YouTube Background Player by Script Smith

Keeps YouTube (and YouTube Music) playing when you switch tabs, minimize the browser, or switch apps — no auto-pause, no "still watching?" prompts, plus a real Picture-in-Picture button.

Runs on youtube.com, youtube-nocookie.com (embedded players) and music.youtube.com.

Tested on:
✔ Windows & Mac: Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi
✔ Windows & Mac: Firefox
✔ Android: Kiwi & Yandex

✨ Key Features

⚡ Keep playing in the background — Stops YouTube's own JavaScript from pausing the video when the tab is switched, browser minimized, or device is locked.

⚡ Auto-advance in the background — Keeps a playlist, mix, or "Up next" queue moving while the tab is hidden.

⚡ Auto-dismiss "Are you still watching?" prompts — Clears long-session confirmation prompts automatically.

⚡ Picture-in-Picture button — Embedded in the player controls; pops the video into an always-on-top window that survives switching or closing the tab.

⚡ Prevent tab discarding — Keeps the tab from being unloaded while a video is playing.

⚡ Save pause position to URL — Writes the paused timestamp into the URL's t= parameter so reloading resumes where you left off.

🎯 How to Use

1⃣Turn on the features you want
Each row is its own toggle:
• Keep playing in the background
• Picture-in-Picture (appears once background playback is on)
• Auto-advance in the background
• Auto-dismiss "still watching?" prompts
• Prevent tab discarding
• Save pause position to URL

💡 Note: Changes apply instantly — no page reload needed unless stated otherwise in the popup.

🔄 Stay Updated
This extension is actively maintained. Your feedback on features, bugs, or suggestions is always welcome via the popup's buttons.

⚠ Note
This extension relies on YouTube's current interface and internal player APIs. Significant changes to YouTube's site may affect functionality — if you notice any issues, please let us know.

🔒 Privacy
Your privacy matters. This extension does not collect or share your personal data.
• All settings are stored locally in your browser.
• A random, anonymous install id is generated locally to let the developer respond to your bug reports or feature requests — it is not linked to your name, email, Google account, or browsing history.
• No video titles, watch history, or browsing activity are ever collected or transmitted.
• You have full control over your data — uninstalling removes it immediately.

📄 Disclaimer
This extension is not affiliated or endorsed by YouTube or Google.

📌 Changelog
For release notes, check the changelog:
https://scriptsmith.dev/en/youtube-background-player/changelog