If you’re an avid music listener on YouTube, you might have found yourself wanting to play your favorite tunes in the background while doing other tasks on your device. Unfortunately, YouTube’s default settings don’t allow for this, and if you exit the app, the music stops playing. But don’t worry, there are ways to get YouTube music to play in the background, and I’m here to show you how.
One option is to use YouTube Premium, which allows you to play videos in the background without interruption. However, if you don’t want to pay for a subscription, there are other methods you can use. For example, on Android devices, you can use the Google Chrome browser to play YouTube music in the background. On iOS devices, you can use the Safari browser and a shortcut to achieve the same result. In this article, I’ll walk you through these options and more, so you can enjoy your favorite YouTube music in the background without any hassle.
Understanding YouTube Music
What Is YouTube Music?
YouTube Music is a music streaming service offered by YouTube. It was launched in 2015 and has since become one of the most popular music streaming apps. YouTube Music offers a vast library of music that includes official music videos, live performances, remixes, and covers. It also offers personalized playlists based on your listening habits, as well as a variety of other features.
One of the unique features of YouTube Music is its ability to play music videos in the background. This means that you can continue to listen to music while using other apps on your device or even when your screen is turned off. This is a feature that is not available on other music streaming apps.
YouTube Music vs. Other Music Streaming Apps
When it comes to music streaming apps, there are a lot of options available. Some of the most popular apps include Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. While all of these apps offer similar features, there are some key differences between them and YouTube Music.
One of the biggest differences between YouTube Music and other music streaming apps is the content. YouTube Music offers a vast library of music videos, live performances, and covers that are not available on other apps. This makes it a great choice for music fans who want more than just audio.
Another difference is the ability to play music videos in the background. This is a feature that is not available on other music streaming apps, which means that you can’t listen to music while using other apps or when your screen is turned off.
Overall, YouTube Music is a great choice for music fans who want access to a vast library of music videos and the ability to play music in the background. While there are some differences between YouTube Music and other music streaming apps, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Setting Up YouTube Music for Background Play
YouTube Music App on Mobile Devices
To enable background play on the YouTube Music app, follow these simple steps:
- Open the YouTube Music app on your Android or iPhone device.
- Tap on your profile picture located at the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Scroll down and toggle on the “Background play” option.
With background play enabled, you can now enjoy YouTube Music without interruption while using other apps on your phone.
Browser-Based Workarounds
If you prefer to use YouTube Music on your desktop browser, there are a few workarounds to enable background play.
Chrome
- Open Chrome and navigate to the YouTube Music website.
- Click on the three dots located at the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Scroll down and toggle on the “Desktop site” option.
- Play your desired song and switch to another tab or minimize the browser to enable background play.
Safari
- Open Safari and navigate to the YouTube Music website.
- Start playing a song.
- Press the home button to exit Safari and return to your home screen.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.
- Tap on the “Play” button to resume playback.
Firefox and Dolphin
Unfortunately, Firefox and Dolphin do not support background play for YouTube Music. However, you can try using the “Request Desktop Site” option in the browser settings to see if it works.
By following these simple steps, you can easily set up YouTube Music for background play on your mobile devices and desktop browser. Enjoy uninterrupted music listening while multitasking!
YouTube Music Premium Features
Advantages of YouTube Music Premium
As a YouTube Music Premium subscriber, I have access to a range of features that enhance my music streaming experience. One of the most significant advantages is the removal of ads. With no interruptions, I can enjoy my favorite songs and playlists uninterrupted.
In addition to ad-free streaming, I can also download songs and playlists for offline listening. This is particularly useful when I’m traveling or don’t have access to the internet. Another great feature is background play, which allows me to listen to music while using other apps or with my screen turned off.
How to Subscribe to YouTube Music Premium
Subscribing to YouTube Music Premium is a straightforward process. First, I need to sign in to my YouTube account and navigate to the YouTube Music app. From there, I can tap on my profile picture and select “Get YouTube Music Premium.” I can then choose a subscription plan and enter my payment information.
Alternatively, I can sign up for YouTube Premium, which includes access to YouTube Music Premium, as well as additional features such as ad-free video streaming and access to YouTube Originals.
Overall, YouTube Music Premium offers a range of features that make it a great option for music streaming. With ad-free streaming, offline downloads, and background play, I can enjoy my favorite songs and playlists anytime, anywhere.
Playing YouTube Music with Screen Off
As a YouTube Music user, I know how frustrating it can be to have the music stop playing as soon as you turn off your screen or switch to another app. Thankfully, there are a few ways to keep the music playing even when your screen is off.
