How to Play YouTube in the Background on iPhone Without Premium

Are you tired of your YouTube videos stopping every time you switch apps on your iPhone? If you don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium, you’re in luck! There are clever ways to play

Understanding the YouTube Premium Benefits

How To Play Youtube In The Background On iPhone YouTube

YouTube Premium offers several attractive features, making it appealing for many users. But what exactly do you get when you subscribe? Let’s break down the benefits:

Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted viewing without those annoying ads. This is especially great for binge-watching sessions!
Background Play: This feature lets you keep your video or music playing even when you switch to another app or lock your screen. Perfect for multitaskers!
Offline Downloads: You can download videos and watch them later, even without internet access. Ideal for road trips or flights!
YouTube Music Premium: Along with YouTube, you also get access to YouTube Music, which boasts a vast library of songs and playlists.

While these features are fantastic, many people prefer not to pay the monthly fee. For those users, understanding these benefits can help them decide if it's worth the investment or if they can find alternatives.

For instance, background play is one of the most sought-after features. Who doesn’t want to listen to their favorite music or podcasts while browsing the web? However, you can still achieve this without Premium by using a few simple tricks, such as:

Using Safari to play YouTube in the background.
Leveraging third-party apps that support background playback.
Exploring the option of using your iPhone's Picture-in-Picture feature.

So, while YouTube Premium does offer some compelling benefits, remember that with a bit of creativity, you can still enjoy most of the experience without the extra cost. In the next sections, we’ll dive into the specific methods that allow you to play YouTube in the background on your iPhone for free. Stay tuned!

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3. Why Play YouTube in the Background?

How To Play YouTube In The Background On iPhone

If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy your favorite YouTube content while multitasking on your iPhone, you’re not alone! Playing YouTube videos in the background is a game-changer, especially for those who love podcasts, music, or educational content. Here are a few reasons why this feature can enhance your experience:

Multitasking: Imagine listening to a tutorial or a podcast while cooking, exercising, or working. Background audio allows you to absorb information without needing to stare at your screen constantly.
Battery Saving: Keeping your iPhone screen on can drain the battery quickly. By playing videos in the background, you can save battery life while still enjoying your favorite content.
Improved Focus: Listening to background videos can help some people concentrate better while studying or working. The right sound can create an engaging atmosphere without the distraction of flashing visuals.
Enhanced Enjoyment: Music videos or playlists can set the mood for any situation, whether you’re relaxing at home or getting ready for a night out. Background playback lets you enjoy the vibes without interruption.

With these benefits in mind, you might be wondering how to enable this feature without subscribing to YouTube Premium. Let’s dive into some methods that can help you achieve just that!

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4. Methods to Play YouTube in the Background on iPhone

So, you’re eager to play YouTube videos in the background on your iPhone? Good news! You don’t need to shell out for a Premium subscription. Here are a few clever methods to help you listen while you browse or use other apps:

Method 1: Using Safari Browser

One of the simplest ways to play YouTube audio in the background is using your Safari browser. Just follow these steps:

Open Safari on your iPhone.
Go to the YouTube website and find the video you want to play.
Start playing the video.
Tap the AA icon (in the address bar) and select Request Desktop Website.
Once the video is playing, press the Home button or swipe up (for iPhone X and later) to minimize Safari.
Swipe down from the top-right corner to access the Control Center and tap the Play button.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps

If you’re looking for a more dedicated solution, several third-party apps can help you play YouTube videos in the background:

Musica: This app allows you to search for YouTube videos and play them in the background. It’s user-friendly and offers a seamless experience.
MyTube: Another excellent option, MyTube provides a clean interface to play YouTube videos with background playback functionality.

Method 3: Using YouTube with Picture-in-Picture

On iOS 14 and later, you can use the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature to continue watching videos while using other apps. Here’s how:

Enable Picture-in-Picture in your iPhone settings.
Play a video on the YouTube app.
Swipe up to go to the home screen, and the video will continue playing in a small window.

With these methods, you can enjoy your favorite YouTube content without the need for a premium membership, giving you the freedom to multitask like a pro!

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5. Using Safari to Play YouTube in the Background

If you're looking to enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts on YouTube without the hassle of keeping the app open, Safari can be your best friend. Yes, that's right! You can use the mobile version of YouTube through Safari to play videos in the background. Let’s break down how to do this step by step.

