Google confirmed it closed a popular YouTube background playback loophole that free users exploited for years. The workaround allowed mobile users to listen to videos with screens off through third-party browsers, a feature Google now reserves for YouTube Premium subscribers.
The change affects both Android and iOS devices using browsers like Samsung Internet, Brave, Vivaldi, and Microsoft Edge. When users lock their screens or minimize browsers, audio now stops immediately instead of continuing playback.
Google told Android Authority the update ensures "consistency across all our platforms." A company spokesperson said background playback "is a feature intended to be exclusive for YouTube Premium members."
Users first noticed the change in late January, with PiunikaWeb reporting widespread failures on January 28. Many initially suspected browser bugs or temporary issues before Google confirmed the intentional restriction.
YouTube Premium costs $13.99 monthly in the US, £12.99 in the UK, and AU$16.99 in Australia. The subscription includes ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and background playback across mobile devices.
This marks Google's latest move to push free users toward paid subscriptions. The company previously cracked down on ad blockers, displaying "This content isn't available" errors for Chrome and Firefox users with blocking extensions enabled.
Desktop background playback remains functional for now. Free users can still listen to YouTube audio while browsing other tabs or applications on computers.
The restriction applies specifically to mobile web browsers accessing YouTube's website. Native YouTube apps on Android and iOS already blocked background playback for non-Premium users.
Reddit discussions show frustration among users who relied on the workaround.
"We are now officially paying for everything that was free a couple of years ago," one user commented on the platform.
Google's statement emphasizes platform consistency, suggesting the loophole existed due to technical differences between mobile browsers and native apps. The company now enforces uniform behavior across all access methods.
Mobile users face a clear choice: subscribe to YouTube Premium or lose background audio functionality. The change eliminates what many considered a basic feature for music listening and podcast-style consumption.
Industry analysts note Google's aggressive subscription push aligns with broader platform monetization trends. Streaming services increasingly gatekeep previously free features behind paywalls as advertising revenue growth slows.
YouTube continues experimenting with Premium-exclusive features. Recent tests reportedly include locking playback speed controls behind the subscription, potentially affecting users who adjust video speeds for learning or accessibility.
The background playback crackdown follows YouTube's efforts against low-quality AI-generated content and participation in social media mental health impact trials. Platform changes reflect Google's balancing act between user experience and revenue generation.
Free users seeking alternatives can explore YouTube Music's free tier, though it also restricts background playback on mobile. Other music streaming services offer limited free tiers with similar restrictions.
Google's confirmation ends speculation about the change's permanence. The company's direct statement to Android Authority leaves no ambiguity about its intention to reserve mobile background playback for paying subscribers.
While desktop background playback remains functional for now, some analysts speculate Google's consistency-focused approach could eventually lead to similar restrictions on desktop browsers.
For now, mobile users must choose between subscription costs and losing a convenience feature millions used daily.
The change highlights streaming platforms' evolving relationship with free users as monetization pressures increase.
