YouTube has become one of the most popular platforms for streaming videos and music. Whether you enjoy watching informative tutorials, listening to your favorite songs, or catching up on the latest vlogs, YouTube offers a vast library of content. However, one common annoyance for iPhone users is that the YouTube app does not continue playing when you exit the app or lock your phone. In this blog post, we will explore different options and methods to keep the YouTube app playing on your iPhone, allowing you to enjoy your favorite videos and music without interruption.
What’s Needed
- iPhone device with the YouTube app installed
- Stable internet connection
- Basic knowledge of using your iPhone and its settings
Video Tutorial:
What Requires Your Focus?
- Understanding the limitations of the YouTube app on iPhone
- Choosing the most suitable option to keep the YouTube app playing
- Implementing the selected option and adjusting settings accordingly
Option 1: How to Use Picture-in-Picture Mode
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is a built-in feature in iOS that allows you to watch videos in a small overlay window while using other apps. Follow the steps below to enable PiP mode for the YouTube app:
Pros:
- Ability to multitask while continuing to watch YouTube videos
- Easy to enable and disable PiP mode
Cons:
- Not all videos on YouTube are compatible with PiP mode
- Requires iOS 14 or later
1. Open the YouTube app on your iPhone.
2. Start playing a video of your choice.
3. Swipe up from the bottom edge or press the home button to go back to your home screen.
4. The YouTube video should now automatically minimize into a small window.
5. The PiP window can be dragged around the screen to position it as desired.
Option 2: How to Use Safari Browser
If you prefer to use the Safari browser instead of the YouTube app, you can easily keep the videos playing in the background. Follow these steps:
Pros:
- Works with any video on YouTube, not limited to PiP-compatible videos
- Can be used on older versions of iOS
Cons:
- Requires the Safari browser app
- May not offer all the features available in the YouTube app
1. Open the Safari browser on your iPhone.
2. Visit the YouTube website by searching for it or typing in the URL: http://www.youtube.com.
3. Sign in to your YouTube account if prompted.
4. Search for the video you want to watch and start playing it.
5. Press the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to exit Safari.
6. The audio of the YouTube video will continue playing in the background.
Option 3: How to Use Third-Party Apps
There are several third-party apps available on the App Store that allow you to play YouTube videos in the background on your iPhone. Here’s how to use one of these apps:
Pros:
- Offers additional features not available in the YouTube app or Safari browser
- Provides more control over playback and audio settings
Cons:
- Requires downloading and using a separate app
- Some third-party apps may have ads or additional costs for advanced features
1. Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for “YouTube background player” or similar keywords.
2. Browse through the available apps and read their descriptions and reviews.
3. Select and download an app that suits your needs and preferences.
4. Open the third-party app and sign in to your YouTube account if prompted.
5. Search for the video you want to watch and start playing it within the app.
6. Exit the app or lock your phone while the video continues playing in the background.
Option 4: How to Use YouTube Premium
If you are a frequent YouTube user and want an ad-free experience with the ability to play videos in the background, YouTube Premium is a subscription service offered by YouTube. Here’s how to use YouTube Premium to keep videos playing on your iPhone:
Pros:
- Ad-free experience
- Ability to download videos for offline viewing
Cons:
- Requires a paid subscription to YouTube Premium
- Not available in all countries
1. Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for the “YouTube” app.
2. Install the app and open it.
3. Sign in to your YouTube account or create a new account if required.
4. Tap on your profile picture or icon at the top right corner of the app.
5. Select “Get YouTube Premium” or a similar option.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
7. Once subscribed, you can play YouTube videos in the background by exiting the app or locking your phone.
Why Can’t I Keep YouTube App Playing?
While the above options allow you to keep YouTube videos playing in the background on your iPhone, there may be reasons why you cannot use these methods. Here are three alternative solutions to consider:
1. Use an audio-only streaming service: If you primarily listen to music on YouTube, consider subscribing to a dedicated music streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music. These platforms provide a seamless experience for continuous playback of music, even when your phone is locked or when using other apps.
2. Download videos for offline viewing: If you have limited internet connectivity or want to watch YouTube videos without any interruptions, you can use the YouTube app’s offline feature to download videos for later viewing. This way, you can watch them without needing an internet connection and without worrying about background playback.
3. Look for YouTube alternatives: There are several video streaming platforms available that offer background playback on their apps. Look for alternatives to YouTube that provide the features you need, such as playing videos in the background or allowing audio-only playback.
Implications and Recommendations
Keeping the YouTube app playing on your iPhone can have both benefits and implications. Here are three important points to consider:
1. Battery life: Playing videos in the background simultaneously with other apps can drain your iPhone’s battery faster. It is recommended to keep your device connected to a power source if you plan on using this feature extensively.
2. Data usage: Continuous playback of YouTube videos while using other apps can consume a significant amount of data. If you have a limited data plan or are concerned about exceeding your data usage, it is advisable to connect to a Wi-Fi network before enabling background playback.
3. Privacy and security: Some third-party apps or services may require additional permissions or access to your YouTube account. Be cautious when granting permissions and ensure that you trust the app or service provider before providing any sensitive information.
The Bottom Line
While the YouTube app on iPhone does not natively support background playback, there are several options available to overcome this limitation. Whether you choose to use picture-in-picture mode, the Safari browser, third-party apps, or subscribe to YouTube Premium, you can enjoy uninterrupted YouTube videos and music on your iPhone. Consider your preferences, requirements, and any potential implications before implementing the option that best suits your needs.
5 FAQs about Keeping YouTube App Playing on iPhone
Q1: Can I use PiP mode with any video on YouTube?
A: No, not all videos on YouTube are compatible with PiP mode. YouTube determines which videos are eligible for PiP playback.
Q2: Do I need to pay for YouTube Premium to keep videos playing in the background?
A: Yes, YouTube Premium is a subscription service that offers background playback, ad-free streaming, and additional features. However, it is not the only way to achieve background playback on iPhone.
Q3: Are there any free third-party apps that allow for background playback on iPhone?
A: Yes, there are free third-party apps available on the App Store that provide background playback for YouTube videos. However, these apps may have limitations or display ads.
Q4: Will using background playback on YouTube drain my iPhone’s battery faster?
A: Yes, playing videos in the background along with other apps can consume more battery power. It is recommended to keep your device connected to a power source if you plan on using this feature extensively.
Q5: Can I use any browser other than Safari to play YouTube videos in the background?
A: While Safari is the default browser on iPhone, other browsers like Chrome or Firefox can also be used to play YouTube videos in the background. However, the steps may vary slightly depending on the browser you choose.