First, open Safari on your iPhone and navigate to the YouTube website. Once you’re there, follow these simple instructions:

Find the video you want to play.
Tap on it to start playing.
Once the video starts, tap the Aa icon in the address bar and select Request Desktop Website.
Your video will continue to play, but the screen may turn off after a while. Don’t worry!
To bring the video back, swipe up from the bottom (or double-click the Home button) to access your controls, and you should see the playback controls there. Tap the play button, and voilà!

This method allows you to use other apps while still enjoying your YouTube content. Keep in mind, however, that if you switch apps, your video may pause, so you might want to keep an eye on it.

To enhance this experience further, consider adjusting your settings on Safari to prevent it from closing when you navigate away from the app. You can do this by going to Settings > Safari and ensuring that you have background app refresh enabled. This simple adjustment can make your listening experience smoother.

Remember, while this workaround is a great way to enjoy YouTube in the background, it may not be as seamless as using YouTube Premium. But for those who want to save a few bucks, it's definitely worth a try!

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6. Third-Party Apps for Background Playback

If Safari doesn’t quite do the trick for you, there are several third-party apps designed specifically for background playback of YouTube videos. These apps can give you a more reliable experience without the need for a premium subscription. Here are a few popular options:

Musica – This app allows you to search for YouTube videos and play them in the background. It’s user-friendly and perfect for music lovers who want to listen without the video.
TubeMaster – With TubeMaster, you can easily create playlists from your favorite YouTube videos. The app runs smoothly in the background, ensuring your music never stops.
VLC for Mobile – While VLC is primarily known as a media player, it has a built-in feature to stream YouTube videos. Just paste the video link, and you're good to go!

Installing any of these apps is straightforward. Simply head to the App Store, search for the app you’re interested in, and hit Get to download it.

Once installed, you can start searching for YouTube videos and enjoy the convenience of background playback. This means you can seamlessly switch between apps, check your messages, or browse social media while still immersing yourself in your favorite content.

Keep in mind that while these apps are handy, they may not provide an exact replica of the YouTube app experience. Features like comments, subscriptions, and recommendations might be limited, but for background listening, they’re a fantastic alternative!

So, whether you choose to stick with Safari or explore third-party apps, you have plenty of options to enjoy YouTube in the background on your iPhone without paying for a premium membership. Happy listening!

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7. Tips for Optimizing Background Playback Experience

Playing YouTube videos in the background on your iPhone without a Premium subscription can be a game changer, especially when you're multitasking or just want to enjoy some music while using other apps. To ensure you get the most out of this feature, here are some tips that can enhance your background playback experience:

Utilize Safari: Instead of the YouTube app, open YouTube in Safari. This browser allows for background playback when you switch to another app. Simply go to the YouTube website, play your desired video, and then press the home button or swipe up to go to your home screen.
Use Picture-in-Picture (PiP): If your iPhone supports PiP (available on iOS 14 and later), make sure to enable this feature in your settings. This allows your video to float on the screen while you use other apps, so you won’t miss a thing!
Keep Your Phone Charged: Background playback can drain your battery faster. Consider keeping your iPhone plugged in while enjoying long sessions of music or videos.
Manage Notifications: To avoid interruptions during playback, turn off notifications or use Do Not Disturb mode. This way, you can enjoy your videos without distractions.
Choose Playlists: Create playlists of your favorite music or videos. This not only saves time searching for content but also ensures a seamless listening experience.
Download Content When Possible: If you have the option to download videos or audio files (from other apps or websites), consider doing so. You can then play these files in the background without relying on an internet connection.
Explore Third-Party Apps: Some apps allow you to use the YouTube platform for music and videos with background playback features. Apps like Musi or NewPipe (for Android users) can be great alternatives.

By implementing these tips, you can enjoy a more seamless and enjoyable background listening experience on your iPhone without needing that Premium subscription!

8. Conclusion

Playing YouTube in the background on your iPhone without a Premium account is entirely possible and can be a delightful way to enjoy content while still being productive. Whether you’re listening to music while working out, catching up on podcasts, or enjoying lectures while cooking, these methods can enhance your experience significantly.

Remember, using Safari for playback, taking advantage of Picture-in-Picture, and managing your notifications are some of the ways to elevate your listening experience. Plus, with options like creating playlists and downloading content, you can personalize your listening sessions to fit your lifestyle.

While a Premium subscription does offer additional features, these tips can help you maximize your current setup. So go ahead, explore your favorite videos, and enjoy the convenience of background playback on your iPhone!