YouTube Cuts Off Background Playback for Non-Premium Users Across Third-Party Mobile Browsers

In a move that has sparked widespread frustration among mobile users, YouTube has officially confirmed it is now blocking background playback for non-Premium subscribers when using third-party mobile browsers. The change, which prevents audio from continuing to play after minimizing the app or locking the screen, affects popular browsers such as Samsung Internet, Brave, Vivaldi, and Microsoft Edge.

Reports of the issue first surfaced last week, with users noticing that audio would abruptly stop the moment they switched away from the browser. Some observed a fleeting “MediaOngoingActivity” notification before media controls vanished entirely. Initially, many suspected a bug or glitch, but YouTube has since clarified that this is an intentional policy update aimed at ensuring a “consistent experience” across its platforms.

A spokesperson for Google, YouTube’s parent company, told Android Authority that background playback is now a feature exclusively reserved for YouTube Premium subscribers. This means that free users who rely on third-party browsers to circumvent the limitation on the official YouTube app will no longer be able to listen to videos in the background.

The Background Playback Debate

Background playback has long been a sought-after feature for YouTube users, particularly those who use the platform for music, podcasts, or educational content. For years, workarounds have existed—ranging from using third-party browsers to employing modified versions of the YouTube app—that allowed users to keep audio playing while multitasking on their devices.

However, YouTube’s decision to clamp down on these workarounds underscores the company’s push to drive subscriptions to its Premium tier. YouTube Premium, which costs $13.99 per month in the U.S., offers ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and, of course, background playback. For many users, these features are worth the price, but for others, especially in regions with lower purchasing power, the change is a significant inconvenience.

Impact on Third-Party Browsers

The move disproportionately affects users of third-party browsers, which have historically offered more flexibility than the official YouTube app. Browsers like Brave and Vivaldi are popular among privacy-conscious users who value features like ad-blocking and tracker prevention. By blocking background playback in these browsers, YouTube is effectively nudging users toward either its app or its Premium subscription.

This decision has sparked criticism from the tech community, with some arguing that it stifles innovation and limits user choice. Third-party browser developers have yet to comment on the change, but it’s likely to reignite debates about the power of tech giants to control how users access and interact with content.

User Reactions and Alternatives

The response from users has been overwhelmingly negative, with many taking to social media to voice their frustration. Hashtags like #YouTubeBackgroundPlayback and #BringBackBackgroundPlay have trended on platforms like Twitter, as users share their experiences and call for YouTube to reverse the decision.

For those unwilling to pay for YouTube Premium, alternatives are limited. Some users have suggested switching to music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, which offer background playback as a standard feature. Others have recommended exploring open-source platforms like NewPipe, though these come with their own set of risks and limitations.

The Bigger Picture

YouTube’s decision is part of a broader trend among tech companies to monetize features that were once freely available. As competition in the streaming and content space intensifies, platforms are increasingly looking for ways to convert free users into paying subscribers. While this strategy can be effective in boosting revenue, it also risks alienating loyal users who feel nickel-and-dimed for features they’ve come to rely on.

For now, non-Premium users will have to adapt to the new reality or consider upgrading to YouTube Premium. Whether this move will ultimately benefit YouTube or drive users to seek alternatives remains to be seen.

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