How To Make YouTube Play In Background
Many people want to keep a YouTube video playing while they switch to another app or lock their screen. Whether you’re listening to a podcast, watching a tutorial, or simply need background audio for focus, this guide shows you the simplest methods for different devices.
Why Background Play Matters
When you play a video on the standard YouTube app, the audio stops as soon as you exit the app or lock the screen. This can be frustrating if you’re multitasking or using a device with limited multitouch options. Learning how to make YouTube play in the background lets you:
- Continue listening to music or lectures while working.
- Save battery by keeping the screen off.
- Use the device for other tasks without interrupting the audio.
Background Play on a PC
If you want to play YouTube videos in the background on your PC while multitasking, the solution is straightforward. Use a web browser that supports background audio or a dedicated extension.
- Open YouTube in a Browser – Chrome, Edge, or Firefox all allow audio to continue when you minimize the window.
- Use “Picture‑in‑Picture” Mode – Right‑click the video twice (or click the full‑screen icon and then the Picture‑in‑Picture button) to pop the video into a floating window that stays on top while you work.
- Install an Extension (Optional) – Extensions like “YouTube Audio” or “Background Music” can automatically pause video playback when the tab is not active, keeping only the audio.
- Keep the Tab Open – As long as the browser stays open, the audio will continue to play.
Tip: Some browsers may pause audio if you close the tab or shut down the computer. To avoid this, simply keep the browser minimized.
Background Play on iPhone
On iPhone, the native YouTube app does not allow background audio unless you have a YouTube Premium subscription. However, there are free workarounds:
- Safari Browser Method – Open https://m.youtube.com in Safari, play a video, then press the Home button. Swipe up to the multitasking view and tap the “Background” button at the bottom of the video. The audio will keep playing.
- Use the “YouTube Music” App – If you’re only interested in music, the YouTube Music app (free tier) supports background playback.
- Third‑Party Apps – Some apps on the App Store act as wrappers for YouTube, enabling background play. Search for “YouTube background” and read reviews before installing.
- Screen Recording Trick – Record the screen while playing a video, then play the recorded clip in the background. This is a hack and may violate YouTube’s terms of service, so use it responsibly.
Remember that these methods rely on iOS features and may change with future updates. Always keep your
