Listen Audio Portion Video? Quick Answer & Guide
Yes, you can listen to the audio portion of a video, and the simplest way is to play the video with the screen turned off or minimized, depending on your device and app. For many platforms like YouTube, this requires a premium subscription, but there are free methods for local video files and some apps. This guide explains the different ways to listen to video audio, whether you want to save data, multitask, or just enjoy the audio like a podcast.
Why Listen to Video Audio Only?
There are several common reasons you might want to listen to a video without watching it. The most frequent is multitasking—you might want to listen to a lecture or a news segment while driving, cooking, or working. Another reason is data and battery savings; audio-only streaming uses significantly less data and battery than video. Finally, some people prefer the audio experience for long-form content like interviews or documentaries, treating them like podcasts. For example, a 10-minute video at 1080p might use around 150 MB of data, while the same video’s audio only uses roughly 10 MB.
How to Listen to YouTube Audio Only
YouTube is the most common platform for this question, but the method depends on whether you’re using the mobile app or a computer.
- YouTube Premium (Mobile): This paid subscription allows background play. You can start a video, press the home button or lock your screen, and the audio continues. You can also minimize the video to a small floating window and listen while using other apps.
- YouTube Free (Mobile): The free app stops playback when the screen is off or you leave the app. A workaround is to open the video in a mobile web browser (like Chrome or Safari) and request the desktop site. Then, lock your screen; audio may continue, but this is inconsistent and can break with updates.
- Computer: Simply open the video in one tab and switch to another tab. The audio continues playing. You can also minimize the browser window; audio will still play. There’s no need for a subscription on desktop.
Listening to Local Video Files
If you have a video file stored on your phone, tablet, or computer, you can easily extract or play just the audio. Here are the most straightforward methods:
- VLC Media Player (Desktop & Mobile): This free, open-source player has a “Audio� option in the menu. On desktop, go to Audio > Audio Track and select the track you want, but that doesn’t disable video. To truly listen only, you can minimize the window or use the “Minimize to Tray� feature. On mobile, you can lock the screen and playback continues.
- Convert to MP3 (Desktop): Use a free audio converter (like Audacity or online converters) to extract the audio track and save it as an MP3 file. Then you can listen to it like any music file. This is the most reliable method for offline listening.
- File Manager (Mobile): Some Android file managers can play video in a pop-up window that you can drag off-screen, leaving only audio. iOS does not have this feature natively.
Using Podcast and Music Apps
Many videos are also available as audio-only podcasts. For example, many news channels and talk shows publish a podcast version of their YouTube videos. Search for the show’s name in any podcast app (like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts). Similarly, music videos are available as tracks on streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music. If you’re already paying for a music streaming service, you might not need to pay for YouTube Premium—just play the audio version there.
Common Problems and Fixes
Here are a few issues you might encounter and how to solve them:
- Audio stops when screen locks (YouTube free): This is intentional. The only reliable fix is a paid subscription or using a third-party app that forces background play (which may violate YouTube’s terms).
- No audio after minimizing (Desktop): Check your browser’s tab sound settings. Some browsers mute background tabs automatically. Right-click the tab and select “Unmute Tab.�
- Video plays but no audio (VLC): Ensure the audio track is not disabled. In VLC, go to Tools > Preferences > Audio and make sure “Enable Audio� is checked.
- Screen keeps turning on (Mobile): If you’re using a video player that doesn’t support background play, use a screen-lock app or simply turn off auto-lock in your device settings.
Comparing Free vs. Paid Options
The main trade-off is cost versus convenience. Free methods often involve workarounds that are unreliable or require extra steps, like converting files. Paid options, such as YouTube Premium (currently around $13.99/month in the US) or a music streaming subscription, offer seamless background play and often ad-free listening. If you only need to listen to a few videos occasionally, the free methods are sufficient. If you watch a lot of video content and want to listen without watching, a subscription might be worth it.
Safety and Legal Considerations
When using third-party apps or websites to download audio from YouTube or other streaming sites, be aware of potential legal issues. Downloading audio from videos may violate the platform’s terms of service, and in some countries, it may infringe copyright. Always check the copyright status of the content. Additionally, be cautious with free online converters—they may contain malware or intrusive ads. Stick to well-known, reputable tools. For personal use, converting a video file you own is generally fine, but redistributing it is not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I listen to YouTube with the screen off for free?
No, the official YouTube app requires a Premium subscription for background play. However, using a mobile web browser and requesting the desktop site sometimes works, but it’s not guaranteed and may stop working after updates.
Does listening to audio only save data?
Yes, significantly. Audio streaming uses roughly 1/10th of the data of video streaming. For example, a 1-hour video at 720p uses about 1.2 GB, while the same audio in high quality uses about 100 MB.
How do I extract audio from a video on my phone?
You can use a file converter app like “Video to MP3 Converter� from a trusted developer. Alternatively, transfer the video to your computer and use a free desktop tool like Audacity or VLC to export the audio.
Is there a way to listen to a video as a podcast?
Many content creators publish audio-only versions of their videos as podcasts. Search for the show’s name in your podcast app. If not, you can use a service like “Listen Box� that converts YouTube videos to audio feeds, but these are third-party and may have limitations.
Why does my phone screen turn on when I press the power button?
That’s normal. To keep the screen off while audio plays, you can use a screen-lock app that turns off the display without stopping playback. Or, simply lock the screen and then press the power button again to turn it off—most video players will continue audio.
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