Navigating the vast ocean of YouTube content can be an exhilarating experience. From music and podcasts to tutorials and vlogs, there’s something for everyone. However, when you’re using your Samsung device, you might find yourself yearning for the ability to play YouTube videos in the background while performing other tasks or conserving battery life. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various ways to achieve this feature, providing you with step-by-step instructions and valuable insights to ensure an optimal experience.
Understanding the Importance of Background Play on YouTube
Playing YouTube in the background offers several advantages that enhance the user experience:
- Multitasking: Users can engage with other apps or activities without interrupting their video or audio content.
- Battery Conservation: Listening to content without keeping the screen on can save battery life, especially when streaming music or podcasts.
For Samsung users, there are specific techniques that can help you play YouTube in the background effortlessly.
Method 1: Using YouTube Premium
One of the most straightforward ways to play YouTube videos in the background on your Samsung device is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. This premium service includes several features, including background play.
Step-by-Step Guide to Activate YouTube Premium
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Open the YouTube App: Launch the YouTube app installed on your Samsung device.
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Sign In: Ensure you’re signed in to your Google account.
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Navigate to Account: Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
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Select “Get YouTube Premium”: Look for the option to subscribe to YouTube Premium. Click on it.
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Follow Subscription Prompts: You will be guided through the subscription process. Input your payment information and any other necessary details.
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Activate Background Play: Once you’re subscribed, background play will be enabled by default. Simply start a video, press the home button, and the audio will continue to play even as you navigate away from the app.
Advantages of YouTube Premium
- Ad-Free Viewing: Enjoy content without interruptions from ads.
- Offline Downloads: Save videos for later viewing without an internet connection.
- Exclusive Content: Access to original series and movies exclusive to YouTube Premium members.
Method 2: Using the Samsung Internet Browser
If you’re not keen on paying for YouTube Premium, you can still enjoy background play using the Samsung Internet Browser. This method involves a few simple steps:
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Samsung Internet Browser
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Open Samsung Internet Browser: Find and launch the Samsung Internet browser on your device.
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Go to YouTube: Type in “youtube.com” in the address bar and press enter.
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Select a Video: Find and start the video that you want to watch or listen to.
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Activate Desktop Mode: Tap on the three vertical dots in the bottom right corner of the browser and select “Desktop site.” This will allow you to access the full YouTube website.
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Play Your Video: Once the video starts playing, do not close the browser. Instead, press the home button.
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Access Notification Panel: Swipe down from the top of your screen, and you will see the media controls for your YouTube playback. You can pause, play, or skip directly from the notification panel.
Benefits of Using the Samsung Internet Browser
- Cost-Free Solution: You can access background play without any subscription fees.
- Versatile Browsing: You can use other browsing features while playing your video in the background.
Method 3: Third-Party Apps to Play YouTube in Background
If you prefer other alternatives, several third-party applications available on the Google Play Store allow you to play YouTube videos in the background.
Popular Third-Party Apps
- NewPipe: This open-source application lets you watch YouTube videos without the need for Google services. It allows users to play videos in the background seamlessly and has a minimalistic interface.
- YouTube Vanced: An advanced version of the YouTube app, YouTube Vanced offers ad-blocking features and enables background play. However, it is essential to note that YouTube Vanced is not officially endorsed by Google.
How to Install a Third-Party App
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Go to Google Play Store: Open the Play Store on your Samsung device.
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Search for the App: Type in the name of the desired app (e.g., NewPipe or YouTube Vanced) in the search bar.
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Install the App: Click on the install button and wait for the process to complete.
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Open the App: Once installed, open the app and navigate to the video you want to play.
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Enjoy Background Playback: Most of these apps will have built-in capabilities to play audio or video in the background.
Method 4: Utilizing Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode
Samsung devices running on Android 8.0 (Oreo) and above support Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode. This feature allows you to watch YouTube videos in a small window while using other applications.
How to Enable Picture-in-Picture Mode
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Open Settings: Go to your Samsung device’s settings.
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Select Apps: Find and select the ‘Apps’ option.
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Find YouTube: Scroll down to locate the YouTube app and tap on it.
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Select Advanced Settings: You may need to tap on “Advanced” or “Special access” to find the Picture-in-Picture option.
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Toggle on Picture-in-Picture: Make sure Picture-in-Picture is turned on.
Using Picture-in-Picture Mode
To utilize this feature:
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Play a Video on YouTube: Start playing any video on the YouTube app.
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Press Home Button: When you press the home button, the video will minimize into a small window.
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Reposition the PiP Window: You can move the PiP window around your screen.
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Interact with Other Apps: Feel free to check messages, browse social media, or use other applications while still watching your video.
Dealing with Limitations and Tips
While various methods exist to play YouTube in the background, be aware of some common limitations:
- Battery Drain: Continuously using video services can lead to battery drain, even in background mode. Consider closing apps you are not using.
- Ad Interruptions: Some free methods may not completely eliminate ads, impacting the overall experience.
Best Practices for Optimal Performance
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Clear Cache Regularly: Regularly clear the cache of the YouTube app to ensure smooth performance.
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Update Your Apps: Keep your apps updated to access the latest features and improvements.
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Monitor Battery Usage: If you notice excessive battery drain, evaluate which apps you are using in conjunction with YouTube.
