YouTube blocks background video playback on Brave and other browsers

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

User frustration and perceived hostility

  • Many see the change as overtly user-hostile: a basic multitasking / background audio behavior of browsers and OSes is being turned into a paywalled “Premium feature.”
  • Several say this will simply make them use YouTube less (e.g., switching to podcasts) rather than pay or install the official app.
  • Strong resentment toward Google’s broader trajectory (ads, UI bloat, “are you still watching?” prompts, constant A/B tests) is a recurring theme.

Technical workarounds and alternative clients

  • Numerous workarounds are shared:
    • Browser extensions: Video Background Play Fix, YouTube NonStop, uBlock Origin, SponsorBlock, “YouTube Control Panel.”
    • Alternative apps/clients: NewPipe and forks (Tubular, PipePipe), SmartTube (TV), ReVanced (patched YouTube APK), Grayjay.
    • Tools: yt-dlp + mpv/VLC, Termux-based playback, xpra streaming a desktop browser.
  • Firefox on Android (often with extensions) is highlighted as still working; Brave and Chromium derivatives are more affected.
  • iOS-specific tricks with Picture-in-Picture and Control Center playback are described.

Browser APIs, visibility, and user control

  • Some argue browsers/extensions should simply hide focus/visibility status from sites; background detection is seen as an abuse vector.
  • Others note this can harm battery life and performance optimizations, but proponents respond that users—not sites—should ultimately control this.

Monopoly, dumping, and regulation

  • Many frame YouTube as a de facto monopoly: “free” video used as a loss-leader/dumping tactic to kill competitors, then ratchet up monetization.
  • Calls appear for antitrust enforcement, breaking up big platforms, or even “anti-DMCA”-style laws protecting OS/browser features from being disabled by services.
  • A minority replies that YouTube is a free service and can refuse clients or change terms; if users dislike it, they should stop using it.

Economics, Premium pricing, and creators

  • Debate over sustainability: some say hosting/moderation costs justify aggressive monetization; others argue Google’s margins and Premium pricing are excessive and exploit network effects.
  • Some users refuse both ads and Premium but support creators directly (Patreon, merch, sponsorships), preferring to cut Google out.
  • There’s concern that ever-more-intrusive monetization (including possible DRM-locked clients) is inevitable and will further entrench control over content and users.