In a world where multitasking has become the norm, the ability to play YouTube videos while engaging in other activities on your iPhone is a skill worth mastering. Whether you’re studying, working, or simply browsing social media, the convenience of listening to your favorite videos without interruption or distraction is invaluable. In this article, we’ll explore various methods on how you can seamlessly play YouTube while browsing on your iPhone.
Understanding YouTube’s Functionality
Before diving into the various methods, let’s take a moment to understand how YouTube works on the iPhone. YouTube is primarily designed to keep users engaged on its platform, which often means that when you leave the app or switch to another tab, the video playback stops. Thankfully, there are several techniques and tools available that can help you avoid this limitation.
Method 1: Using Picture-in-Picture Mode
One of the most convenient ways to enjoy YouTube while browsing on your iPhone is through the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode. Introduced in iOS 14, this feature allows you to watch videos in a floating window while using other apps. Here’s how to enable and use it:
Steps To Activate Picture-in-Picture On Your IPhone
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Ensure your iPhone is updated: First, check that your iPhone is running on iOS 14 or later. To do this, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
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Enable Picture-in-Picture:
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and select General.
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Tap on Picture in Picture and enable the feature by toggling on the relevant switch.
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Using YouTube in Browser:
- Open Safari or your preferred web browser.
- Visit YouTube’s website and start playing a video.
- Tap the full-screen icon on the video.
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Swipe back to the Home Screen or open another app. The video should minimize into a small, floating window.
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Moving and resizing the video: You can drag the PiP window to any corner of the screen and pinch to resize it.
Method 2: Using YouTube Premium
For dedicated YouTube users, subscribing to YouTube Premium can be a game-changer. This service not only removes ads but also allows you to play videos in the background, even when the app is closed or you switch to another app.
Benefits Of Using YouTube Premium
Here are some reasons why YouTube Premium is worth considering:
- Background Play: Continuously listen to your favorite content while using other apps.
- Offline Downloads: Download videos to watch anytime without a data connection.
How To Subscribe To YouTube Premium
- Open the YouTube app on your iPhone.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Select Get YouTube Premium and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your subscription.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
If you are not keen on subscribing to YouTube Premium, several third-party apps can help you play videos in the background. These apps circumvent some restrictions by providing advanced playback features.
Recommended Third-Party Apps
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VLC for Mobile: This versatile media player supports various multimedia formats and can stream YouTube videos. Once you set up VLC, you can put it in the background while using other apps.
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Documents by Readdle: This app acts as a file manager but includes a built-in browser that allows video playback in the background.
Using VLC For Mobile
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use VLC for YouTube playback:
- Download and install VLC for Mobile from the App Store.
- Open VLC and tap on the Network tab.
- In the address bar, enter the URL of the YouTube video you wish to play.
- The video will load, and when it starts playing, you can exit to the Home Screen, and playback will continue in the background.
Method 4: Utilizing Safari Workarounds
Another way to play YouTube videos while browsing is through specific manipulations within the Safari browser. This method does not require any subscriptions.
Simple Safari Trick
- Open Safari on your iPhone.
- Navigate to YouTube and select a video to play.
- Tap the AA icon in the address bar.
- Choose Request Desktop Website from the dropdown menu. This will load a desktop version of YouTube.
- Start playing the video and then press the Home button (or swipe up) to return to your Home screen. The video should now continue playing in the background.
Limitations To Consider
While there are multiple ways to enjoy YouTube while browsing on your iPhone, it’s important to note some limitations and challenges you might face.
Possible Limitations Of These Methods
- Audio-Only Playback: If you are using the Safari workaround, you can only hear the audio but won’t be able to see the video clips, unless you’re in the picture-in-picture mode.
- Battery Drain: Continuous video playback can lead to higher battery consumption, so keep an eye on your battery levels if you’re planning to multitask for extended periods.
Best Practices While Using YouTube On IPhone
To get the most out of your YouTube experience while multitasking, consider the following best practices:
Keep Your IPhone Optimized
- Update Regularly: Ensure your iPhone is regularly updated to the latest iOS version for optimal performance.
- Limit Background Apps: Close unused apps to free up memory and enhance performance.
Manage Audio Settings
- Use Headphones: For an immersive listening experience, especially when in public settings, it’s advisable to use a good pair of headphones.
- Control Volume: Adjust the volume based on your environment to avoid disturbances.
