and play the desired video
5. Exit Chrome and open the Control Center
6. You will see playback controls for the YouTube video. Press the play button to continue playback in the background

This method works because Chrome in desktop mode allows background playback, unlike the standard mobile YouTube app.

2.Using Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Feature

The Picture-in-Picture feature allows YouTube videos to be played in a small floating window above other apps. This is effectively available on Android 8.0 (Oreo) and above. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Settings on your Android device
2. Select “Apps & notifications” > “Special app access” > “Picture-in-picture”
3. Make sure the PiP option for YouTube is enabled
4. Open the YouTube app and play a video
5. Press the home button. The video will appear in a small window that can be moved
6. You can now use other applications while the YouTube video continues to play

The PiP feature is very useful because it allows you to keep watching videos while using other applications, providing more flexibility in multitasking.

3.Using Third-Party Apps

There are several third-party apps that can help play YouTube in the background. One example is NewPipe. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download and install the NewPipe app from a trusted source (not available on the Play Store)
2. Open NewPipe and search for the YouTube video you want to play
3. Play the video and tap the “Play in background” option
4. The video will continue to play even when you exit the app or lock the screen

Keep in mind that using third-party apps may violate YouTube's terms of service, so use wisely and at your own risk.

4.Using the Split Screen Feature

The split screen feature allows you to run two applications simultaneously on the screen. While this is not a true background playback method, it can be a useful alternative. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the YouTube app and start playing a video
2. Press the overview button (usually a square button or swipe up and hold gesture)
3. Press and hold the YouTube app icon above the app preview
4. Select “Split screen”
5. Select another app you want to run alongside YouTube

With this method, you can watch YouTube while using another app, even though the screen is split.

4. How to Play YouTube in the Background on iOS

For iOS users, here are some methods you can try:

1. Using Safari

The Safari browser on iOS has the ability to play audio in the background. Here’s how:

1. Open Safari and visit youtube.com
2. Select “Request Desktop Site” from the share menu
3. Play the desired video
4. Exit Safari and open Control Center
5. You will see playback controls for the YouTube video. Press play to continue playback

This method takes advantage of Safari's ability to play audio in the background, which is not available in the standard YouTube app.

2. Using Third-Party Apps

There are several apps in the App Store that claim to be able to play YouTube in the background. One example is “Musi.” Here’s how to use it:

1. Download and install Musi from the App Store
2. Open the app and search for the YouTube video you want to play
3. Play the video and exit the app or lock the screen
4. The audio will continue to play in the background

Keep in mind that third-party apps may have limitations or ads, and their use may violate YouTube's terms of service.

3. Using the Picture-in-Picture Feature

For users on iOS 14 and above, the Picture-in-Picture feature is available for YouTube, but only for YouTube Premium subscribers. If you are a Premium subscriber, here’s how to use it:

1. Open the YouTube app and play a video
2. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to return to the home screen
3. The video will appear in a small movable window
4. You can now use other apps while the YouTube video continues to play

This feature provides the flexibility to watch videos while using other apps, although it is limited to Premium users.

5. Additional Tips

The initial display when the YouTube app is opened (credit: unsplash)

Here are some additional tips to optimize your experience of playing YouTube in the background:

1. Use Playlists

Creating playlists can help you listen to content in sequence without needing to constantly select new videos. This is especially useful when you are using background playback methods.

2. Be Mindful of Data Usage

Although playing just audio uses less data than video, still be mindful of your data usage, especially if you are using a mobile connection.

3. Explore Audio-Centric Content

There is a lot of content on YouTube that is suitable for listening without visual elements, such as podcasts, audiobooks, or discussions. Search for and take advantage of such content for a better listening experience.

4. Consider YouTube Premium

If you frequently use YouTube and want an uninterrupted experience, consider subscribing to YouTube Premium. This provides official access to background playback features along with other benefits.

5. Use the Download Feature

If you have YouTube Premium, take advantage of the download feature to download videos you want to listen to later. This can save data and allow for offline playback.

6. Method Comparison

Here is a brief comparison of various methods that have been discussed:

7. FAQ About Playing YouTube in the Background

Someone is listening to music from the YouTube app on their phone (credit: unsplash)

1.Is playing YouTube in the background legal?

Technically, using alternative methods to play YouTube in the background may violate YouTube's Terms of Service. However, YouTube itself offers this feature through a Premium subscription, indicating that the practice itself is not illegal. Users should consider the risks and benefits of using alternative methods.

2.Will this method always work?

The methods described here may not always work as YouTube and operating systems continue to be updated. Always check the latest sources for the most up-to-date methods.

3.What about battery usage?

Playing audio in the background generally uses less battery compared to playing video with the screen on. However, the appropriate use of batteries will vary depending on the device and the methods used.

4. Are there security risks in using third-party applications?

Yes, there are potential risks when using third-party applications. Always download apps from trusted sources and read user reviews before installing. Consider security and privacy risks before using third-party applications.

5. What about audio quality when playing in the background?

Audio quality generally remains the same as when playing video normally. However, some methods may limit audio quality to save bandwidth.

8. Conclusion

Playing YouTube in the background can greatly enhance productivity and user experience. Although YouTube Premium offers an official solution, there are several alternative methods that free users can utilize. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs and device.

Remember to always respect copyright and consider supporting creators through official means. If you frequently use this feature, subscribing to YouTube Premium may be the best option for an uninterrupted experience and to support the platform directly.

By understanding and utilizing these methods, you can optimize your YouTube usage, boost productivity, and enjoy content in a more flexible way. Happy experimenting and hope it helps!

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