Play YouTube Videos in the Background for Free

As YouTube continues to restrict features for free users, including background playback and ad-free viewing, frustration is growing—especially among mobile users. However, privacy-focused Brave browser claims it still allows YouTube videos to play in the background for free, offering a workaround for users who don’t want to pay for a Premium subscription.

YouTube Continues to Roll Back Free Features

YouTube, one of the world’s oldest and most widely used video streaming platforms, has steadily limited features available to non-paying users. Functions that were once free—such as background playback and ad skipping—are now locked behind a YouTube Premium subscription.

For mobile users who simply want to listen to music, podcasts, or long-form videos while multitasking, these restrictions can feel particularly inconvenient. YouTube maintains that these changes are necessary to support creators and improve the platform, but many users feel that the free version of the service is shrinking rapidly.

Background Playback Now Requires YouTube Premium

Listening to YouTube videos in the background on smartphones—once possible through browsers or system tricks—now typically requires a paid subscription. Similarly, avoiding ads before and during videos also demands Premium access.

These changes have significantly impacted users who treat YouTube as an audio platform while using other apps.

YouTube Blocking Third-Party Browsers

Recently, YouTube has reportedly begun blocking third-party browsers that previously allowed background playback. This move appears to be part of a broader effort to tighten control over how content is consumed outside the official app ecosystem.

For users relying on browser-based workarounds, these blocks have made free multitasking increasingly difficult.

Brave Browser Steps In

Brave Claims Free Background Playback Still Works

This is where “Brave” enters the picture. Known for its strong focus on privacy, ad blocking, and tracker prevention, Brave says its latest updates still allow YouTube videos to play in the background on smartphones—without requiring any paid subscription.

Despite YouTube introducing new restrictions, Brave insists that its browser continues to support background playback. Many users online have acknowledged this functionality, praising Brave for challenging YouTube’s paywalls.

More Than Just Background Playback

Brave’s appeal goes beyond multitasking. The browser works across desktop and mobile platforms and blocks most ads and trackers by default. As a result, users experience fewer interruptions and improved privacy while browsing or watching videos.

For users frustrated by ads, data tracking, and forced subscriptions, Brave presents itself as a cleaner and more user-friendly alternative.

The Bigger Question: How Long Will This Work?

The long-term viability of this workaround remains uncertain. YouTube has a history of actively shutting down methods that bypass its restrictions, and Brave could eventually face similar blocks.

However, Brave has made it clear that it is “against these forced limitations”, suggesting that a prolonged standoff between browsers and YouTube may continue.

Earlier Workarounds: JioSphere Example

Previously, users could achieve similar background playback using the JioSphere browser. By opening YouTube inside the JioSphere app and minimising it, videos continued to play while users switched to apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, or Chrome. However, such solutions have become increasingly inconsistent as YouTube tightens controls.

YouTube Premium and Creator Monetisation

YouTube maintains that Premium subscriptions help content creators earn more revenue. While this may be true, many users argue that they should retain flexibility in how they consume content.

As YouTube enforces stricter limitations, browsers like Brave are likely to attract users seeking greater freedom and control over their viewing experience.

Conclusion

With YouTube steadily locking essential features behind a paywall, alternative browsers such as Brave are gaining attention for restoring functionality many users consider basic. While it remains unclear how long Brave’s background playback support will last, it currently offers a compelling option for users who want to multitask without paying for YouTube Premium.