How to Listen to YouTube Music on PS5: 3 Working Methods

Gaming and music enhance each other, but PS5 lacks a YouTube Music app, and the YouTube app stops when you launch a game. This doesn't mean silence is your only option. Here's a guide to listen to YouTube Music on PS5 while gaming: use the "Pin-to-Side" browser trick, the high-quality USB method, or convert YouTube MP3s to a USB.

Part 1. Does PS5 Support YouTube Music Background Play?

Short answer: No, not officially.

Unlike Spotify or Apple Music, which are fully integrated into the PlayStation 5 Control Center, Google has not released a dedicated YouTube Music application for the console. While you can download the standard YouTube app, it functions strictly as a video player. The moment you press the PlayStation button to return to your home screen or launch a game, the audio cuts out.

But don't cancel your subscription just yet. We can bypass this limitation using the PS5's hidden features.

Part 2. 3 Methods to Listen to YouTube Music on PS5

Though there is no official ways to listen to YouTube music on PS5, there are still 3 workable ways for PS5 users to enjoy YouTube music. Just read the following content and pick one up.

Method 1: The "Pin-to-Side" Browser Trick

This is the most popular workaround. It allows you to stream YouTube Music on PS5 by utilizing the console's hidden web browser. The trade-off is that you must keep a small window pinned to the side of your screen, but it is the only way to stream your actual playlists live while playing.

Step 1Access the Hidden Web Browser

The PS5 does not have a browser app in the menu, but it does exist in the background.

1) Go to the Game Base (press the PS button and look for the icon that looks like two people).

2) Select a friend to send a message to (or create a secondary account to message yourself).

3) In the chat box, type www.youtube.com or music.youtube.com and hit send.

4) The link will appear as a clickable hyperlink.

Step 2Navigate to Your Music

1) Click the link you just sent. This will open the PS5's internal web browser.

2) If you used the standard YouTube link, search for your desired music. If you used music.youtube.com, sign in to your Google account to access your playlists.

Important: You may need to bypass a "browser not supported" warning. usually, clicking "I understand" or navigating via the main YouTube site works.

Step 3Pin the Window

This is the magic step that enables background play.

1) Once your music is playing, press the Options button (the small button with three lines) on your DualSense controller.

2) Select Pin to Side from the menu.

The browser window will snap to either the left or right side of your screen.

Step 4Launch Your Game

You can now press the PS button and open your game. The music window will stay visible.You can double-tap the PS button to quickly switch focus between the game and the pinned window if you need to skip a track or change the volume.

Method 2: The USB Drive Method (Best for Full Immersion)

If you find the pinned window distracting or want true background audio that integrates with the PS5 Control Center, the USB method is superior. It requires a bit of prep work on a PC, but the result is a cleaner gaming experience.

Step 1Prepare Your USB Drive

The PS5 does not have a browser app in the menu, but it does exist in the background.

1) Plug a USB drive into your computer.

2) Format it to exFAT or FAT32 (PS5 cannot read NTFS).

3) Create a folder on the root of the drive named Music. The PS5 will not see your files if they are not in a folder with this specific name.

Step 2Download Your Tracks

You will need actual audio files (MP3, FLAC, or AAC). Just go to YouTube music and download the songs that you want to listen on your PS5.

Step 3Play on PS5

1) Plug the USB drive into your PS5.

2) Press the PS Button to open the Control Center.

3) Select the Music icon.

4) Scroll down to the bottom where it lists USB Drive.

5) Select your drive, and you will see your list of songs.

Method 3: Mobile Casting

Many users ask: "Can I just cast YouTube Music from my phone to the PS5?"

The answer is Yes. You can cast video. If you open the YouTube app on PS5 and hit the "Cast" icon on your phone's YouTube Music app, it will take over the TV screen. However, it does not support background audio. As soon as you leave the YouTube app screen on your PS5 to play a game, the connection drops or the audio stops.

Verdict: This method is great for parties or cleaning the house, but useless for gaming.

Part 3. Bonus Tip: How to Download YouTube Music to MP3 to Play on PS5

Don't know how to get a MP3 file from YouTube music that can play on PS5? Try using TunesKit Audio Capture to record and download your favorite YouTube music. This is a powerful desktop program available on both Windows and Mac platforms, allowing users to download streaming music from any source like YouTube music, Tidal, Spotify, Apple Music, etc. The program supports high-quality downloading, which can help you download audio without any quality loss.

The following steps will show you how to download YouTube music to MP3.

Step 1Download and Install

To begin with, download and install TunesKit Audio Capture on your computer. Launch the program on your computer. To record audio from YouTube music, click on the resource icon and select a browser as recording source. You can set the audio quality and recording format by clicking the Format option.

Step 2Record YouTube Music

Launch the browser and go to the YouTube website. Click on the Start button on TunesKit Audio Capture and play the YouTube Music song. TunesKit Audio Capture will start to record and download the audio to your computer.

Step 3Move Audio to USB

Click on the Stop and Save button to stop recording. Then, you can find the recorded audio in the History list. Just click on the Folder button to find it on your local folder and move the song to a USB. Then, you can play the song on PS5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

As we await an official YouTube Music app for PS5, gamers can utilize creative solutions. Use the Pin-to-Side Method to enjoy playlists, discover new music, or listen to podcasts without missing video content. Opt for the USB Method for competitive games where screen visibility is crucial, using your local track library. These workarounds ensure your gaming sessions are always filled with music. To download YouTube music to your USB, just try using TunesKit Audio Capture.