YouTube Blocks Background Play on Third-Party Browsers, Google Confirms
YouTube has recently made a significant change regarding its background playback feature for non-Premium users. This modification affects users across various browsers, including Samsung Internet and Vivaldi. Many users reported that background play no longer functions as it previously did.
YouTube Background Play: A Major Update
On January 29, 2026, a Google representative confirmed that YouTube’s background playback feature is now exclusive to Premium subscribers. This decision aims to maintain a consistent experience across all platforms.
Details of the Update
- Background playback allows users to listen to videos while using other apps or when the screen is off.
- Non-Premium users previously accessed this feature, often through non-Chrome browsers or ad blockers.
- Reports indicate that users now face audio cuts when minimizing browsers or turning off devices.
Some users did mention that background play remains functional on the Brave browser, suggesting variability in user experience.
Impacts on Users
This change encourages non-Premium users to subscribe for exclusive features. YouTube has a history of enforcing measures to prevent users from bypassing subscription fees. For instance, a crackdown on ad blockers last November led many users to mistakenly believe the site was down.
The recent complaints across various apps indicate that this adjustment may be another strategy to reduce the usage of workarounds. As the situation develops, Filmogaz.com will continue to provide updates on any further changes or responses from YouTube.