Using Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode
One way to keep YouTube Music playing while your screen is off is to use the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode. This feature is available on iOS devices running iOS 14 or later.
To use PiP mode, start playing a video on YouTube Music and then swipe up from the bottom of your screen to go to the home screen. The video will continue playing in a small window that you can move around and resize.
To enable PiP mode for YouTube Music, go to Settings > General > Picture in Picture and toggle on the YouTube Music option.
Utilizing Control Center and Notifications
Another way to keep YouTube Music playing with your screen off is to use the Control Center or Notifications. This method works on both iOS and Android devices.
On iOS, you can access the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen. From there, you can play, pause, skip, and adjust the volume of your music.
To access YouTube Music from the Control Center, swipe left to reveal the music player and tap the play button. You can also use the Control Center to adjust the volume and skip tracks.
On Android devices, you can use the Notifications to control your music playback. When you start playing a video on YouTube Music, a notification will appear in your notification shade. From there, you can play, pause, skip, and adjust the volume of your music.
Overall, there are a few ways to keep YouTube Music playing with your screen off. Whether you prefer PiP mode or using the Control Center or Notifications, you can enjoy uninterrupted music playback on your device.
Tips and Tricks for YouTube Music Background Play
As an avid user of YouTube Music, I’ve discovered some tips and tricks that can help you optimize your app settings and find alternative solutions for background play. Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks:
Optimizing App Settings
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Enable Background Play: To enable background play, you need to have a YouTube Music Premium subscription. Once you have it, go to Settings > Background & Downloads and toggle on the “Background play” option. This will allow you to listen to music even when the app is not open.
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Create Playlists: Creating playlists is a great way to organize your music library and make it easier to find the songs you want to listen to. To create a playlist, go to Library > Playlists and tap on the “New Playlist” button. You can add songs to your playlist by tapping on the three dots next to a song and selecting “Add to playlist.”
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Use the Search Function: The search function in YouTube Music is very powerful and can help you find the songs you want to listen to quickly. To use it, tap on the search icon and type in the name of the song or artist you’re looking for.
Finding Alternative Solutions
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Use TechWiser’s YouTube Music App: TechWiser has created a YouTube Music app that allows you to play music in the background without a premium subscription. Simply download the app from the Google Play Store and follow the instructions to install it.
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Swipe Up on iPad: If you’re an iPad user, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the control center and play music in the background. This works even if you don’t have a YouTube Music Premium subscription.
In conclusion, these tips and tricks can help you get the most out of YouTube Music and enjoy your favorite songs even when the app is not open. With a little bit of optimization and some alternative solutions, you can listen to music on your terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to play YouTube Music in the background on Android devices?
To play YouTube Music in the background on Android devices, simply open the app and start playing a song. Then, press the home button to exit the app. The music will continue playing in the background. You can control playback from your device’s notification shade or lock screen.
Can I listen to YouTube Music in the background on my iPhone, and if so, how?
Yes, you can listen to YouTube Music in the background on your iPhone. Simply open the app and start playing a song. Then, press the home button to exit the app. The music will continue playing in the background. You can control playback from your device’s control center or lock screen.
Are there any third-party apps that allow background play of YouTube Music for free?
Yes, there are third-party apps available that allow background play of YouTube Music for free. However, we do not recommend using these apps as they may violate YouTube’s terms of service and could potentially harm your device.
Is it possible to have YouTube Music playing in the background on a laptop?
No, it is not currently possible to have YouTube Music playing in the background on a laptop. However, you can use a browser extension such as “YouTube NonStop” to prevent videos from pausing when you switch tabs or minimize your browser.
What methods enable Samsung users to play YouTube Music in the background?
Samsung users can play YouTube Music in the background by following the same steps as Android users. Open the app, start playing a song, and then press the home button to exit. You can control playback from your device’s notification shade or lock screen.
Does YouTube Music offer background play functionality without a Premium subscription?
No, YouTube Music requires a Premium subscription to enable background play functionality. However, you can try the service for free with a 1-month trial subscription.
I’m Marcus Bextor, a seasoned software engineer passionate about demystifying technology. With over a decade in the tech industry, my journey began with a Computer Science degree, evolving through various roles in software development, system architecture, and project management. At MWTA, I leverage my expertise to provide in-depth, unbiased reviews of the latest tech products, from smartphones to smart homes. My blogs aim to be accessible to all, breaking down complex jargon into simple language. Besides reviews, I share insights on tech trends and practical tips. Connect with me for questions and suggestions as we explore the tech world together.