10 Best YouTube Background Apps (2025) for Seamless Playback

Tired of your YouTube videos pausing every time you lock your screen or switch apps? Whether you’re streaming music, catching up on podcasts, or following a tutorial, losing playback can be incredibly frustrating. That's where background play apps come in.

In 2025, more users than ever want the flexibility to listen to YouTube content while multitasking. Thankfully, there are plenty of solutions that let you enjoy uninterrupted playback. This article explores the best YouTube background apps—from official options to clever browser tricks and open-source tools. Whether you're on Android or iOS, you’ll find an app that suits your workflow, your budget, and your multitasking style.

Quick View: Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: YouTube Premium – Seamless, official, and ad-free
• Best Free App: Brave Browser – Background play with built-in ad-block
• Best for iOS Music Streaming: Musi – Designed for audio-focused users
• Best Open-Source Option: NewPipe – Lightweight and privacy-first
• Best for Pop-up Playback: Float Tube – Great for multitasking Android users

Quick Comparison Table

1.YouTube Premium

Native Support from YouTube

YouTube Premium is the easiest and most reliable way to enable background play without any third-party apps. It also removes all ads and unlocks YouTube Music.

Key Features

• Seamless integration across devices
• Download videos for offline use
• Works on mobile and desktop

Best for: Users looking for an official, all-in-one solution

Pros

• Native background play
• No ads at all
• Includes YouTube Music

Cons

• Monthly cost ($13.99)

2.Brave Browser

Free Browser with Built-In Background Play

Brave lets you play YouTube in the background even without Premium. With built-in ad blocking and privacy controls, it’s a powerful free alternative.

Key Features

• Built-in ad-blocker
• Background play support out of the box
• Enhanced security and speed

Best for: Users who want privacy and functionality without extra cost

Pros

• 100% free
• Great for private browsing
• Works on Android and iOS

Cons

• Cannot download videos

3.NewPipe (Android Only)

Lightweight and Privacy-First

NewPipe is an open-source YouTube front-end that supports background playback and audio-only streaming. It’s fast, ad-free, and doesn't rely on Google services.

Key Features

• Audio-only mode
• Download capability
• No ads or tracking

Best for: Android users who value speed, privacy, and no ads

Pros

• Completely free and open-source
• Minimal battery usage

Cons

• Requires manual installation (sideloading)

4.Musi (iOS)

Designed for YouTube Music Playback

Musi is a popular iOS app that transforms YouTube into a lightweight music player. It's perfect for those who stream playlists and podcasts.

Key Features

• Custom playlists
• Background streaming
• Simple, music-centric UI

Best for: iOS users who use YouTube as a music source

Pros

• Background play works flawlessly
• Smooth user experience

Cons

• Contains ads
• No video playback, only audio

5.Firefox Mobile + Desktop Mode

Smart Browser Hack

You can force YouTube into desktop mode via Firefox Mobile. Once in desktop mode, video continues even if you switch apps or lock your screen.

Key Features

• Cross-platform
• No installation needed
• Works instantly with browser trick

Best for: Users looking for a quick and easy workaround

Pros

• No cost or extra apps
• Works on Android and iOS

Cons

• Requires manual setup each time

6.Float Tube

Multitask Like a Pro

Float Tube opens YouTube videos in a movable pop-up window, letting you work or browse while the video continues playing.

Key Features

• Floating mini-player
• Video continues in background
• Simple interface

Best for: Android users who juggle multiple tasks

Pros

• Free and easy to use
• Good for multitasking

Cons

• Displays in-app ads

7.YMusic (Android)

Audio-Only Streaming to Save Data

YMusic focuses solely on the audio stream, making it perfect for users with limited bandwidth or who only care about the sound.

Key Features

• Download MP3s from YouTube
• Audio-only mode
• No ads

Best for: Data-conscious users who want YouTube audio

Pros

• Saves data and battery
• Full offline playback support

Cons

• Not available on Play Store (requires APK install)

8.Safari + Picture-in-Picture (iOS)

Use iOS’s Native Features

You can enable PiP (Picture-in-Picture) while using Safari. It’s a built-in trick that works without needing any third-party app.

Key Features

• Native to iOS
• Works on iPhones and iPads

Best for: iPhone users who prefer official workarounds

Pros

• No downloads or app installs
• Simple and smooth experience

Cons

• Slightly complex activation process

9.YouTube Vanced (Discontinued but Functional)

Legacy Favorite

Although discontinued, YouTube Vanced still functions on many older Android devices. It supports background playback and ad blocking.

Key Features

• Background and PiP support
• No YouTube ads

Best for: Legacy users who already have it installed

Pros

• Rich features
• Looks and feels like original YouTube

Cons

• No longer updated

10.ReVanced (Vanced Successor)

Community-Driven Solution

ReVanced is the spiritual successor to Vanced. It’s customizable, open-source, and supports all the same core features.

Key Features

• Background play and ad-free
• Wide device compatibility
• Highly customizable

Best for: Advanced Android users who want full control

Pros

• No ads
• Constantly updated by the community

Cons

• Requires manual installation and setup

FAQs

Can I play YouTube in the background for free?

Yes. Apps like Brave, Firefox, and Safari PiP offer free background playback.

Is YouTube Premium the only official way?

Yes. It's the only method officially endorsed by Google.

Are apps like NewPipe or ReVanced safe?

They are relatively safe if installed from reputable sources like GitHub, but caution is advised.

What’s the best option for iOS?

Musi or Safari with Picture-in-Picture is best for Apple users.

Do these tools drain battery?

Apps with audio-only modes (like YMusic or NewPipe) consume less power than video playback.

Will using these third-party tools get me banned?

There’s no evidence of bans, but unofficial apps do violate YouTube’s terms of service.

Can I use background play on desktop?

Yes. Keeping YouTube open in a browser tab or using PiP extensions works perfectly.

Which tool is best for multitasking?

Float Tube and Brave are great for users who switch between tasks often.

Conclusion

Multitasking is a must in today’s digital age—and losing playback every time you switch apps shouldn’t be the norm. Whether you go with YouTube Premium for the smoothest experience, or opt for free tools like Brave or Musi, there's a background playback option that fits your needs.

Each of the best YouTube background apps we’ve listed is reliable, effective, and tailored to different use cases—whether you want privacy, free audio streaming, or a multitasking-friendly setup.

Ready to take control of your YouTube experience? Pick the one that fits your lifestyle and enjoy non-stop streaming from anywhere. And if you're also creating your own music, try our AI Music Generator to bring your sound to life.