To make a YouTube video stay open on Android, simply activate the picture-in-picture mode. **This allows videos to continue playing while you navigate other apps or browse.** Knowing how to make YouTube video stay open on Android can enhance your multitasking and keep your entertainment flowing.
Start by opening your YouTube app and selecting a video. Tap the home button or press the home key after starting the video, and it’ll automatically switch to picture-in-picture mode. This quick trick keeps your videos visible while browsing or using other apps.
How to Make YouTube Video Stay Open on Android
Watching YouTube videos while using other apps on your Android device can be tricky, especially when videos automatically pause or close. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your YouTube videos playing even when you leave the app or switch to other tasks. This guide will walk you through different methods to make your YouTube videos stay open on Android, ensuring you enjoy seamless viewing without interruptions.
Understanding How YouTube Handles Video Playback on Android
Before diving into solutions, it’s good to understand how YouTube behaves on Android. Usually, YouTube stops playing videos when you exit the app or when your device goes into sleep mode, especially if you are not a YouTube Premium user. This is because Android’s system settings and app limitations restrict background playback to conserve battery and data.
However, YouTube Premium offers a built-in feature for background play, which lets you keep videos running even when you switch apps or turn off the screen. For non-premium users, there are alternative methods to mimic this behavior and keep your videos playing longer.
Using YouTube Premium for Background Play
The simplest and most reliable way to keep your video open on Android is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. Here’s how this service helps:
- Straightforward background playback feature integrated into the app
- No need for fiddling with settings or third-party applications
- Enjoy ad-free videos with the ability to listen anytime, even outside the YouTube app
To enable background play with YouTube Premium:
- Open the YouTube app and tap on your profile icon
- Navigate to “Purchases and memberships”
- Select “Try YouTube Premium” and follow the prompts to subscribe
- Once subscribed, go to a video, and tap the home button or switch to another app
- The audio keeps playing while you browse other apps or turn off the screen
While this is the most reliable and hassle-free method, it does require a paid subscription, which might not be suitable for everyone.
Using Built-in Android Features to Keep Videos Playing
If you prefer not to subscribe to YouTube Premium, you can still make your videos stay open using the Android system features. Here are some options:
Picture-in-Picture Mode
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is a handy feature available on most Android devices running Android 8.0 (Oreo) and above. It allows you to watch videos in a small window while using other apps.
- Open the YouTube app and start playing your video
- Press the home button or use the gesture to go to the home screen
- If PiP is enabled, the video will shrink into a corner of your screen
- You can move this mini-video window around and continue watching as you use other apps
To enable PiP mode:
- Go to your device’s Settings
- Tap on Apps ¬ifications
- Select Special app access
- Tap on Picture-in-picture
- Find YouTube in the list and turn on the toggle for PiP
Keep in mind that PiP works best with devices running Android 8.0 or newer and may have some limitations depending on your device’s manufacturer.
Using Third-Party Apps and Browsers
Certain third-party applications and browsers allow background playback of YouTube videos without a Premium account. Be cautious with these options, as they aren’t officially supported by Google and may pose security risks.
Some popular options include:
- Newpipe
- Vanced (discussed below)
- Firefox or other browsers using desktop mode
Using these apps is usually straightforward:
– Download the app from a trusted source or APK mirror.
– Open the app and search for your video.
– Use the app’s built-in playback controls to keep the video playing while navigating your device.
Remember, using unofficial apps might violate YouTube’s terms of service, so proceed carefully and at your own risk.
Installing YouTube Vanced for Background Playback
YouTube Vanced is a popular modded version of the official YouTube app that offers background playback, ad-blocking, and other features. It’s a favored choice for users who want free background play without subscribing to Premium.
To set up YouTube Vanced:
- Download the Vanced Manager from a trusted source.
- Follow the instructions to install Vanced Manager and then install YouTube Vanced through it.
- Open YouTube Vanced, and sign in if you like.
- Start playing a video, then turn off the screen or switch apps.
