In our fast-paced digital world, multitasking is key, and YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for entertainment and education. However, many users have faced the challenge of wanting to listen to their favorite videos while using other apps or when the screen is off. If you’re a Samsung user searching for methods to let YouTube run in the background, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will explore various techniques and tools that allow you to enjoy seamless audio playback from YouTube while engaging with other apps or saving battery life.
Understanding Background Playback on YouTube
YouTube, by default, pauses audio playback when the app is minimized or when the phone screen is turned off. This limitation can be frustrating, especially when you just want the audio to continue playing in the background. Fortunately, there are several ways to bypass this restriction, depending on whether you’re willing to use apps, browser methods, or subscription services.
Before diving into the methods, let’s take a moment to understand what background playback entails:
- Efficiency in Multitasking: Background playback allows you to listen to videos while using apps such as social media, messaging, or web browsing without interruption.
- Enhanced Listening Experience: Many users listen to music, tutorials, and podcasts on YouTube. Background play maximizes your enjoyment and minimizes inconvenience.
- Battery Optimization: You can save battery life by turning off the screen while still enjoying audio content.
Method 1: YouTube Premium Subscription
One of the simplest and most effective ways to enjoy background playback on YouTube is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. This paid service provides various benefits to enhance your experience.
Features of YouTube Premium
- Background Play: Allows videos to continue playing even when the app is minimized or the phone’s display is off.
- Ad-Free Viewing: Enjoy your content without interruptions from ads.
- Offline Access: Download videos to watch later, even without an Internet connection.
- YouTube Music: Access to millions of songs and playlists without ads.
How to Subscribe to YouTube Premium
- Open the YouTube app on your Samsung device.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select “Get YouTube Premium.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the purchase.
After subscribing, simply open any video, minimize the app, and enjoy listening while you explore other functionalities on your Samsung device.
Method 2: Utilize Web Browsers
If you prefer not to opt for a subscription, using browsers can be an effective way to achieve background playback. Popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Samsung Internet, or Firefox can help you play YouTube in the background without any additional apps.
Steps to Play YouTube in the Background Using a Browser
- Open Your Preferred Browser: Launch Google Chrome or any other compatible web browser on your Samsung device.
- Go to YouTube: Navigate to the YouTube website.
- Request Desktop Site: Tap on the three vertical dots or the menu icon. Select “Request desktop site” from the menu options. This step is crucial since YouTube’s mobile site doesn’t support background playback.
- Play the Video: Select the video you want to play.
- Minimize the Browser: Once the video is playing, you can press the Home button or swipe up the recent apps to minimize the browser.
- Background Playback: Swipe down the notification tray, and you should find media controls to manage playback.
Common Issues with Browser Playback
- Video Quality: Playing videos in the desktop mode might increase data usage and battery drain, so monitor your preferences accordingly.
- Ad Interruptions: Browser playback might still include ads unless your browser has an ad blocker enabled.
Method 3: Third-Party Apps
Another alternative to watch YouTube videos in the background is by using third-party apps. Several apps available can enhance your experience by allowing background playback.
Popular Third-Party Apps
- NewPipe: This is a YouTube client that allows users to watch videos in the background without needing a subscription.
- YouTube Vanced: YouTube Vanced is another popular modified version of the app that provides ad-free viewing and background playback.
Using NewPipe for Background Playback
- Download NewPipe: Visit NewPipe’s official website and download the APK file.
- Install the App: Follow the prompts to install the app on your Samsung device.
- Search for Videos: Open NewPipe, search for your desired videos, and hit play.
- Background Playback: Once the video is playing, you can exit the app, and the audio will continue playing in the background.
Risks Associated with Third-Party Apps
- Security Concerns: Downloading APK files from unofficial sources may lead to security risks. Always ensure to download from trusted sources.
- Stability and Updates: Third-party apps may not be as reliable as official ones and can lack regular updates, affecting performance.
Method 4: Use Picture-in-Picture Mode
Samsung devices running Android Oreo or later versions support Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, which allows you to watch videos in a small floating window. While it does not provide pure background playback, it allows a multi-tasking experience.
How to Enable Picture-in-Picture Mode for YouTube
- Open YouTube and start playing a video.
- Tap the Home button, and the YouTube video will shrink into a small window that can be moved around your screen.
- You can interact with other apps while the video plays in PiP mode.
Limitations of Picture-in-Picture Mode
- User Interface: The floating window can be distracting for some users, especially in smaller screens.
- Limited Controls: The PiP mode doesn’t provide full controls like the app does, and you can’t turn off the screen without stopping playback.
Conclusion
Streaming YouTube videos in the background on your Samsung device can enhance your multimedia experience, allowing for efficient multitasking and uninterrupted enjoyment of your favorite content. From subscribing to YouTube Premium to utilizing web browsers and third-party apps like NewPipe or YouTube Vanced, multiple techniques cater to different preferences. Don’t forget about the practicality of the Picture-in-Picture mode if you are using a newer Samsung smartphone.
