Ad-Free YouTube Music: Best Apps For IPhone

Tired of those pesky ads interrupting your music on YouTube? We get it, guys! Nothing ruins a good jam session like a 30-second ad for something you don't even need. Luckily, there are ways to enjoy your favorite YouTube tunes ad-free on your iPhone. In this article, we're diving deep into the world of free YouTube music apps for iPhone that let you ditch the ads and keep the music flowing. We'll explore various options, from third-party apps to clever workarounds, so you can find the perfect solution for your listening needs. Let's get this party started, shall we?

1. YouTube Premium: Is It Worth It?

Let's kick things off with the official option: YouTube Premium. It's the elephant in the room, and while it's not free, it's worth considering for its sheer convenience and features. With YouTube Premium, you get ad-free access to all YouTube content, including music, plus background playback (meaning you can listen while using other apps) and offline downloads. Think of it as the VIP experience for YouTube lovers. The biggest advantage is seamless integration. Everything works perfectly within the YouTube app you already know and love. No need to download third-party apps or jump through hoops. The background playback is a game-changer, especially if you like listening to music while multitasking. And the offline downloads? Perfect for flights, commutes, or any time you know you'll have spotty internet. However, the main downside, of course, is the cost. YouTube Premium comes with a monthly fee, which might not be in everyone's budget. There are definitely cheaper alternatives out there, but you'll have to weigh the cost against the convenience and features you get.

YouTube Premium also supports the creators you love, as they still get paid for your viewing time, even without ads. So, you're not just enjoying an ad-free experience, you're also supporting the content creators you enjoy. Another point to consider is the family plan option. If you have multiple people in your household who use YouTube, a family plan can be a very cost-effective way to get everyone ad-free access. Sharing the cost across a family can make the monthly fee much more palatable. Ultimately, whether or not YouTube Premium is worth it depends on your individual needs and how much you value ad-free listening, background playback, and offline downloads. If you're a heavy YouTube user and these features are important to you, it's definitely worth exploring. But if you're on a tight budget, keep reading – we've got plenty more options to discuss!

2. Third-Party Music Apps: A World of Options

Okay, so YouTube Premium might not be for everyone. That's cool! The good news is that the app store is teeming with third-party music apps that offer ad-free YouTube playback, often with a bunch of cool extra features thrown in. Think of these apps as the rebels of the music world, offering alternatives to the mainstream. But before we dive in, a word of caution: not all third-party apps are created equal. Some might be fantastic, others... not so much. It's super important to do your research and read reviews before downloading anything. You want to make sure you're getting a safe, reliable app that won't mess with your phone or data.

Third-party apps can offer some pretty awesome features that you won't find in the official YouTube app. We're talking things like background playback, offline downloads (sometimes!), custom playlists, and even the ability to discover new music. Some apps have really slick interfaces that make browsing and listening a breeze. Others might have unique features like sleep timers or equalizers to tweak the sound. But here's the catch: because these apps aren't officially sanctioned by YouTube, they can sometimes be a bit... unpredictable. YouTube's terms of service are constantly evolving, and sometimes these apps can get caught in the crossfire. An app that works perfectly one day might suddenly stop working the next. It's just the nature of the beast. Despite the potential for hiccups, many people swear by third-party music apps. They offer a level of flexibility and customization that you just can't get with the official app. And, of course, the biggest draw is the promise of ad-free listening without paying for a subscription.

We'll be exploring some specific third-party apps in more detail later on, but for now, just know that there's a whole world of options out there. From dedicated music players to browser-based solutions, there's likely an app that fits your needs and preferences. Just remember to do your homework and choose wisely! Don't just download the first app you see – take the time to read reviews, check ratings, and make sure it's a reputable option. Your ears (and your iPhone) will thank you for it.

3. Musi: A Popular Choice for Ad-Free Listening

One app that consistently pops up in conversations about ad-free YouTube music is Musi. It's a free app that lets you stream music from YouTube without those annoying ads. Musi has gained a loyal following for its simplicity and ease of use. It's not the flashiest app out there, but it gets the job done, and that's what matters to a lot of people. The interface is clean and straightforward, making it easy to search for songs, create playlists, and queue up your favorite tracks. One of the biggest draws of Musi is its ability to play music in the background. This means you can listen to your tunes while browsing the web, checking your email, or using other apps. It's a feature that's sorely missed in the official YouTube app (unless you're paying for Premium, of course).

Musi also lets you create playlists, which is essential for any serious music listener. You can organize your songs by genre, mood, or whatever criteria you like. And if you're feeling social, you can even share your playlists with friends. Another cool feature of Musi is its integration with other music services. You can import your playlists from Spotify or Apple Music, making it easy to transition to Musi without losing all your carefully curated music collections. However, like many third-party apps, Musi isn't without its limitations. Because it relies on YouTube's API, there's always a chance that it could stop working if YouTube changes its policies. This is a risk you take with any unofficial app. That being said, Musi has been around for a while and has generally been pretty reliable.