- The audio continues in the background, providing a seamless listening experience.
Note: Since Vanced is not an official Google app, it may not be available on the Google Play Store. Download from reputable sources and ensure your device’s security.
Tips for Enhancing Your Background Playback Experience
Maximize your experience by following these tips:
- Enable auto-start for your preferred app so it runs smoothly in the background
- Disable battery optimization for the app to prevent it from closing during background playback
- Adjust your device’s display timeout settings to prevent the screen from turning off prematurely
- Use a stable internet connection to avoid buffering disruptions
For each of these tips, you can find settings within your device’s Settings app under Battery, Apps, or Display.
Additional Methods to Keep YouTube Videos Open on Android
Besides the main options, here are some other creative ways:
Using Browser in Desktop Mode
Some users find that viewing YouTube through a mobile browser set to desktop mode allows them to play videos in the background.
Steps:
- Open your preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
- Navigate to youtube.com
- Tap the menu (three dots) and select “Desktop site” or “Request desktop site”
- Start playing your video
- Switch to another app while the video continues to play in the background
Splitting Screen Feature
On newer Android devices, split-screen mode lets you run two apps simultaneously.
Steps:
- Open YouTube and start your video
- Tap the recent apps button or use the gesture to access multitasking view
- Choose the app you want to open alongside YouTube
- Adjust the split-screen size to your preference
- You can watch the video in one part while using another app in the other
While split-screen doesn’t keep videos playing after you exit the app, it allows for multiple active apps with ongoing content.
Keeping YouTube videos open on Android involves exploring options that fit your preferences and device capabilities. For hassle-free and consistent background playback, subscribing to YouTube Premium remains the simplest choice. However, Android’s built-in features such as Picture-in-Picture mode, browser tricks, and third-party apps like YouTube Vanced offer effective alternatives. Remember to enable relevant settings, manage app permissions, and optimize your device for smoother playback. With these tips, you can enjoy your favorite videos longer and multitask seamlessly on your Android device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep a YouTube video playing in the background on Android?
On Android devices, use the recent apps menu to continue playing a YouTube video in the background. While watching a video, press the home button or swipe up to go to the home screen. Then, open the notification panel and tap the ‘Play’ button in the media controls to keep the video playing even when you navigate away from the YouTube app.
What steps can I take to prevent YouTube from pausing when I switch apps?
To prevent the video from pausing, ensure that the picture-in-picture (PiP) mode is enabled in your device settings. Start playing the video on the YouTube app, then press the home button. If PiP mode is active, the video will continue playing in a small window. You can also check app permissions and update your YouTube app for smoother multitasking experience.
Is there a way to keep a YouTube video playing without the app running actively?
Yes, you can use the YouTube web version in a mobile browser with desktop mode enabled. Open your browser, visit youtube.com, and request the desktop site. Play the video, then switch to another app or turn off the screen. The video should keep playing in the background, especially if your browser supports background audio playback.
Can I use third-party apps to keep YouTube videos playing on Android?
While some third-party apps claim to enable background playback on YouTube, many violate YouTube’s terms of service and may compromise your device’s security. It’s best to use official features like YouTube Premium, which allows background playback legally and reliably. Alternatively, some browsers with built-in media controls can help, but their effectiveness varies across devices.
How does enabling picture-in-picture mode help keep YouTube videos open on Android?
Enabling picture-in-picture mode allows you to continue watching YouTube videos in a small window while using other apps. To activate this, go to your device settings, find the Picture-in-Picture options, and enable it for YouTube. While a video plays, press the home button, and the video window will stay on your screen, letting you multitask easily.
Final Thoughts
To make YouTube video stay open on Android, you can enable picture-in-picture mode or use third-party apps. Ensure your device supports these features and update your YouTube app. Using split-screen mode also helps keep videos visible while multitasking.
In summary, knowing how to make YouTube video stay open on Android allows for seamless multitasking. Applying these tips makes your experience more convenient and efficient.
