If you're using an Android phone, swipe down the notification panel and tap the "Play" button from the playback notification to resume playback in the background. If you're using an iPhone or iPad, open the control centre and tap on the Play button on the music widget to resume playback in the background.
Launch the YouTube app on Android or iOS smartphone. Choose a video you want to watch and start playing it. Turn off the screen or switch to another app while the video is playing. The video will continue to play in the background, even if you're not actively using the app.
Background play only works in the YouTube mobile apps and requires a YouTube Premium membership. Some videos aren't available for background play or to download offline, even if you have a channel membership.
YubePiP plays YouTube videos Picture in Picture. It enables background audio-only playback. It also allows you to play two videos at the same time, one in full screen and another in PiP.
Lock your iPhone, then tap the screen or raise it to wake it. Your Lock Screen will show the video in the Now Playing box. Simply tap play and listen away! If you don't lock your phone and instead switch apps without closing the browser, you can also keep playing the video in the background while you use another app!
It's not because of your device. It's because YouTube music doesn't allow playback while screen off. It's only a premium feature, provided by YouTube. Playback feature while screen off is only available for premium subscriptions.
Background Play is available on YouTube mobile apps when you're signed in with your YouTube Premium membership account. By default, videos will always play in the background. Select Background Play under "Background & Downloads."
Individual • Annual • $119.99 Discounted price when you buy 12 months up front. Doesn't automatically renew. Student • Monthly • 1-month free trial • Then $6.99/month Eligible students only. Annual verification required.
If you're on Android, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings menu. You'll see a widget with playback controls for your browser. Push the play button to continue listening to your audio. Likewise, if you're on iOS, the Control Center has a playback widget.