YouTube has become an essential part of our daily lives, providing entertainment, education, and a platform for content creators. However, one feature that many iOS users long for is the ability to play YouTube videos in the background while using other applications or when their device is locked. Unfortunately, the official YouTube app does not support background play unless you subscribe to YouTube Premium. This limitation can be frustrating, especially for users who want to enjoy music or podcasts without keeping the app open. In this post, we’ll explore various methods to enable YouTube background play on iOS devices, including both free and paid options.
Understanding YouTube’s Background Play Policy
YouTube’s policy for background play is primarily designed to encourage users to subscribe to its premium service. By limiting this feature, YouTube ensures that it can generate revenue while offering additional perks to paying subscribers. However, this has led users to seek alternative methods to achieve background playback without the need for a subscription. Knowing how to navigate this policy can help you find a solution that works for you.
Using YouTube Premium for Background Play
The simplest and most straightforward way to enable background play on YouTube for iOS users is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. This subscription offers several benefits, including ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and the ability to play videos in the background. Once you have a YouTube Premium account, you can easily play videos in the background by simply starting a video and then navigating to another app or locking your device.
However, this option may not be feasible for everyone, as it requires a monthly fee. For users looking for budget-friendly alternatives, there are other methods to consider.
Utilizing Safari for Background Playback
One of the most popular methods to enable YouTube background play on iOS without a subscription is through the Safari browser. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Safari on your iOS device.
- Navigate to the YouTube website (youtube.com).
- Find the video you want to watch and start playing it.
- Tap the “Aa” icon in the address bar and select “Request Desktop Website.”
- Once the video is playing, you can exit Safari or lock your device.
- Open the Control Center by swiping down from the upper-right corner (iPhone X and later) or swiping up from the bottom (iPhone 8 and earlier).
- You should see the video playback controls, allowing you to play, pause, or skip the video.
This method effectively tricks the YouTube app into thinking you are still actively using it, thus allowing you to enjoy background playback without needing a premium subscription.
Third-Party Apps for Background Playback
Several third-party apps on the App Store can also enable background playback of YouTube videos. These apps often aggregate YouTube content and provide additional features like playlists, offline downloads, and more flexible playback options. Some popular choices include:
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Musica – This app lets you search for and play YouTube videos with background audio capabilities. It has a simple interface and supports creating playlists.
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YouTube++ – Although it requires some extra steps to install, YouTube++ is a modified app that allows background playback and other additional features that the official app does not provide.
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VLC for Mobile – This media player can also be used to stream YouTube videos. You can copy the video link and open it in VLC, allowing you to play it in the background.
While these third-party apps can be convenient, it’s essential to be cautious and ensure that you are downloading from reputable sources to avoid potential security risks.
Exploring Other Alternatives
If you frequently listen to music or podcasts on YouTube, consider exploring other music streaming services that support background playback natively. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud offer extensive libraries of music and podcasts and often provide free trials or ad-supported listening options.
Additionally, many content creators upload their audio content to podcast platforms. By subscribing to podcasts, you can enjoy similar content without the hassle of YouTube’s limitations.
Conclusion
Enabling background playback for YouTube on iOS devices can be accomplished through various methods, whether you choose to subscribe to YouTube Premium, use Safari, or explore third-party apps. Each option has its advantages and limitations, so consider your preferences and needs when deciding which method to use. While YouTube’s policy may restrict background play for non-premium users, these workarounds offer viable solutions for enjoying your favorite content seamlessly.
