For years now YouTube fanatics have been trying to find a way to enjoy their favourite music, videos, and podcasts while they continue using a different app on their phones. Unfortunately, the only way this could be done was if they were using YouTube on their PC or laptop, and that is just inconvenient. For all the Android and iOS users out there, we have put together a multitude of ways that will finally let you play YouTube in background without keeping you from using other apps on your phone.
`Picture in Picture mode
Another feature that lets you use YouTube simultaneously with other apps is the picture-in-picture mode and here is how you can put it to use.
Android users in the U.S. who are using Android 8.0 or higher can enable the YouTube picture in picture mode by following these simple steps on your mobile device:
Open Settings > Apps and Notifications > Advanced > Special app access > Picture in picture mode > YouTube > Toggle picture in picture on
Those living outside the U.S. can download and use a VPN app to make use of this feature but keep in mind that you need to have Android 8.0 or higher.
For iPhone users, the iOS 14 update has introduced the picture and picture feature as well. Unfortunately, this new feature is not supported by third party apps like YouTube and Netflix. However, there is a way around it.
Open YouTube in Safari > play your desired video in full screen > tap the picture in picture icon.
Browser
If all of the above-mentioned methods are a little too convoluted for you but you also do not want to miss out on experiencing YouTube in background, then here is another little trick that you can use.
Android users: open Chrome or Firefox > go to YouTube and play a video of your choice > tap on the three vertical dots in the top right corner to access the menu > select Desktop site
Once you tap the home screen button to exit the browser the video will stop playing. You will need to pull down the notifications bar to access the media controls for the video, press play, and you are all set. Now, you can switch to different apps and even turn off the home screen and YouTube will continue playing.
iPhone users: open Safari > go to YouTube > tap the AA icon situated to the left on the address bar > select Request Desktop Website > search for a video and hit play
After you return to the home screen, you will need to open the control center where you will find the media control box for the YouTube video playing in the background.
Pure Tuber
Pure Tuber is a multipurpose, easy to use app that offers a plethora of features to make your video streaming experience on YouTube better and convenient.
Features
- Play YouTube in background
- Block YouTube ads permanently
- Download YouTube videos
- Download YouTube audio
- YouTube picture in picture mode
- Sync your YouTube account to Pure Tuber
How to get Pure Tuber
- Download the app from Pure Tuber’s official website. You can also download it from alternative platforms: Google Play Store, Apkpure, Uptodown, Oppo Store and Vivo Appstore.
- Install the downloaded apk.
- Sign in with YouTube to sync your existing feed, downloads, and playlists onto the Pure Tuber app.
- You are all set to experience YouTube at its best and that too without having to spend a single penny.
Pure Tuber is a virus and malware free application that ensures the safety of your device and guards your personal information too. Currently, this app is available for Android users only. If you wish to use it on your desktops to avoid repetitive and pesky YouTube ads, then you will need to have Bluestacks installed on your computer.
You can find out more about Pure Tuber by visiting their official website.
YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is the upgraded version of YouTube which aims to enhance your video streaming experience. You need a paid membership to be able to use the app’s many features. Amongst a ton of amazing features, it lets you play YouTube in background and stream videos without skipping YouTube ads every 30 seconds. The monthly subscription for YouTube Premium costs $12.99. You can also get a family subscription package for $17.99 a month. You can also avail a one-month long free trial.
YouTube Music Premium:
The better and improved version of YouTube Music, YouTube Music Premium offers almost all the same services and perks as YouTube Premium, however, these features are exclusive to the YouTube Music app. Getting a monthly subscription worth $9.99 lets you make use of features like: playing YouTube in background, the picture in picture mode, and countless more. The family plan for this app costs $14.99.
Both YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium are compatible with Android and iOS devices.
Bottomline
Now that we have established that there are multiple ways that let you play YouTube in background while using other apps, all that is left is for you to decide on an option that suits your needs the best.
If a temporary solution is what you are looking for then playing YouTube in the Browser or the picture in picture mode might suit you best. If you have the latest versions of iOS and Android, then just a few tweaks will do it for you.
If money is not a problem, then getting a subscription for either YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium is the solution you have been looking for.
However, if you want to experience all the features offered by YouTube Premium, including being able to play YouTube in background, then Pure Tuber would be the way to go. Learn more about the app on their official website.
