The audio-only experience

Audio-only is the heart of YouTube Audio. After it finds a direct audio stream, the add-on points YouTube’s own player at that stream. Ongoing video transfer stops, which can save battery and data during long listens, while the familiar timeline, play button, shortcuts, and media controls remain.

Turn audio-only on or off

Open the toolbar popup and switch Audio-only on or off. It is on by default. You can also change the same quick control at the top of the full options page.

There is a matching audio button beside YouTube’s player controls. Select it whenever you want the picture back. Switching modes keeps your current position and play or pause state, even when you switch quickly.

If you want the add-on completely out of the way for a while, use Pause YouTube Audio in the popup. This leaves your saved settings intact.

Keep listening in the background

Turn on Background play in the popup or options page to keep audio playing when you change tabs or lock your Android phone. It is also on by default. YouTube’s native media session stays in place, so normal operating system and lock-screen controls can continue to work.

When normal video stays on

Audio-only deliberately steps aside for live and DVR streams, age-restricted videos, members-only uploads, and content made for kids. A failed audio lookup also returns control to normal YouTube. The popup reports the actual state of the current video, not just your preferred setting.

This fallback is expected and keeps playback usable. Learn more in How it works, or continue with blocking and skipping controls.