Hey music lovers! Ever wanted to just chill and listen to your favorite tunes on YouTube Music without the distraction of music videos? Maybe you're trying to save data, multitask, or simply prefer the audio experience. Whatever the reason, you're in the right place! This article will dive into different ways you can enjoy YouTube Music without the video component.

Why Ditch the Music Video?

Okay, let's be real, music videos can be awesome. But sometimes, you just want to focus on the music. There are several compelling reasons to opt for audio-only listening:

• Data Saving: Music videos consume a significant amount of data. If you're on a limited data plan, streaming audio-only can save you a ton of bandwidth.
• Multitasking: Trying to work, study, or exercise? Music videos can be distracting. Audio-only lets you groove without visual interruptions.
• Battery Life: Streaming video drains your battery faster. Listening to audio-only extends your listening time, especially on mobile devices.
• Focus on the Music: Sometimes, the music video detracts from the song itself. Stripping away the visuals allows you to appreciate the nuances of the melody, lyrics, and instrumentation.
• Accessibility: For users with visual impairments, audio-only is the only way to enjoy YouTube Music.

Methods to Play YouTube Music Without Music Videos

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are several methods you can use to listen to YouTube Music without the video:

1. YouTube Music App Settings

The YouTube Music app has a built-in feature that prioritizes audio-only playback. This is arguably the easiest and most direct method.

How to enable audio-only mode in the YouTube Music app:

1. Open the YouTube Music app on your Android or iOS device.
2. Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
3. Go to "Settings."
4. Select "Playback & restrictions."
5. Toggle the "Don't play music videos" option to the "On" position.

With this setting enabled, the YouTube Music app will attempt to play the audio version of a song whenever possible. If a song only has a music video, it might still play the video, but the app will prioritize audio tracks. Keep in mind that this feature isn't perfect, and some music videos might still slip through. But, for the most part, it's a reliable way to minimize video playback.

Why is this method effective? Because it directly tells the app your preference. It's like saying, "Hey, I'm here for the tunes, not the visuals!" The app then tries its best to comply. This is the simplest solution for users who primarily use the YouTube Music app and want a default setting for audio-only playback.

2. Background Playback (YouTube Premium)

YouTube Premium is a subscription service that offers several benefits, including ad-free listening, offline downloads, and background playback. Background playback is key here. It allows you to continue listening to YouTube Music even when you switch to other apps or lock your screen.

How background playback helps avoid music videos:

When you have background playback enabled, you can start a song on YouTube Music and then immediately switch to another app or turn off your screen. The music will continue to play, but the video won't. This effectively gives you an audio-only experience without needing to stare at the screen.

To enable background playback (requires YouTube Premium):

1. Subscribe to YouTube Premium.
2. Open the YouTube Music app.
3. Go to "Settings."
4. Select "Playback & restrictions."
5. Ensure that "Background playback" is set to "Always on" or "Headphones or external speakers."

This method is especially useful for multitasking. You can listen to music while browsing the web, checking emails, or even working on a document. The best part is that you're not constantly draining your battery by streaming video in the background.

While YouTube Premium comes with a cost, the ad-free listening and offline downloads are also significant perks for serious music listeners.

3. Third-Party Apps and Browser Extensions

Several third-party apps and browser extensions can block YouTube videos or extract audio from YouTube streams. These can be a bit more technical, but they offer more control over your listening experience.

Examples of third-party tools:

• AudioPocket (Android): This app lets you play YouTube audio in the background, even with the screen off.
• YMusic (Android): Similar to AudioPocket, YMusic is designed for background audio playback from YouTube.
• Streamus (Chrome Extension): Streamus is a Chrome extension that allows you to play YouTube audio in a separate window without loading the video.

Important Considerations:

• Security: Be cautious when installing third-party apps or browser extensions. Make sure they come from reputable sources to avoid malware or privacy issues.
• Terms of Service: Using third-party tools to circumvent YouTube's terms of service could potentially lead to account suspension. Use them at your own risk.
• Functionality: The functionality and reliability of third-party tools can vary. Some might be buggy or stop working after YouTube updates.

How these tools work:

Generally, these tools work by either blocking the video stream entirely or by extracting the audio stream and playing it separately. This allows you to enjoy the music without loading the video component.

This method provides a flexible alternative, especially if you're not keen on subscribing to YouTube Premium. However, you should always prioritize security and be aware of the potential risks involved.

4. YouTube Music on a Web Browser (Desktop)

If you're listening on a desktop computer, using a web browser offers a few workarounds for avoiding music videos.

Methods for audio-only playback on a web browser:

• Minimize the Browser Window: Start playing the song and then minimize the browser window. The audio will continue to play even though the video is not visible.
• Switch to Another Tab: Open YouTube Music in one tab and then switch to another tab. The audio will continue to play, but you won't be distracted by the video.
• Use a Browser Extension: Some browser extensions, like Streamus (mentioned above), can block YouTube videos or play audio in a separate window.
• Ad Blocker: Some Ad Blockers also give you options to block the Video portion of YouTube.

Why these methods work:

These methods rely on the fact that web browsers typically continue to play audio even when the video is not actively displayed. By minimizing the window or switching to another tab, you effectively create an audio-only experience.

This is a simple and convenient solution for desktop users. It doesn't require any special software or subscriptions. You can easily switch between audio and video playback as needed.

5. Create Audio-Only Playlists

While not a direct solution, creating playlists that primarily contain songs without official music videos can help you curate an audio-focused listening experience.

How to create audio-only playlists:

1. Search for songs that are known to have only audio versions on YouTube Music.
2. Add these songs to a new playlist.
3. When you want to listen to music without videos, simply play this playlist.

Benefits of this approach:

• Control: You have complete control over the songs that are included in the playlist.
• Customization: You can create playlists for different moods, genres, or activities.
• Discovery: You might discover new songs that you wouldn't have found otherwise.

This method requires some initial effort to create the playlists, but it can be worth it if you prefer a highly curated listening experience. It's also a great way to support artists who focus on audio content.

Tips for a Seamless Audio Experience

Here are some extra tips to enhance your audio-only listening experience on YouTube Music:

• High-Quality Audio: In the YouTube Music app settings, you can adjust the audio quality for both mobile network and Wi-Fi. Choose the highest quality setting for the best listening experience.
• Download for Offline Playback: If you have YouTube Premium, download your favorite songs for offline playback. This eliminates the need for a constant internet connection and saves data.
• Use Headphones or Speakers: For the best audio quality, use headphones or connect your device to external speakers. This will provide a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
• Explore "Song" Versions: When searching for a song, look for versions labeled "(Song)" – these are often audio-only uploads.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Several ways to enjoy YouTube Music without being glued to music videos. Whether you're trying to save data, multitask, or simply prefer the audio experience, these methods should help you tailor your listening to your needs. From utilizing the YouTube Music app settings to exploring third-party tools, there's a solution for everyone.

Now go forth and enjoy your favorite tunes, video-free! Happy listening!