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Listening to podcasts has become a popular form of entertainment and a source of knowledge for many. However, one common frustration that podcast listeners often encounter is the interruption of playback when they switch to another app or lock their Android device. Fortunately, there are several methods available to keep podcasts playing in the background on Android, allowing for uninterrupted listening pleasure. In this blog post, we will explore the different methods and provide step-by-step instructions to help you keep your favorite podcasts playing seamlessly while multitasking on your Android device.
Why You Need to Keep Podcast Playing on Background Android
- 1. Multitasking: Being able to keep podcasts playing in the background on your Android device enables you to multitask more efficiently. It allows you to continue listening to your favorite podcasts while using other apps, browsing the web, or performing other tasks on your device.
- 2. Convenience: Background playback of podcasts offers greater convenience, as it eliminates the need to constantly switch back and forth between apps or unlock your device to resume playback. You can seamlessly transition between tasks while enjoying uninterrupted podcast playback.
- 3. Continuity: Keeping your podcasts playing in the background ensures continuity in your listening experience. You can pick up where you left off without losing your place or having to search for the podcast episode again. This is particularly beneficial for long podcasts or series that require multiple listening sessions.
Video Tutorial:
Part 1. Using the Podcast App’s Built-in Background Playback Feature
Many popular podcast apps offer built-in features that allow you to keep podcasts playing in the background on Android. This method is typically the easiest to implement, and it doesn’t require any additional apps or configurations. Here’s how you can use the built-in background playback feature in a podcast app:
- Open your preferred podcast app on your Android device.
- Select the podcast episode you want to listen to.
- Start playback by tapping on the play button.
- Switch to another app or lock your device while the podcast is playing.
- The podcast should continue playing in the background, allowing you to multitask without interruption.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Convenient and easy to use. | 1. Availability of the background playback feature may vary depending on the podcast app. |
| 2. No additional app installations or configurations required. | 2. Limited customization options for playback controls. |
| 3. Works seamlessly with the podcast app’s user interface. | 3. May not work with all podcast apps. |
Part 2. Using a Background Playback App
If your podcast app doesn’t have a native background playback feature or if you prefer additional customization options, you can use a dedicated background playback app. These apps are specifically designed to enable background playback for various media sources, including podcasts. Here’s how you can use a background playback app to keep podcasts playing in the background on Android:
- Install a background playback app from the Google Play Store, such as "Background Playback" or "Timbre: Cut, Join, Convert Mp3 Audio & Mp4 Video".
- Open your preferred podcast app on your Android device.
- Select the podcast episode you want to listen to.
- Start playback by tapping on the play button.
- Switch to the background playback app and follow the provided instructions to enable background playback.
- Switch back to your podcast app or other apps while the podcast is playing.
- The podcast should continue playing in the background using the background playback app, allowing for seamless multitasking.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides additional customization options for playback controls. | 1. Requires installation of a separate app. |
| 2. Works with a wide range of podcast apps and media sources. | 2. Some background playback apps may have limited compatibility with certain podcast apps. |
| 3. Allows for fine-tuning of background playback settings. | 3. May require extra configuration steps to enable background playback. |
Part 3. Using a Web Browser in Desktop Mode
If you prefer to listen to podcasts through web-based platforms or if your favorite podcasts have a web player but lack a dedicated mobile app, you can utilize the desktop mode feature of a web browser to keep podcasts playing in the background on Android. Here’s how you can use a web browser in desktop mode for background playback of podcasts:
- Open a web browser on your Android device.
- Navigate to the website or web-based platform where the podcast episode is available.
- Enable the desktop mode feature in the browser’s settings or options menu.
- Select the podcast episode you want to listen to.
- Start playback by tapping on the play button on the web player.
- Switch to another app or lock your device while the podcast is playing.
- The podcast should continue playing in the background, allowing for seamless multitasking.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Works with web-based platforms and podcasts without dedicated mobile apps. | 1. Requires internet connectivity to access the web player. |
| 2. Enables background playback for a wide range of web-based audio content. | 2. May not provide the same level of integration and customization as dedicated podcast apps. |
| 3. Can be used with various web browsers on Android devices. | 3. The availability and functionality of the desktop mode feature may vary across different web browsers. |
Part 4. Using a Podcast Downloading App
If you want to have offline access to your favorite podcasts and the ability to listen to them in the background without relying on an internet connection, you can use a podcast downloading app. These apps allow you to download podcast episodes directly to your Android device, and you can listen to them using a built-in media player that supports background playback. Here’s how you can use a podcast downloading app to keep podcasts playing in the background on Android:
- Install a podcast downloading app from the Google Play Store, such as "Pocket Casts" or "Podcast Addict".
