Google is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow YouTube TV users to play videos in the background on both Android and iOS platforms. According to a recent report, this feature will enable users to minimize the app and continue watching their favorite shows or live sports while performing other tasks on their devices.
Enhancing User Experience
Background play has long been a desired feature for YouTube TV users, especially for those who multitask while consuming content. Currently, YouTube Premium offers background play, but YouTube TV users have been left out of this perk. The new update is expected to fill this gap, making YouTube TV more versatile and user-friendly.
Cross-Platform Availability
While the feature is said to be in the testing phase, it is expected to roll out for both Android and iOS users, ensuring a seamless experience regardless of the platform. This move could give YouTube TV a competitive edge over other streaming services that already offer similar functionalities.
What This Means for Users
If background play becomes widely available, YouTube TV subscribers could enjoy the flexibility of listening to live news, sports, or shows while simultaneously browsing the web, replying to messages, or using other apps. This change would make the service more appealing, especially to those who are always on the go.
How to Customize or Turn Off Background Play
Background play is accessible on the YouTube mobile apps when you are logged in with your YouTube Premium account. By default, videos will continue to play in the background, but Google allows users to customize this experience.
To customize background play:
- Click on your profile picture in the YouTube app and navigate to the Settings menu.
- Choose “Background & downloads” and then select “Playback.”
- You can select one of the following options:
- Always on: Videos will continuously play in the background, even when you switch apps.
- Headphones or external speakers: Videos will only play in the background when your device is connected to headphones, speakers, or an external audio output.
- Off: This option will disable background play entirely.
This customization empowers users to tailor their video-watching experience according to their preferences. While the background play feature is currently a part of YouTube Premium, Google’s move to potentially extend it to YouTube TV could make the streaming service more appealing to a broader audience.
Google has not officially confirmed when or if the feature will be released, but users are eagerly awaiting the update. With streaming competition intensifying, this could be a smart move by Google to enhance the overall user experience on YouTube TV.
