Have you ever wanted to listen to a long YouTube lecture while on a run, or play your favourite music mix while replying to emails, only to have the audio cut out the second you switch apps or lock your screen? It’s a common frustration. You’ve found the perfect podcast, an insightful audiobook, or a killer playlist, but you want to multitask on your phone.
Keeping YouTube running in the background on a mobile device can seem like a technical hurdle, but it’s simpler than you might think. Whether you’re looking for an official solution or some clever workarounds, there are several ways to achieve uninterrupted background listening. This guide will walk you through the best methods to play YouTube audio in the background, so you can keep the sound going no matter what else you’re doing on your phone.
Ready to unlock a better mobile YouTube experience? Let’s get started!
A Quick Note on Legal Considerations
Before we dive into the “how,” it’s important to talk about the “should.” YouTube’s terms of service have specific rules about downloading content. Generally, downloading videos or audio from the platform without permission from the content creator or YouTube itself is a violation of their policies.
Many creators rely on ad revenue generated from views on the platform, and downloading their content can impact their livelihood. We encourage you to support creators by using official and ethical methods. This guide will cover legitimate ways to enjoy background playback, such as YouTube Premium, as well as other methods. Always be mindful of copyright laws and respect the hard work of content creators.
Method 1: The Official Way with YouTube Premium
The easiest and most straightforward way to listen to YouTube in the background is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. It’s the official, hassle-free solution designed for exactly this purpose.
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service that enhances your viewing and listening experience. One of its main features is background play, which allows audio to continue playing even when you switch to another app or lock your phone’s screen. Think of it like a music streaming service, but for everything on YouTube!
How to use YouTube Premium for background listening:
- Subscribe to YouTube Premium: If you don’t already have a subscription, go to the YouTube website or open the app, tap on your profile picture, and select “Get YouTube Premium.” You’ll often get a free trial to test it out.
- Open the YouTube app: Once subscribed, simply open the app on your mobile device.
- Play a video: Find the video you want to listen to and press play.
- Switch apps or lock your screen: You can now navigate to your home screen, open another app, or lock your phone. The audio will continue to play seamlessly. You’ll even see playback controls in your notification bar and on your lock screen, just like with other audio apps.
[Image: Screenshot of YouTube Premium’s background play feature in action, showing playback controls on a locked screen.]
Why it’s a great option:
- Ad-Free Experience: Say goodbye to interruptions! Premium removes all ads from videos.
- YouTube Music Premium Included: You also get full access to YouTube Music, a dedicated music streaming app.
- Offline Downloads: You can legally download videos and playlists to watch or listen to later without an internet connection.
If you’re a heavy YouTube user, Premium offers a bundle of benefits that make the subscription fee well worth it.
Method 2: Browser Tricks for Background Play
Don’t want to pay for a subscription? No problem! You can use a clever trick with your phone’s web browser to enable background listening for free. This method works on both iOS and Android devices, though the steps are slightly different.
The key is to request the desktop version of the YouTube website within your mobile browser.
For iOS (iPhone/iPad) using Safari:
- Open the Safari app and navigate to youtube.com.
- Find the video you want to listen to.
- Tap the “aA” icon in the address bar on the left.
- From the dropdown menu, select “Request Desktop Website.”
- Press play on the video.
- Now, switch to your home screen or lock your phone. The audio will likely pause.
- Open the Control Centre (by swiping down from the top-right corner on newer iPhones or up from the bottom on older models).
- You’ll see the video in your media playback controls. Just tap the play button here, and the audio will resume in the background!
[Image: GIF showing the process of requesting the desktop site in Safari and resuming playback from the Control Centre.]
For Android using Chrome:
- Open the Chrome app and go to youtube.com.
- Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.
- Check the box for “Desktop site.”
- Find and play your desired video.
- Go to your home screen or lock your phone. The audio should continue playing. If it pauses, pull down the notification shade and press play on the media controls.
This browser method is a fantastic free alternative, though it can sometimes be a bit finicky. If it stops working, simply repeating the steps usually fixes the issue.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
Another popular route for a YouTube audio download is using third-party applications. These apps are specifically designed to download YouTube videos as audio files (like MP3s) onto your device.
A word of caution: tread carefully here. The app stores are full of options, but not all are safe or reliable. Some may contain malware or bombard you with ads. It’s crucial to choose a reputable app.
How to find and use a safe third-party app:
- Read Reviews: Before downloading any app, check its ratings and read user reviews. Look for feedback that mentions safety, reliability, and ease of use.
- Check Permissions: When you install an app, pay attention to the permissions it requests. If a simple audio downloader asks for access to your contacts or messages, that’s a major red flag.
- Avoid Unofficial App Stores: Stick to downloading apps from the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store to minimise your risk of encountering malicious software.
Some apps that have been historically reliable include Documents by Readdle on iOS (which has a built-in browser) or various downloader apps on Android. The process generally involves:
- Finding the YouTube video you want.
- Copying the video’s URL.
- Pasting the URL into the third-party app.
- Choosing the audio format (e.g., MP3) and starting the download.
Remember, this method often violates YouTube’s terms of service, so proceed at your own discretion.
Tips for Safe Downloading
If you choose to use third-party apps or websites for your YouTube audio download, keeping your device and data safe should be your top priority.
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help protect your privacy by masking your IP address.
- Install Antivirus Software: Having reputable antivirus software on your device can help detect and block malware from suspicious apps or sites.
- Don’t Provide Personal Information: Never enter personal details or login credentials on a third-party downloader website or app.
- Be Wary of Pop-ups: Many downloader sites are filled with misleading pop-up ads that claim your device is infected. Close them immediately and don’t click on anything.
Your Ultimate Listening Experience
Now you have three solid methods to enjoy YouTube audio in the background on your mobile device. Whether you opt for the convenience and security of YouTube Premium, the cleverness of the browser trick, or the flexibility of a third-party app, you no longer have to let a locked screen stop the music.
We recommend starting with the browser method—it’s free and safe. If you find yourself using it frequently and want a smoother, ad-free experience, a YouTube Premium subscription is an excellent investment that also supports creators.
Happy listening!