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Use Wi-Fi When Possible: If you often stream content, consider staying connected to Wi-Fi. This will help save on mobile data costs.
Conclusion
Playing YouTube in the background on your Samsung device can significantly enhance your multimedia experience. Whether through the official YouTube Premium service, the Samsung Internet browser, third-party apps, or utilizing Picture-in-Picture mode, you have several options to choose from.
By following the methods outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy uninterrupted access to your favorite YouTube videos while multitasking or simply relaxing. Don’t hesitate to explore each method and find the one that suits your needs best. With a little effort, you can transform your Samsung device into an ultimate multimedia hub, allowing you to dive deep into the rich content YouTube has to offer. Happy viewing!
How can I play YouTube in the background on my Samsung device?
To play YouTube in the background on your Samsung device, you can utilize the official YouTube Premium subscription. This service allows users to enjoy an ad-free experience, along with the capability to play videos while using other apps. To get started, you need to download and install the YouTube app from the Google Play Store if you haven’t already.
Once you have signed up for YouTube Premium, play any video in the YouTube app. Then, simply press the Home button, and the video will continue to play in the background. This feature is particularly useful for listening to music or podcasts without needing to keep the app open on your screen.
Is there a way to play YouTube in the background for free?
Yes, there are a few methods to play YouTube in the background for free on Samsung devices. One common method is to use the web browser instead of the app. Open the browser, navigate to YouTube, and start playing your desired video. Then, switch to the desktop version of the site by selecting the option in your browser’s menu.
After the video begins, you can exit the browser, and it will stop playing. To continue the audio, swipe down to access the notifications bar, and you should see the media controls. You can also find third-party apps and browser extensions that can help achieve background playback without having to pay for YouTube Premium.
Can I use a third-party app to play YouTube videos in the background?
Yes, several third-party apps allow you to play YouTube videos in the background on Samsung devices. Apps such as NewPipe or YouTube Vanced are particularly popular among users who want to bypass the restrictions of the official YouTube app. NewPipe is an open-source app that enables background playback, as well as ad-free viewing.
However, keep in mind that third-party apps may not always be compliant with YouTube’s terms of service. It’s also important to download these apps from reliable sources to avoid any security issues. Always check user reviews and ratings to ensure that the app you’re considering is safe and effective.
What should I do if YouTube keeps stopping playback in the background?
If you’re experiencing issues with YouTube stopping playback in the background, it might be a result of your device settings. Make sure that battery optimization is turned off for the YouTube app. Samsung devices often restrict background activity to save battery, which might interfere with your playback. To check this, go to Settings > Apps > YouTube, then select Battery and choose “No restrictions.”
Additionally, you can check if your app needs an update. Outdated versions of apps can sometimes lead to performance issues. Open the Google Play Store, navigate to My apps & games, and check for any updates available for YouTube. Updating the app may resolve background playback issues.
Do I need a good internet connection for background playback?
A reliable internet connection is essential for uninterrupted background playback on YouTube. Streaming videos requires a stable data or Wi-Fi connection to ensure smooth playback. If your connection is weak or constantly dropping, you may experience buffering or playback interruptions, even when the app is running in the background.
To improve your experience, consider connecting to a stronger Wi-Fi network if available, or ensure you have a stable cellular data connection. Checking your internet speed can also help; aim for at least 5 Mbps for smooth video streaming. If your speed is low, consider troubleshooting your network settings or contacting your internet service provider for assistance.
Can I still receive notifications while playing YouTube in the background?
Yes, you can still receive notifications while playing YouTube in the background, provided that your notification settings allow it. When playing a video, notifications will appear in the notification shade, allowing you to view messages or alerts without interrupting your video playback. This is particularly helpful if you want to stay updated while enjoying your content.
However, keep in mind that some notifications or quick actions may temporarily pause the video. Once you dismiss the notification or return to your previous activity, playback can resume. Adjusting your notification preferences in the settings can help manage how you receive alerts while enjoying a seamless listening experience.
Is it safe to use YouTube Vanced on my Samsung device?
YouTube Vanced is often regarded as a safe alternative to the regular YouTube app for playing videos in the background, but you should always be cautious when downloading third-party applications. Vanced incorporates features such as ad-blocking and background playback that users appreciate. However, since it’s not available in the Google Play Store, downloading it from unofficial sources requires careful consideration to avoid malware.
To enhance safety, ensure you are downloading YouTube Vanced from their official website and not from third-party sites. Additionally, always check for reviews and user feedback about the app. Running a security check and using antivirus software can also offer an additional layer of protection on your device when using any unofficial apps.
Will playing videos in the background drain my battery quickly?
Playing videos in the background can lead to quicker battery drainage than simply using your device for standard tasks, as streaming consumes more power. However, if you are using a (YouTube Premium subscription) or a third-party app designed for background playback, you can optimize settings to mitigate this effect. Adjusting screen brightness, turning off unused features like Bluetooth, and closing other active applications can help conserve battery life.
Moreover, most modern Samsung devices come equipped with power-saving modes that can extend battery life. Utilizing these features while streaming content can help minimize battery drain and allow you to enjoy longer playback times without needing a recharge frequently. Remember to monitor your device’s battery settings for additional optimization options.