Microsoft is testing a feature in its Edge browser for Android that allows YouTube videos to play in the background without requiring a YouTube Premium subscription.
The feature, discovered in the experimental Edge Canary build, can be enabled through the browser’s internal flags page. Once activated, YouTube videos continue playing even when users switch apps, open new tabs, or lock their devices.
This function is currently one of the main benefits of YouTube Premium, which costs $14 per month. If Microsoft releases the feature in the stable version of Edge, it could reduce the appeal of subscribing to Google’s paid service.
Edge Canary also includes a built-in ad blocker that removes ads from most websites, including YouTube. On first launch, the browser prompts users to enable the tool, offering an ad-free experience.
This development recalls a similar dispute in 2013, when Microsoft’s YouTube app for Windows Phone was blocked by Google after it removed ads and allowed video downloads, violating YouTube’s terms of service. Analysts say Google may again take action if Microsoft pushes these features widely.
For now, the background playback option remains experimental, requiring users to manually enable it in Edge Canary.