Overall, Musi is a solid choice for anyone looking for a free and easy way to listen to YouTube music ad-free on their iPhone. It's not packed with bells and whistles, but it's a reliable workhorse that gets the job done. If you're looking for a simple, no-frills solution, Musi is definitely worth checking out. Just remember to keep in mind the potential risks associated with using third-party apps, and always be sure to download from a reputable source.

4. Documents by Readdle: An Unexpected Solution

Okay, this one might sound a little weird, but trust us on this. Documents by Readdle is actually a file manager app, but it has a hidden talent: it can play YouTube videos in the background, ad-free! We know, it sounds strange, but it's a clever workaround that many people swear by. Documents is designed to manage files on your iPhone, but it also has a built-in web browser. And that browser can play YouTube videos. The trick is to use the browser to navigate to YouTube, find the video you want to listen to, and start playing it. Then, you can lock your phone or switch to another app, and the music will keep playing in the background. It's like a secret superpower for your file manager!

The best part? It's completely free, and there are no ads within the Documents app itself. It's a bit of a roundabout way to listen to YouTube music, but it works surprisingly well. One of the advantages of using Documents is that it's a legitimate app with a solid reputation. It's not some shady third-party app that might disappear overnight. Documents has been around for years and is widely used for file management. However, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. The biggest one is that it's not specifically designed for music playback. There are no fancy music player features like playlists or equalizers. It's really just a workaround for background playback.

Also, the process of finding and playing music in Documents can be a bit clunky compared to a dedicated music app. You have to navigate to YouTube in the browser, which can be a bit slow and tedious. Despite these limitations, Documents is a fantastic option for anyone who wants ad-free background playback of YouTube music and doesn't mind a little extra effort. It's a clever hack that can save you money and keep the music flowing. So, if you're looking for a free and slightly unconventional solution, give Documents by Readdle a try. You might be surprised at how well it works!

5. Brave Browser: Browse and Listen Ad-Free

Another browser-based solution for ad-free YouTube music is the Brave Browser. Brave is a web browser that comes with built-in ad blocking and tracking protection. This means you can browse the web without being bombarded by ads, and your privacy is better protected. But here's the cool part: Brave's ad blocking also works on YouTube! You can watch YouTube videos without seeing any ads, which is a huge win for music lovers. Like Documents by Readdle, Brave lets you play YouTube videos in the background. You can start a video playing in the Brave browser, then lock your phone or switch to another app, and the music will keep playing. It's a convenient way to listen to your favorite tunes without interruption.

Brave also has a built-in feature called Brave Rewards, which lets you earn cryptocurrency for browsing the web. You can then use these rewards to support your favorite content creators, including YouTubers. It's a cool way to give back to the community while enjoying an ad-free experience. One of the advantages of using Brave is that it's a full-fledged web browser, not just a music player. This means you can use it for all your browsing needs, not just for listening to YouTube. It's a versatile app that can replace your default browser. However, like any browser-based solution, playing music in Brave can be a bit less convenient than using a dedicated music app.

You have to navigate to YouTube in the browser, which can take a few extra steps. And Brave doesn't have any music-specific features like playlists or equalizers. Despite these minor drawbacks, Brave is a fantastic option for anyone who wants an ad-free browsing experience and ad-free YouTube music playback. It's a free app that offers a lot of value, and it's definitely worth checking out if you're tired of ads interrupting your music.

6. Safari Extensions: Ad-Blocking on Your Default Browser

If you're a loyal Safari user, you might be wondering if there's a way to block YouTube ads without switching to a different browser. Good news: there is! Safari supports extensions, which are small add-ons that can enhance your browsing experience. And there are plenty of ad-blocking extensions available for Safari that can block YouTube ads. Think of extensions as little helpers that live inside your browser, making it even more powerful. Ad-blocking extensions work by detecting and blocking ads on websites, including YouTube. They can remove those annoying banner ads, pop-up ads, and, most importantly, pre-roll video ads. This means you can watch YouTube videos without any interruptions.

One of the advantages of using a Safari extension is that it integrates seamlessly with your existing browsing setup. You don't have to switch to a different browser or learn a new interface. You can keep using Safari as you normally would, but with the added benefit of ad blocking. There are many ad-blocking extensions available for Safari, so you have plenty of options to choose from. Some popular ones include AdBlock, AdGuard, and Wipr. These extensions are generally easy to install and use. You simply download them from the App Store and activate them in Safari's settings.

However, it's important to choose a reputable ad-blocking extension. Some extensions might be less effective than others, or they might even collect your browsing data. So, do your research and read reviews before installing an extension. Also, keep in mind that ad-blocking extensions can sometimes interfere with website functionality. Some websites might not work properly if you have an ad blocker enabled. If this happens, you can usually disable the extension for that specific website. Overall, using a Safari extension is a great way to block YouTube ads and enjoy an ad-free browsing experience on your iPhone. It's a convenient and effective solution for anyone who wants to ditch the ads without switching browsers.