Conclusion: Navigate YouTube Like A Pro On Your IPhone
Playing YouTube while browsing on your iPhone doesn’t have to be a hassle. With techniques like Picture-in-Picture mode, YouTube Premium, and various third-party apps, you can enjoy your favorite videos seamlessly. Embrace these methods to enhance your productivity while still enjoying the vast world of YouTube content.
Whether you’re following a tutorial or simply enjoying music, now you can keep your videos going as you explore what else your iPhone has to offer. With these practices and an understanding of available options, you can truly optimize your YouTube experience on your iPhone. Happy browsing!
Can I Watch YouTube Videos While Using Other Apps On My IPhone?
Yes, you can watch YouTube videos while using other apps on your iPhone by utilizing the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature. This feature allows you to minimize a video into a small floating window that can be resized and moved around your screen. To use PiP with YouTube, ensure that you have YouTube Premium, as this feature is generally only available to Premium subscribers.
To activate Picture-in-Picture, simply start playing a video on the YouTube app and then swipe up or press the home button to exit the app. The video will automatically reduce to a small window. You can tap on this window to bring it back to the forefront or drag it to one corner of your screen while you navigate through other apps, keeping the video visible.
How Do I Download YouTube Videos For Offline Viewing On My IPhone?
Downloading YouTube videos for offline viewing can be easily done if you have a YouTube Premium subscription. Once you’re a subscriber, simply navigate to the video you want to download and look for a “Download” button beneath the video. Click on it, and select the desired video quality. After the download is complete, the video will be accessible in the “Library” section under “Downloads.”
However, keep in mind that downloaded videos are stored within the YouTube app and cannot be transferred to other apps or devices. You can watch these videos without needing an active internet connection, but the ability to play them is still tied to the YouTube platform, and they will expire after a certain period unless you reconnect to the internet to renew the download.
Is There A Way To Enable Dark Mode For YouTube On My IPhone?
Yes, enabling dark mode for YouTube on your iPhone is straightforward. To activate dark mode, open the YouTube app and tap on your profile picture located in the top right corner. From the dropdown menu, select “Settings,” and then tap on “General.” In this section, you will find the “Appearance” option that allows you to switch between light, dark, and use device setting modes.
Selecting “Dark theme” will change the interface to a darker background, making it easier on the eyes, especially in low-light conditions. The dark mode setting is also reversible, allowing you to change it back to the light theme whenever you choose by following the same steps.
Can I Control YouTube Playback With Siri On My IPhone?
Yes, you can use Siri to control YouTube playback on your iPhone, but it may require some setup depending on your iOS version. With Siri enabled, you can ask it to play specific videos, pause playback, skip to the next video, or even open the YouTube app. Just ensure that you have Siri configured correctly in your Settings, as well as granting appropriate permissions for YouTube to work with Siri.
To control playback, activate Siri by either saying “Hey Siri” or pressing the side button. You can use voice commands such as “Play on YouTube” or “Pause YouTube” to manage your viewing experience hands-free. Siri can also help you search for content, making it a convenient tool for quick interactions.
Are There Any Ways To Customize My YouTube Experience On The IPhone?
Absolutely! YouTube offers several customization options that can enhance your viewing experience on your iPhone. You can manage your subscriptions, adjust notification settings for specific channels, and modify autoplay settings. By selecting the “Subscriptions” tab, you can tailor your feed to only display content from channels you are interested in, while notifications can be turned on or off based on your preferences.
Additionally, you can create playlists of your favorite videos, allowing you to curate content based on different themes or moods. YouTube also has a ‘Watch Later’ feature, which lets you save videos to view at a more convenient time. Adjusting video quality settings based on your internet connection can also help personalize your experience further, ensuring smoother playback without buffering.
What Should I Do If YouTube Is Not Working Properly On My IPhone?
If you’re experiencing issues with YouTube on your iPhone, the first step is to ensure that the app is updated to the latest version. Go to the App Store, tap on your profile icon at the top right, and scroll to see if an update is available for YouTube. Updating the app can resolve many bugs and glitches that might be causing the problem.
If updating doesn’t resolve the issue, try restarting the app or your iPhone. Close the YouTube app entirely by swiping it up from the app switcher, then reopen it. If that doesn’t help, consider checking your internet connection. A weak Wi-Fi signal or limited data can hinder your ability to stream videos smoothly. In cases where problems persist, uninstalling and reinstalling the app could also help clear any underlying issues.