How to Play YouTube Videos in the Background on Your iPhone
Playing YouTube videos in the background on an iPhone can be a useful feature for those who want to listen to music, podcasts, or other audio content while using other apps or with the screen locked. While YouTube Premium offers an official way to do this, there are also some workarounds available for those who don’t want to pay for a subscription.In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different methods to play YouTube in the background on your iPhone, including using YouTube Premium, Safari’s desktop view mode, and other browser-based solutions. We’ll also provide a table with relevant information and a Wikipedia or .gov link for additional context.
Using YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is the official way to play videos in the background on your iPhone. Here’s how to sign up and use the feature:
- Navigate to the YouTube Premium homepage and click the “Try it free” button.
- Enter your payment information and zip code. YouTube Premium offers a three-month free trial, after which you’ll be charged $11.99 per month.
- Open the YouTube app and start playing a video.
- Lock your iPhone or switch to another app, and the video will continue playing in the background. You can pause and play the audio from the Control Center.
With YouTube Premium, you can listen to any video in the background without restrictions, as long as your subscription is active.
Using Safari’s Desktop View Mode
If you don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium, you can use Safari’s desktop view mode to play videos in the background. Here’s how:
- Open Safari and go to www.youtube.com.
- Find the video you want to play and start playing it.
- Tap the “aA” icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen and select “Request Desktop Website.”
- The page will reload, and the video player will look like the desktop version of YouTube. Tap the video again to start playing it in fullscreen mode.
- Close the app, and the audio will stop playing.
- Open the Control Center and press the play button in the music widget to resume playback.
This method can be finicky and may be removed in future updates, but it’s a free alternative to YouTube Premium.
Using Other Browsers
Other browsers like Firefox and Opera also allow you to play YouTube videos in the background on your iPhone. Here’s how it works:
- Open your browser of choice and navigate to YouTube.
- Search for your desired video and start playing it.
- Change to the desktop version of the site by tapping the options button and selecting “Desktop site.”
- Start the video and wait for any ads to finish.
- Go back to your home screen, and the video should start playing in picture-in-picture mode.
- You can leave the video playing, drag it to the edge of the screen, or close it by tapping the “x” button.
This method requires a few more steps but allows you to play YouTube videos in the background without a YouTube Premium subscription.
Comparison Table
Feature | YouTube Premium | Safari Desktop View | Other Browsers |
---|---|---|---|
Official support | Yes | No | No |
Cost | $11.99/month | Free | Free |
Reliability | High | Medium | Medium |
Ease of use | High | Medium | Medium |
For more information on YouTube Premium, visit the official website: https://www.youtube.com/premium
FAQ
- Does YouTube Premium work on Android?
Yes, YouTube Premium allows you to play videos in the background on Android devices as well as iPhones. - Can I download videos with YouTube Premium?
Yes, YouTube Premium includes the ability to download videos for offline viewing. - Does YouTube Premium work with YouTube Music?
Yes, YouTube Premium includes access to YouTube Music, Google’s music streaming service. - Are there any limitations to playing YouTube in the background?
Some premium videos or channels may not allow background playback, even with YouTube Premium. The Safari and browser-based methods may also have limitations or be removed in future updates. - Can I play YouTube videos in the background without any workarounds?
No, playing YouTube videos in the background on an iPhone requires either a YouTube Premium subscription or using a workaround like Safari’s desktop view mode or other browsers. - Will YouTube Premium work with other music apps?
No, YouTube Premium is specific to the YouTube platform and does not integrate with other music apps like Spotify or Apple Music. - Can I use YouTube Premium on multiple devices?
Yes, YouTube Premium allows you to share your subscription with up to 5 other family members through the Family Plan, which costs $17.99 per month. - Is there a student discount for YouTube Premium?
Yes, students can get YouTube Premium for $6.99 per month with a valid student email address. - Can I pause and resume playback with YouTube Premium?
Yes, you can pause and resume playback of YouTube videos in the background using the controls in the Control Center or on your locked screen. - Will YouTube Premium work with Siri or other voice assistants?
No, YouTube Premium does not currently integrate with Siri or other voice assistants for hands-free control of background playback.
By following these methods and understanding the limitations, you can effectively play YouTube videos in the background on your iPhone, whether you choose to use YouTube Premium or a workaround solution.
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