7. Ad-Blocking Apps: System-Wide Ad Blocking

For a more comprehensive approach to ad blocking, you might consider using an ad-blocking app. These apps work system-wide, meaning they block ads not just in your browser, but also in other apps on your iPhone. Think of them as a shield against ads, protecting you from interruptions no matter where you are on your phone. Ad-blocking apps typically work by creating a local VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your device. This VPN filters out ad traffic, preventing it from reaching your apps and websites. It's a clever way to block ads without requiring any special browser settings or extensions.

One of the biggest advantages of using an ad-blocking app is that it blocks ads in all apps, not just in your browser. This means you can enjoy an ad-free experience in your favorite games, social media apps, and other apps that display ads. This can significantly improve your overall iPhone experience. There are many ad-blocking apps available for iPhone, some popular choices include AdGuard, AdLock, and Wipr. These apps typically offer a free trial period, so you can try them out before committing to a subscription.

However, it's important to choose a reputable ad-blocking app. Some apps might be less effective than others, or they might even collect your personal data. So, do your research and read reviews before downloading an app. Also, keep in mind that ad-blocking apps can sometimes slow down your internet speed or drain your battery life. This is because the app is constantly filtering traffic, which requires processing power. Overall, an ad-blocking app is a powerful tool for enjoying an ad-free experience on your iPhone. It's a comprehensive solution that can block ads in all apps, not just in your browser. If you're serious about ditching ads, an ad-blocking app is definitely worth considering.

8. Using a VPN: Privacy and Ad Blocking

Speaking of VPNs, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be another way to block YouTube ads on your iPhone, although it's not the primary purpose of a VPN. VPNs are primarily used to protect your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address. However, some VPN providers also offer ad-blocking features as part of their service. Think of a VPN as a cloak of invisibility for your internet traffic, making it harder for websites and advertisers to track you.

When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a secure server, which encrypts your data and hides your IP address. This makes it more difficult for websites and advertisers to track your online activity and serve you targeted ads. Some VPN providers also offer ad-blocking features that can block ads on websites, including YouTube. These ad-blocking features typically work by filtering out ad traffic at the server level, preventing it from reaching your device. This can result in a cleaner and faster browsing experience.

One of the advantages of using a VPN for ad blocking is that it also protects your privacy and security. A VPN can help you stay safe online by encrypting your data and masking your IP address. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often insecure. However, it's important to choose a reputable VPN provider. Some VPN providers might be less secure than others, or they might even collect your browsing data. So, do your research and read reviews before signing up for a VPN service. Also, keep in mind that using a VPN can sometimes slow down your internet speed. This is because your traffic is being routed through a remote server, which can add latency. Overall, using a VPN is a good way to protect your privacy and security online, and it can also help you block YouTube ads. It's a versatile tool that can enhance your overall online experience.

9. PiP (Picture-in-Picture) Mode: Multitasking with Music

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is a handy feature on iPhones that lets you watch videos in a small, floating window while using other apps. While it doesn't directly block ads, it can be a useful way to listen to YouTube music while multitasking. Think of PiP mode as a mini-TV screen that floats on top of your other apps, allowing you to watch videos while still getting things done.

When you're watching a YouTube video in Safari or another browser that supports PiP, you can tap the PiP button (usually a small rectangle icon) to shrink the video into a floating window. This window can be moved around your screen and resized, allowing you to position it wherever you like. You can then switch to other apps and continue using your phone as normal, while the video plays in the background. This can be a convenient way to listen to music while browsing the web, checking your email, or using other apps.

However, it's important to note that PiP mode doesn't block ads. You'll still see ads when the video is playing in the PiP window. Also, not all apps support PiP mode. Some apps might disable PiP functionality for YouTube videos. Despite these limitations, PiP mode can be a useful way to multitask while listening to YouTube music. It's a convenient feature that can enhance your overall iPhone experience. If you're looking for a way to listen to music while using other apps, PiP mode is definitely worth checking out.

10. Background Playback Workarounds: Tricks and Tips

Even without YouTube Premium or a third-party app, there are a few clever workarounds you can use to achieve background playback of YouTube music on your iPhone. These tricks might not be as seamless as dedicated solutions, but they can be handy in a pinch. Think of these workarounds as secret hacks that let you bend the rules a little bit.

One popular workaround involves using Safari. You can start playing a YouTube video in Safari, then switch to another app. The music will usually stop playing at this point. However, if you then open the Control Center (by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen) and tap the play button, the music should resume playing in the background. This trick doesn't always work perfectly, but it's worth trying if you're in a bind. Another workaround involves using the desktop version of YouTube in Safari. Some users have reported that background playback is more reliable when using the desktop site. You can access the desktop version of YouTube by tapping the