- Open the podcast downloading app and search for your favorite podcasts.
- Select the podcast episode you want to listen to and initiate the download.
- Once the download is complete, tap on the downloaded episode to start playback.
- Switch to another app or lock your device while the podcast is playing.
- The podcast should continue playing in the background, even without an internet connection.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides offline access to podcasts for background playback. | 1. Requires extra storage space on your Android device to store downloaded podcast episodes. |
| 2. Offers a dedicated media player with background playback support. | 2. Some podcast downloading apps may have limited podcast library or require premium subscriptions for certain features. |
| 3. Allows for automatic podcast episode downloads and subscriptions. | 3. Downloading and managing podcast episodes may require additional steps compared to streaming. |
What to Do If You Can’t Keep Podcast Playing on Background Android
In some cases, certain podcast apps or platforms may not provide native background playback features or compatibility with background playback apps. If you encounter this issue, here are three alternative solutions to consider:
Q1: Use a Podcast Streaming Service with Background Playback Support
A: Consider switching to a podcast streaming service or platform that offers built-in background playback support. Services like Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts often have background playback features that allow you to keep podcasts playing while multitasking on your Android device.
Q2: Convert Podcast Episodes to Audio Files
A: If background playback is important to you, you can convert podcast episodes into audio files, such as MP3 or WAV, and play them using a media player that supports background playback. There are online conversion tools and software available that can convert podcast episodes into various audio formats.
Q3: Use a Screen Recorder App
A: Another alternative is to use a screen recorder app to record the audio playback of your podcast and then listen to the recording in the background. This method may require additional steps and result in lower audio quality compared to the original podcast episode.
Bonus Tip
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your podcast listening experience on Android:
- 1. Customize your playback settings: Explore the settings and preferences of your chosen podcast app or background playback app to customize playback speed, skip duration, and other features that suit your preferences.
- 2. Create playlists: Take advantage of playlist features in podcast apps to create personalized playlists of your favorite episodes and podcasts for continuous and uninterrupted listening.
- 3. Invest in Bluetooth headphones: Upgrade to Bluetooth headphones or earbuds with background playback support. This allows for wireless and seamless podcast listening, even when you’re on the move.
The Bottom Line
Keeping podcasts playing in the background on Android devices is essential for a seamless and uninterrupted listening experience. Whether you use the built-in background playback feature of your podcast app or rely on a dedicated background playback app, the methods outlined in this blog post offer a range of options to suit your preferences. In cases where background playback is not readily available, alternative solutions like podcast streaming services, audio file conversion, or screen recording can help you achieve uninterrupted podcast enjoyment.
5 FAQs about Keeping Podcast Playing on Background Android
Q1: Can I keep podcasts playing in the background on any Android device?
A: Yes, as long as your Android device supports multitasking and has a compatible podcast app or background playback app installed, you should be able to keep podcasts playing in the background.
Q2: Will keeping podcasts playing in the background drain my Android device’s battery faster?
A: Background playback can consume additional battery power compared to regular audio playback. However, the impact on battery life will vary depending on the specific app and device settings. It’s recommended to close unnecessary apps and adjust your device’s power management settings for optimal battery performance.
Q3: Can I control the playback of podcasts while they are playing in the background?
A: The level of control over podcast playback while in the background may depend on the app or method you are using. Some apps offer playback controls in the notification shade or on the lock screen, while others may require you to switch back to the app to make adjustments.
Q4: Will background playback work with all podcast formats, including video podcasts?
A: Background playback is primarily designed for audio content. While some podcast apps or playback apps may support video podcasts, the experience may vary, and additional considerations like screen-off playback or screen recording may be necessary for uninterrupted video playback.
Q5: Is background playback available for livestreamed podcasts?
A: Background playback functionality for livestreamed podcasts will depend on the specific app or platform. Some apps may support background playback for livestreamed content, while others may limit playback to the foreground. It’s recommended to check the app’s documentation or support resources for specific details on livestreamed podcast playback.