Can I Play YouTube Video in Background? (4 Quick Tips!)
Let’s be honest, in 2025, if you can’t play YouTube videos in the background, you’re basically living in the digital dark ages, right? It’s gone from a “nice-to-have” to an absolute necessity. We’re all multitasking ninjas now.
I mean, who hasn’t wanted to listen to their favorite podcast on YouTube while simultaneously checking emails or scrolling through Instagram? It’s the ultimate digital balancing act! So, let’s dive into how to make this a reality for you in 2025.
Section 1: Understanding YouTube’s Background Play Feature
Background play, in YouTube terms, simply means that the audio from a YouTube video continues to play even when you switch to another app, lock your phone, or minimize the YouTube app. Think of it as turning YouTube into your personal streaming radio station.
Why does this matter, especially to us content creators? Simple: engagement. The longer people are listening to your content, the better. It boosts watch time, which YouTube’s algorithm loves.
Over the years, YouTube’s relationship with background play has been…complicated. Initially, it wasn’t a feature at all. Then, it became a perk exclusively for YouTube Premium subscribers. While I understand the reasoning behind monetizing it, it did leave many users searching for workarounds.
According to Statista, as of 2024, over 80% of YouTube users watch videos on their mobile devices. Considering how crucial multitasking is on mobile, it’s no surprise that background playback is a highly sought-after feature.
Section 2: The 4 Quick Tips for Playing YouTube Videos in the Background
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. Here are four ways to get that sweet, sweet background playback in 2025:
Tip 1: Utilize YouTube Premium
This is the official, sanctioned, and arguably easiest way to unlock background playback. YouTube Premium gives you ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and, most importantly, background play.
The subscription process is straightforward. Just head to YouTube’s settings, look for the “Get YouTube Premium” option, and follow the prompts. Pricing varies depending on your region, but in the US, it’s around $13.99 per month.
Beyond background play, you also get YouTube Music Premium, which is a solid music streaming service in its own right. Plus, no ads! If you’re a heavy YouTube user, I personally think it’s worth the investment.
Tip 2: Explore Third-Party Apps and Services
Okay, so maybe you’re not ready to commit to YouTube Premium. I get it. There are third-party apps that can help you achieve background playback.
NewPipe (Android): This open-source app is a popular choice for Android users. It’s lightweight, ad-free, and allows you to play YouTube videos in the background.
How to use NewPipe:
- Download NewPipe from its official website (it’s not available on the Google Play Store).
- Install the app (you might need to enable “Install from Unknown Sources” in your Android settings).
- Search for your desired video and tap the “Background” button.
Important Note: Be extremely cautious when downloading apps from outside official app stores. Always research the app’s reputation and read reviews to avoid malware or security risks.
Tip 3: Leverage Browser Extensions
Browser extensions are another sneaky way to get background playback, especially on your computer.
Enhancer for YouTube (Chrome, Firefox, Opera): This extension offers a ton of features, including background playback, ad blocking, and custom themes.
How to use Enhancer for YouTube:
- Go to the Chrome Web Store (or the extension store for your browser).
- Search for “Enhancer for YouTube.”
- Click “Add to Chrome” (or your browser’s equivalent).
- Once installed, you can configure the extension’s settings to enable background playback.
Drawbacks: Browser extensions can sometimes slow down your browser or conflict with other extensions. Always be mindful of the permissions you grant to extensions.
Tip 4: Use Mobile Device Settings
Believe it or not, sometimes the solution is right under your nose! Some mobile devices have built-in settings or features that can enable background playback, although indirectly.
Android (Picture-in-Picture Mode):
- Open the YouTube app and start playing a video.
- Press the home button.
- If your device supports Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, the video should shrink into a small, floating window.
- You can then use other apps while the video continues to play in the background (or at least, in a small window on top).
iOS (Safari Workaround):
- Open YouTube in Safari (not the YouTube app).
- Start playing a video.
- Enter full-screen mode.
- Lock your phone or switch to another app.
- Open the Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen).
- You should see the video controls. Tap the play button to resume audio playback in the background.
Permissions: On both iOS and Android, make sure YouTube has the necessary permissions (e.g., background app refresh) enabled in your device’s settings.
Section 3: The Importance of Background Playback for Content Creators
Okay, creators, listen up! Background playback isn’t just a convenience for viewers; it’s a game-changer for your channel.
Think about it: someone’s listening to your podcast episode while they’re commuting, doing chores, or working out. That’s passive engagement that can significantly boost your watch time.
Higher watch time translates to better visibility in YouTube’s algorithm. The more people watch your content, the more likely YouTube is to recommend it to others. It’s a virtuous cycle!
I’ve personally seen a noticeable increase in watch time on my own channel since I started optimizing my content for background listening. I focus on creating audio-friendly content, like interviews and discussions, that people can enjoy even without watching the visuals.
According to a recent study by Tubular Labs, channels that actively promote audio-focused content and encourage background listening see an average of 15% higher viewer retention rates.
Section 4: The Future of YouTube and Background Playback
Looking ahead to the future, I predict that background playback will become even more integrated into the YouTube experience.
Imagine AI-powered features that automatically optimize videos for background listening, highlighting key audio moments or generating transcripts for easy consumption.
We might also see YouTube experimenting with different monetization models for background playback, perhaps offering exclusive audio content or ad-free listening experiences for Premium subscribers.
One thing’s for sure: user behavior is driving these changes. People are consuming content on the go, in short bursts, and across multiple devices. YouTube needs to adapt to these trends to stay relevant.
For us creators, it means staying agile and experimenting with new formats and strategies. Embrace audio-first content, optimize your videos for background listening, and always keep an eye on YouTube’s evolving policies and features.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Four quick tips for playing YouTube videos in the background in 2025. Whether you choose YouTube Premium, a third-party app, a browser extension, or a mobile device workaround, the key is to find a solution that works for you.
Don’t let your favorite content be confined to the screen. Unlock the power of background playback and make the most of your YouTube experience. After all, life’s too short to only listen when you’re looking!
