YouTube has become synonymous with online music streaming, providing a vast repository of songs, playlists, and music videos for users worldwide. While the platform offers an immersive music experience, the inability to play YouTube music in the background has been a persistent frustration for many. Fortunately, there are workarounds and solutions that allow you to enjoy your favorite tunes while multitasking on your device. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods on how to play YouTube music in the background.
YouTube Premium Subscription:
The most straightforward and official solution to playing YouTube music in the background is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. This premium service not only eliminates ads but also enables background play on both mobile devices and computers. With a YouTube Premium subscription, you can seamlessly switch between apps or lock your phone screen while still enjoying your favorite tracks.
To subscribe to YouTube Premium:
- Open the YouTube app.
- Tap on your profile picture.
- Select “Get YouTube Premium.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the subscription process.
While YouTube Premium comes with a monthly fee, it provides additional perks like offline downloads and access to YouTube Originals, making it a comprehensive solution for avid music lovers.
YouTube Music App:
YouTube offers a dedicated app for music enthusiasts called YouTube Music. This app is designed specifically for playing music and comes with background play functionality, even without a YouTube Premium subscription. By using the YouTube Music app, you can enjoy uninterrupted music playback while using other apps or when your device’s screen is turned off.
To use YouTube Music app:
- Download and install the YouTube Music app from your device’s app store.
- Open the app and sign in with your Google account.
- Search for your favorite songs, artists, or playlists.
- Start playing music, and it will continue in the background.
The YouTube Music app is a convenient alternative for those who want a dedicated music streaming experience without the need for a premium subscription.
Mobile Browser Trick:
For users who prefer to stick with the standard YouTube app, there’s a trick to enable background play without a premium subscription. This workaround involves using your mobile device’s browser to play YouTube music. Follow these steps:
- Open your mobile browser (such as Google Chrome or Safari).
- Go to the YouTube website and find the music you want to play.
- Play the video and exit the browser without closing the tab.
The video will continue to play in the background, allowing you to enjoy the music while using other apps. Keep in mind that this method may not be as stable as using the official YouTube Premium or YouTube Music app.
Desktop Browser Extensions:
If you primarily use YouTube on your computer, browser extensions can provide a solution for playing music in the background. Extensions like “Enhancer for YouTube” or “Magic Actions for YouTube” offer features that include background playback.
To use browser extensions:
- Install the desired extension from your browser’s extension/add-on store.
- Configure the extension settings to enable background play.
- Play a YouTube music video, and it should continue playing even when you switch tabs or minimize the browser.
Browser extensions are handy for desktop users who want a seamless way to enjoy YouTube music while working or browsing the internet.
Conclusion:
Whether you opt for a YouTube Premium subscription, use the dedicated YouTube Music app, employ mobile browser tricks, or leverage desktop browser extensions, there are multiple ways to play YouTube music in the background. Each method caters to different preferences and devices, providing users with the flexibility to choose the solution that best fits their needs. With these workarounds, you can unlock the full potential of YouTube as a music streaming platform and create the perfect soundtrack for your life, playing seamlessly in the background as you go about your day.
