In a world where multitasking has become the norm, streaming apps play a vital role in our daily lives. One of the most popular platforms for music, podcasting, and video content is YouTube. While it offers a treasure trove of videos, many users find themselves frustrated by a common limitation: YouTube stops playing when you exit the app or lock your phone. Fortunately, Samsung device owners have several options to enjoy YouTube in the background, allowing them to listen to their favorite content while using other apps or saving battery life. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various methods to play YouTube in the background on Samsung devices, enhancing your overall experience with the platform.
Understanding the Need for Background Play
One of the main reasons users look for ways to play YouTube in the background is to enjoy music and podcasts without interruption. For instance, if you are listening to a yoga session on YouTube or a music playlist, you may want to switch apps to check your messages or social media without stopping the audio. Additionally, background play can help conserve battery life since you won’t need to keep the screen active while listening.
Exploring YouTube Premium
One of the most straightforward ways to play YouTube videos in the background is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. For a monthly fee, users can enjoy a myriad of features, including:
Key Features of YouTube Premium
- Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted videos without the annoyance of ads.
- Background Play: Keep the audio playing even when the app is minimized.
- Offline Downloads: Download videos for offline watching, perfect for commutes.
- YouTube Music: Access a vast library of songs, playlists, and music videos.
By opting for YouTube Premium, you’ll not only gain the ability to play videos in the background but also enhance your viewing experience with additional perks.
Enabling Background Play on Samsung Devices
If you’re a YouTube Premium subscriber, enabling background play on your Samsung device is simple. Follow the steps below to set this feature up:
Step-by-Step Guide to Enable Background Play
- Open the YouTube app on your Samsung device.
- Tap on your profile icon located at the top right corner.
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Navigate to “General.”
- Toggle on the “Background Play” option.
Once you have activated this feature, you can exit the app while enjoying your streamed content, maximally utilizing your Samsung device for other tasks.
Using the Samsung Internet Browser
If you don’t want to invest in a YouTube Premium subscription, there is another practical way to play YouTube videos in the background: using the Samsung Internet Browser. This method allows you to listen to audio without needing to keep the YouTube app open.
Steps to Enable Background Play via Samsung Internet
- Open Samsung Internet: First, ensure that you have updated to the latest version of the Samsung Internet app.
- Access YouTube: Enter the YouTube website in the browser.
- Select Your Video: Choose the video you want to play.
- Switch to Desktop Site: Tap on the three vertical dots in the top right corner and select “Desktop Site.” This will provide you with the full version of YouTube.
- Play the Video: Start the video, and then exit the browser or lock your screen.
- Utilizing Notifications: You can pull down the notification bar from the top of your screen to pause, play or skip tracks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While using the Samsung Internet browser, some users may encounter issues. Here are a couple of solutions to ensure a smooth experience:
- Clear Browser Cache: Regularly clearing your browser’s cache can improve performance.
- Update the Browser: Always ensure you have the latest version of Samsung Internet for optimal compatibility with YouTube.
Using Third-Party Apps
For those looking for alternative solutions, various third-party applications enable background playback for YouTube content. While many of these apps may include ads or limitations, they can still be useful.
Recommended Third-Party Apps
Some well-known third-party apps that provide background play capability include:
- VLC Media Player: This versatile app allows you to play media files and supports background play for YouTube videos.
- NewPipe: An open-source app for Android that plays YouTube videos without ads and permits background play.
How to Use VLC Media Player for YouTube
- Download VLC: Install VLC Media Player from Google Play Store.
- Access Stream: Open the app and select “Stream” or “Open Network Stream.”
- Copy Video URL: Go to YouTube, copy the video URL you want to play, and paste it into VLC.
- Play in Background: Start the playback and switch to other tasks on your Samsung device.
Utilizing the YouTube App’s Picture-in-Picture Feature
For devices running on Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher, Samsung users can benefit from YouTube’s Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, allowing you to watch videos in a floating window while using other apps.
