YouTube Blocks Popular Hack for Free Background Playback
YouTube has made significant changes that affect how users access its features. In particular, the company is targeting a popular hack that enabled free background playback without a subscription. This development has been met with mixed reactions from users who previously enjoyed these features without having to pay for YouTube Premium.
YouTube’s Crackdown on Free Background Playback
Many users relied on hacks to access YouTube’s background playback feature. This allowed audio to continue playing even when a user locked their phone. However, Google has officially ended this practice.
The Shift in Policy
As of January 2023, users reported issues with the free background play feature across various browsers. This includes popular options like Samsung Internet, Brave, and Microsoft Edge. Those who had been using extensions for background playback also found that these no longer worked.
A spokesperson for Google confirmed that the company made a deliberate decision to eliminate free background play in third-party browsers. “Background playback is a feature intended to be exclusive for YouTube Premium members,” they stated. This move aims to maintain consistency across all platforms.
Alternatives Still Available
Despite Google’s intervention, some users have found ways to access background play. For example, some reported that the feature has been re-enabled on Brave. Additionally, users on Safari with the Vinegar extension still have access.
These developments signal that while Google is tightening its grip on the availability of free features, not all paths have been closed. Users may still discover new methods to enjoy functionalities that were once easily accessible.
Conclusion
The landscape of YouTube usage is changing as Google intensifies its efforts to combat hacks like free background playback. While paying for YouTube Premium offers a complete package of features, users are advised to remain vigilant and creative in finding alternate solutions.
