How to listen to music on YouTube in the background for free: all the methods and tricks

Enjoying music anytime, anywhere is a necessity for many people. However, one of the most annoying limitations for those who use YouTube on mobile devices is the inability to play videos or music in the background without resorting to a paid subscription. Whether you prefer to catch up on your favorite playlists, enjoy exclusive podcasts, motivate yourself during exercise, or liven up your commute, being able to listen to YouTube music in the background for free It is a highly sought-after role.

However, although YouTube officially blocks this option in its native app unless you have YouTube Premium, there are methods and alternatives, both official and unofficial, that allow you to achieve this. In this article, you'll find comprehensive and up-to-date options, from simple methods using browsers and settings to advanced apps, so you can find the one that best suits your device, needs, and usage preferences.

Why doesn't YouTube allow background playback for free?

La restricting background playback The lack of ad-free access in the official YouTube app is due to commercial and copyright reasons. Google uses this feature as a competitive advantage and an incentive for users to purchase YouTube Premium, its subscription service. This model allows the company to monetize ad-free access, the ability to listen to music or podcasts with the screen off or while using other apps, and access to exclusive content.

Additionally, the type of licenses YouTube signs with record labels and content creators typically restrict the use of certain videos to the app and the active display of ads. That's why, when you try to listen to music in the background or with the screen locked in the official app (without Premium), playback stops.

YouTube Premium Benefits: Is It Worth Paying For?

YouTube Premium is Google's official solution for those who want to get the most out of their YouTube experience. This paid service includes multiple benefits:

• Play in the background and with the screen off, both in the main YouTube app and in YouTube Music.
• Complete removal of ads while playing any type of video, podcast, or music content, allowing for an uninterrupted experience.
• Access to offline downloads, which allows you to download your videos and playlists to watch or listen to later offline.
• enjoy of exclusive content under the YouTube Originals label.

The monthly cost of YouTube Premium is 11,99 EurosIn addition, there are family plans (for €17,99 per month for up to six members over the age of 13) and student plans (for €6,99 per month, subject to annual verification).

One of the most relevant advantages of YouTube Premium is that allows you to listen to background music Whether you're in another app, browsing, or with the screen locked. It also includes a YouTube Music Premium subscription, with unlimited access to millions of songs ad-free.

The subscription can be canceled at any time and, if you prefer, you can use the free trial period to assess whether it's worth paying for it on an ongoing basis. Keep in mind that some mobile operator plans may include promotions or free months of this service, so we recommend checking with your company if this applies to you.

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Free methods and alternatives to listen to YouTube music in the background

If you don't want to pay for YouTube Premium, there are various free alternatives that allow you to enjoy your favorite music in the background. Some of them require installing third-party apps, while others simply require using browsers with certain settings. Below, we show you the most effective, safe, and easy-to-use options.

1. Use browsers that allow background playback (Brave, Chrome, Samsung Internet, Firefox)

• Brave Browser: Brave stands out for its native support for background playback on YouTube and other platforms. Available for Android and iOS, it allows the video to continue playing even if you turn off the screen or switch apps. To activate it, go to Settings / Multimedia and turn on "Background Playback." Simply open YouTube from Brave and enjoy the music. You can also control playback from the notification bar.
• Google Chrome: On Android, you can open YouTube in Chrome, access the desktop version (enable "Desktop Site" from the three-dot menu), and, when playing a video, exit the browser. You can resume playback from the notification bar even if the app is in the background or the screen is off.
• Samsung Internet Browser: This browser, available on most Samsung devices and also downloadable on other Android devices, supports background playback by accessing the web version of YouTube. It works very similarly to Brave.
• Mozilla Firefox: On Android, you can install the "Video Background Play Fix" extension directly in Firefox, which allows YouTube to continue playing in the background. After installing it, start the video and minimize the browser: the music won't stop, and you can control it from the notification bar.

Advantages: They don't require installing any external apps beyond the browser. They work on both Android and iOS, although Apple's system tends to have more limitations. They don't remove YouTube ads, but they do allow playback with the screen off or using other apps.

2. Chrome Lite Method for YouTube Music (Android)

There is a very effective method allowed by Google to listen to YouTube Music for free in the background Using Chrome on Android, this involves uninstalling or disabling the official YouTube Music app (optional), opening the YouTube Music website in Chrome, requesting the desktop version, and adding it to your home screen as a shortcut.

• When installed as a “lite app,” you can play music with the screen off or using other apps.
• This method does not remove ads, but grants background functionality without the need for Premium.

The main disadvantage is that this solution is only valid on Android, and some features may vary depending on the system version.

