YouTube Blocks Background Playback in Third-Party Browsers, Premium Feature Enforced
Technology
M
Moneycontrol•29-01-2026, 18:51
YouTube Blocks Background Playback in Third-Party Browsers, Premium Feature Enforced
- •YouTube has quietly blocked background playback in third-party Android browsers like Samsung Internet, Brave, Vivaldi, and Microsoft Edge.
- •Previously, these browsers allowed users to play YouTube videos in the background or with the screen off, bypassing a key YouTube Premium feature.
- •Testing confirms that video playback now stops shortly after the screen turns off or the user switches apps, with lock screen controls disappearing.
- •The change aligns with YouTube's strategy to restrict unpaid access to Premium features, similar to crackdowns on ad-blockers and unofficial clients.
- •While some inconsistencies exist, indicating a gradual rollout, the trend suggests YouTube is tightening control over background playback across platforms.
Why It Matters: YouTube is actively closing loopholes for free background playback, pushing users towards Premium subscriptions.
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