Introduction
Hey readers! Are you tired of your videos pausing when you switch apps or lock your iPhone? It can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to listen to music or a podcast while browsing the web or doing other tasks on your phone.
Fortunately, there are several ways to play videos in the background on an iPhone. Whether you’re using a third-party app or taking advantage of the built-in features, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your iPhone and let’s dive into the world of background video playback!
Section 1: Built-In Features for Background Video Playback
Using Picture-in-Picture Mode
For compatible videos, you can use Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode to keep them playing in a small window while you use other apps. To enable PiP:
- Start playing a video in a supported app, such as Safari or the Photos app.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the Control Center.
- Tap the "Picture-in-Picture" button (it looks like a square with an arrow coming out of the side).
The video will now shrink and move to a corner of the screen, allowing you to continue using other apps while it plays.
Playing Audio in the Background
If you’re primarily interested in listening to the audio from a video, you can use the following trick:
- Start playing the video in a supported app.
- Once it starts playing, lock your iPhone.
- Unlock your iPhone and go to the Control Center.
- You should now see the audio controls for the video, allowing you to play, pause, or skip.
Section 2: Third-Party Apps for Enhanced Background Video Playback
If the built-in features don’t meet your needs, there are several third-party apps available in the App Store that specialize in playing videos in the background.
OPlayer Lite
OPlayer Lite is a free app that allows you to play videos from various sources, including the internet, your iPhone’s storage, and external storage devices. It supports background playback and includes features like playlist management, subtitle support, and adjustable playback speed.
Ultra Video Player
Ultra Video Player is another popular option for background video playback. It offers an extensive list of features, including:
- Support for multiple video formats
- Background playback with adjustable settings
- Playlist creation
- Built-in browser for searching and streaming videos
Background Play Video
As its name suggests, Background Play Video is an app solely dedicated to playing videos in the background. It supports various video formats, including MP4, AVI, and MOV, and allows you to customize the background playback settings.
Section 3: Alternative Ways to Stream Videos on the Go
Streaming Services with Offline Viewing
Many streaming services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, offer the ability to download videos for offline viewing. This allows you to watch videos without an active internet connection, even when you’re on the go.
Mobile Data Hotspot
If you have a laptop or tablet, you can use your iPhone as a mobile data hotspot to access the internet and stream videos. This is a good option if you don’t have a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Section 4: Video Background Playback Options Table
| Feature | Built-In Features | Third-Party Apps | Streaming Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture-in-Picture Mode | Yes | No | No |
| Audio-Only Background Playback | Yes | No | No |
| External Storage Support | No | Yes | No |
| Playlist Management | No | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Playback Speed | No | Yes | No |
Conclusion
There you have it, readers! With the built-in features and third-party apps discussed in this article, you can now enjoy background video playback on your iPhone. Whether you’re multitasking on your phone or simply want to listen to audio from a video while doing other things, the options are endless.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our other guides on related topics:
- How to Download Videos from YouTube on an iPhone
- Best Video Editing Apps for iPhone
FAQ about Playing Videos in Background on iPhone
How can I play videos in the background on my iPhone?
Answer: You can use a video player app that supports background playback, such as VLC Media Player or nPlayer.
Why can’t I play videos in the background on YouTube?
Answer: YouTube blocks background playback on its mobile app for non-premium subscribers.
How can I play YouTube videos in the background?
Answer: You can use a YouTube premium subscription, use a third-party YouTube player app, or play the video in Safari through a website like Ymusic.io.
How do I enable background playback in VLC Media Player?
Answer: Go to Settings > Playback > Background Playback and toggle it on.
How do I enable background playback in nPlayer?
Answer: Go to Settings > Background Playback and select the "Always Play" option.
Does background playback drain my battery?
Answer: Yes, playing videos in the background will consume more battery power.
Can I use background playback with screen mirroring?
Answer: No, background playback stops when you screen mirror your iPhone.
Will background playback work with AirPlay?
Answer: Yes, background playback will work with AirPlay if your video player app supports it.
Can I play music in the background on my iPhone?
Answer: Yes, you can use the Music app or any other audio player app to play music in the background.
How can I play Spotify in the background?
Answer: Spotify premium subscribers can play music in the background, while free subscribers can only play music in the foreground with the app open.