Activating Picture-in-Picture Mode
- Go to Settings on your Samsung device.
- Scroll down and select “Apps.”
- Find YouTube from the list and tap on it.
- Choose “Advanced” and then tap on “Picture-in-Picture.”
- Enable the toggle for Picture-in-Picture.
With the PiP feature enabled, you can enjoy videos while chatting, browsing, or any other activity on your device.
Conclusion
Playing YouTube in the background on your Samsung device doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether you choose to invest in a YouTube Premium subscription for a seamless experience, utilize the Samsung Internet browser, explore third-party apps like VLC or NewPipe, or take advantage of the Picture-in-Picture feature, there are multiple ways to enjoy your favorite videos while multitasking. Embrace these methods to enhance your streaming experience and never miss a beat of your favorite content again. Happy listening!
What is background playback on YouTube?
Background playback on YouTube allows users to continue listening to a video even when they switch to another app or turn off their device screen. This feature is particularly useful for music videos, podcasts, or any content where audio is central, allowing for a more flexible and uninterrupted experience while using your Samsung device.
To take advantage of this feature, you typically need to be a YouTube Premium subscriber. However, there are some workarounds that might allow non-subscribers to achieve similar results, albeit with some limitations. It’s worth exploring these alternatives to determine what works best for your needs.
Do I need a YouTube Premium subscription for background playback?
Yes, the official way to enable background playback on YouTube is through a YouTube Premium subscription. This subscription not only allows you to play videos in the background but also benefits you with ad-free viewing, access to exclusive content, and the ability to download videos for offline viewing.
If you’re not ready to commit to a subscription, you can try alternative methods such as using the desktop version of YouTube in a browser or using specific third-party apps that enable YouTube background playback. Keep in mind that these methods may not offer the same level of reliability or features as a Premium account.
How can I enable background playback on my Samsung device?
To enable background playback on your Samsung device with a YouTube Premium subscription, simply start playing a video in the YouTube app, then navigate away from the app. The audio will continue to play even when you open other apps or turn off the screen. This seamless transition allows you to easily multitask while enjoying your content.
If you are using the browser option, you can open YouTube in a web browser like Chrome, play a video, and then switch to desktop mode. Once the video is playing, you can exit the browser, and the audio should continue to play in the background. Keep in mind that you might need to respond to notifications from the browser to keep it running smoothly.
Can I use third-party apps to enable background playback?
Yes, there are several third-party apps available that can enable background playback for YouTube videos. These apps often function by utilizing a web interface to stream videos, allowing you to play them in the background free of charge. Popular options include apps like NewPipe and VLC Media Player, which can stream content without needing a subscription.
However, while these apps can provide background playback, it’s essential to be cautious and ensure that you’re downloading them from reputable sources. Third-party apps may not always adhere to the same privacy and security standards as officially sanctioned applications, so always check user reviews and ratings before installation.
What if the background playback stops when I lock my screen?
If your background playback stops when you lock your screen, it could be due to settings specific to your browser or device. Ensure that your Samsung device settings allow background activity for the app you are using to play YouTube videos. You can check this by going to your device’s settings, navigating to the respective app, and allowing background data usage.
Additionally, if you’re using a mobile web browser, ensure that you’re not using a “Lite” version or a setting that minimizes background processes. Some browsers may have specific settings that interrupt playback to save battery. Adjusting these settings may resolve the playback issue when your screen is locked.
Is there a way to play YouTube videos in the background without an internet connection?
To play YouTube videos in the background without an internet connection, you will need to download them first. This feature is part of the YouTube Premium subscription, where you can download videos for offline viewing. Once downloaded, you can play the videos in the background, even without a data connection.
If you do not have a YouTube Premium account, finding videos to play offline becomes more challenging. However, some third-party applications may offer similar functionality by caching video content. Just be cautious and ensure that all downloads comply with copyright regulations, as unauthorized downloads may violate YouTube’s terms of service.