3. Alternative browsers with PiP (Picture-in-Picture) mode

• Mozilla Firefox: With the right extension, Firefox allows you to play videos in a floating window and in the background on Android. This way, you can reduce the video to a small floating player that you can move around the screen while using other apps. When you close the floating window, some videos may pause; to prevent this, use the “Video Background Play Fix” add-on.
• Dolphin Browser: On iOS, Dolphin Browser is one of the most recommended browsers for playing YouTube music in the background. Just start the video, exit the app, and control playback from the iPhone's Control Center.

PiP mode is especially useful on devices with large screens and allows you to continue using your phone while the music or podcast continues playing.

4. Third-party apps: YouTube Vanced, YMusic, NewPipe, and others

• YouTube Vanced: This popular alternative app to the official YouTube app, although not available on the Play Store, is easily downloaded from its website or official developer channels. It offers an identical experience to the YouTube app, but with advanced features: background playback, floating window playback, and no ads. You can also log in with your Google account (requires installing MicroG) and access your favorites and history. It allows you to customize the interface, choose themes, and control videos just like in the original app.
• YMusic: Developed by the XDA community, YMusic specializes in music and offers background playback, audio-only downloads (saving data), quick searches, and offline playlist creation. Ideal if you're only interested in music and not videos. You can download audio tracks in any quality you want and control playback from the notification bar.
• NewPipe: This is a free and open-source app, available in alternative repositories like F-Droid. It's a minimalist yet comprehensive YouTube client: it plays videos and audio in the background, manages video and audio downloads (up to 720p), avoids ads, and respects privacy. It doesn't require Google services, although you won't be able to interact with comments or give likes.

There are also other apps such as HD Video Downloader y Fastest Video Downloader, which allow you to download videos or convert them to audio for offline playback. Some even allow you to save content to an SD card and automatically pause or resume downloads.

Important: These apps are not officially authorized by Google. Their use may pose security risks, vulnerability to crashes, and potential incompatibility with future versions of Android or YouTube. Install them only from trusted sources and at your own risk.

Other methods and tricks to listen to YouTube music in the background

• YouTube Premium Free Trial Month: Although it's not a permanent option, you can take advantage of the 30-day trial period to enjoy all the premium features, including background playback, at no cost. If you don't want to pay for the subscription, you can cancel before the end of the period.
• Using the desktop version on mobile devices: Sign in to your Chrome browser, go to YouTube, and select "View as Desktop" or "Desktop Site." This way, when playing a video, you can pause, resume, or stop playback from the notification bar, although some features may be limited.
• VLC Player for mobile: VLC supports playing YouTube videos as audio. Share the video link from YouTube to the VLC app and select "Play as Audio." This way, you can listen to music even with the screen off or while using other apps.
• iOS Apps with PiP Support: On iOS, apps like X.App let you stream videos from YouTube, Chrome, or other apps to your player and enjoy Picture-in-Picture mode or background playback, including support for iPhone and iPad.

Legal and privacy considerations when using external alternatives

Before choosing any method or application, it is important to consider some legal and privacy aspects:

• When installing apps outside the Play StoreMake sure you only download from trusted sites and carefully review the permissions they request. Some pirated apps may contain malware, adware, or violate your privacy.
• Downloading copyrighted content without permission may violate YouTube's terms of use and the law in your country.
• Apps like NewPipe or YouTube Vanced may stop working at any time due to platform-level crashes or changes to Google APIs.

If you value maximum security and support, opt for official options (YouTube Premium or standard browser-based methods). Third-party alternatives offer advanced features, but their use comes with certain risks.

Comparison of the best options for listening to music on YouTube in the background

Frequently Asked Questions About Playing YouTube in the Background

• Works in all devices? Most browser-based methods work on almost any modern Android device. iOS may have more restrictions, and functionality depends on the operating system version and browser used.
• Can I listen to music in the background without ads? Only if you use third-party apps that block ads (unofficial ones) or if you subscribe to YouTube Premium. Browser-based methods will display ads just like on the web.
• Is it legal to use apps like YouTube Vanced or NewPipe? Personal, non-commercial use is generally tolerated, but Google may take steps to block these apps. Downloading them always carries a small legal and security risk.
• Are app features lost when using browsers? In general, basic features are available (playlists, search, favorites), but the experience may be less fluid than the native app.
• What happens if a method stops working? Google occasionally makes changes to YouTube that can temporarily block some alternative methods. Therefore, it's a good idea to have several options at hand.

There are Multiple ways to listen to music on YouTube in the background for free, both from browsers that support background playback and with third-party apps for those seeking more advanced experiences. You can opt for quick, official, no-install methods, or explore apps that replicate YouTube Premium features for free, but with certain limitations and risks. This way, you can enjoy your favorite songs, podcasts, or music videos wherever and whenever you want, customizing your experience based on what you really need.