By following this guide, you can effectively enhance how you engage with YouTube on your Samsung device, paving the way for an enjoyable and productive digital life. Remember to choose the method that best fits your needs, be it through subscriptions, web browsing, or alternative applications. Happy listening!
What is the benefit of playing YouTube in the background on my Samsung device?
Playing YouTube in the background allows you to enjoy your favorite videos, music, or podcasts while using other apps or while your screen is turned off. This feature is particularly useful for multitasking, as you can listen to content without having to keep the YouTube app open. It’s great for those who want to conserve battery life while still enjoying their favorite media.
Additionally, having videos play in the background enhances the overall user experience, making it easier to engage in other activities like texting, browsing the web, or working on documents. You can also listen to lengthy content, like tutorials or lectures, without needing to keep your eyes glued to the screen, which might reduce eye strain.
Is a YouTube Premium subscription necessary for background play?
While it is possible to play videos in the background with a YouTube Premium subscription, it is not the only method. With a YouTube Premium account, you can seamlessly play content in the background with the app, even when your device’s screen is off. This subscription also eliminates ads and allows for offline viewing, making it a valuable investment for frequent users.
However, users without a YouTube Premium subscription can still explore alternative methods. These may include using browser-based solutions or specific apps designed to enable background playback without a paid subscription. While the experience might differ slightly, you can still enjoy content effectively.
How can I enable background play while using the YouTube app on my Samsung device?
If you have a YouTube Premium subscription, enabling background play is straightforward. Open the YouTube app on your Samsung device and go to Settings. Then, tap on “General” and toggle the “Background Play” option to your preferred setting, which can be either “Always On” or “Headphones or external speakers” only. This will allow you to play videos in the background when you exit the app.
For those without a subscription, there are options to achieve background playback. You can use the YouTube website through a browser like Chrome, and access the request desktop site option. By playing a video in this format and minimizing or navigating away from the browser, audio playback will continue without interruption.
Can I use a third-party app to play YouTube videos in the background?
Yes, there are several third-party apps available that allow for background playback of YouTube videos. Apps such as NewPipe or YMusic are popular alternatives that enable users to enjoy YouTube content without being limited by the official app’s restrictions. These applications often provide additional features, such as download options or audio-only modes, enhancing the listening experience.
However, it’s important to use these apps cautiously and ensure they comply with copyright rules and YouTube’s terms of service. Always download from reputable sources to protect your device and ensure you have the latest updates for functionality and security.
Will playing YouTube in the background affect my device’s battery life?
Playing YouTube in the background can impact your device’s battery life, but it largely depends on how you’re using the app. Streaming videos typically consumes more power than just listening to audio. If you leave the screen on while videos play, you may notice a quicker depletion of battery compared to playing audio in the background.
To mitigate battery drain, consider adjusting settings such as lowering screen brightness or using battery-saving modes available on your Samsung device. Additionally, if you’re only interested in the audio aspect of your content, switching to audio mode will help conserve battery life significantly.
What should I do if YouTube is not playing in the background as expected?
If YouTube is not playing in the background as anticipated, first, ensure that your app is updated to the latest version available in the Google Play Store. Sometimes, bugs or glitches can affect performance, and updates often include fixes for such issues. If the problem persists, try restarting your device, which can clear temporary files and refresh the system.
Another potential solution is to check the app settings to ensure that background play is enabled. If you’re using alternatives or a browser, ensure those settings allow background audio playback. A mismatch in settings or an outdated app could be the reason behind playback issues.
Can I listen to YouTube videos when my Samsung device is locked?
You can listen to YouTube videos when your Samsung device is locked, provided you have a YouTube Premium subscription. When this feature is enabled, videos will continue to play even if you lock your device. This is particularly useful for enjoying music playlists or long videos without needing to keep the screen on, ultimately improving battery life and convenience.
For users without a Premium plan, utilizing a browser to access YouTube can be a workaround. After starting a video, you can lock your device, and if set up correctly, the audio will continue to play. However, you may have to experiment with certain browser settings to ensure that the audio remains active when the screen is locked.
Are there any limitations to background playback on YouTube?
Yes, background playback on YouTube does come with limitations. For non-Premium users, the main limitation is that background audio playback may not work consistently across all platforms or apps. This can vary based on browser settings or app restrictions, which might limit how videos are played when minimized or locked.
Moreover, certain features are exclusive to YouTube Premium users, like offline video downloads or ad-free viewing. While alternatives and workarounds exist for background play, they may not provide the same seamless experience that paid subscribers enjoy, indicating that a subscription might be worth considering for avid users.