Microsoft Edge is currently testing an intriguing experimental feature that allows users to play videos in the background on Android devices. This functionality is accessible to anyone willing to navigate a few technical steps, specifically by downloading Microsoft Edge Canary for Android and enabling a specific flag.
One of the most compelling aspects of this feature is its ability to let users enjoy YouTube videos in the background without the need for a YouTube Premium subscription. During my testing, I successfully played various videos, including the Windows Central Podcast and a selection of music tracks, all while my device was locked or the screen was off.
The experience was seamless; audio continued to play uninterrupted, and the media banner on my phone displayed the correct artwork corresponding to the video being played.
How to enable video background playback on Microsoft Edge
- Download Microsoft Edge Canary for Android.
- Open Edge Canary.
- Navigate to edge://flags in the navigation bar.
- Search for “background.”
- Tap the box below “Video Background Play” and toggle the setting to “Enabled.”
- Follow the prompt to restart Microsoft Edge Canary.
If you find that videos stop playing when you switch tabs or apps, ensure that background playback is enabled in Edge’s settings, as this is separate from the flag you just activated.
- Open Microsoft Edge Canary.
- Access Settings via the hamburger menu and select “Settings.”
- Scroll down to “Site Settings.”
- Select “Background video playback.”
- Toggle the option on.
It is hoped that Microsoft will eventually streamline this process into a single, user-friendly setting.
Microsoft vs. Google
In the realm of technology, the introduction of this feature cannot be viewed in isolation, particularly given the long-standing rivalry between Microsoft and Google. Their contentious relationship has been marked by a history of disputes over platforms like YouTube. Google has historically refrained from developing Chrome or YouTube applications for Windows Phone, leaving a void that third-party developers attempted to fill with alternatives like MetroTube and myTube.
Microsoft’s own attempts to create a YouTube app were thwarted when Google revoked access to its YouTube API keys, a move that added fuel to the ongoing feud. The emergence of this new background playback feature in Edge could reignite tensions, as it presents an easy workaround for users who want to enjoy YouTube content without a subscription.
While YouTube Premium offers benefits such as ad-free viewing and offline downloads for .99, this new Edge capability allows users to play videos in the background without incurring any additional costs. For those who primarily desire background playback, Microsoft Edge may just be the solution they’ve been looking for.
