Microsoft Edge’s latest Canary build on Android now delivers YouTube Premium‘s core features without the $13.99 monthly subscription. Users can enjoy background video playback and ad-free viewing by enabling the “Video Background Play” flag in edge://flags. As currently limited to Edge’s experimental build, this game-changing development challenges YouTube’s premium model and signals a shift in how users access premium content. The browser wars just got more interesting.
Whereas YouTube Premium subscribers pay a monthly fee for premium features, Microsoft Edge is quietly revolutionising how Android users experience YouTube through its Canary build. The browser’s latest experimental version offers two coveted Premium features – background video playback and ad-free viewing – without the $13.99 monthly subscription cost that YouTube typically charges for these privileges.
The background playback feature, accessible through Edge’s flags page, allows users to continue playing YouTube videos while multitasking between apps or even when the screen is locked. This functionality, traditionally a Premium-exclusive perk, transforms how users consume content on their Android devices. Setting up this feature requires users to activate the “Video Background Play” flag and adjust their site settings, but the payoff is immediate and significant. Users can easily enable the feature by navigating to edge://flags in their browser. Google may implement technical countermeasures to prevent this feature from working in the future.
Adding to this game-changing development, Edge Canary comes equipped with a built-in ad blocker that effectively eliminates interruptions during video playback. From the first launch, users are prompted to activate this feature, creating a seamless, ad-free viewing experience that rivals YouTube Premium’s offering. The combination of these two features fundamentally replicates core Premium benefits without touching users’ wallets.
Edge Canary’s built-in ad blocking and background playback deliver Premium-level YouTube features without the subscription costs.
Although this development poses potential challenges to YouTube’s Premium subscription model, it’s worth mentioning that not all Premium features are replicated. Offline downloads and access to YouTube Originals remain exclusive to paying subscribers. Nevertheless, for users primarily interested in ad-free viewing and background playback, Edge Canary presents a compelling alternative that could influence YouTube’s future pricing and feature strategies.
The implementation appears robust in testing, with videos playing smoothly in the background and shifting seamlessly between apps. Nonetheless, users should note that this functionality is currently limited to Edge’s Canary build on Android devices, with no confirmed plans for iOS or desktop expansion. The experimental nature of these features similarly means stability may vary, and users need to verify they’re running the latest version (141 or later) for peak performance.
Microsoft’s strategic move positions Edge as a more attractive browser option for Android users, particularly those who frequently consume YouTube content. The introduction of these Premium-level features at no cost represents a significant shift in how users might access premium content features, potentially forcing Google to reevaluate its Premium subscription strategy.
While the long-term implications remain to be seen, this development marks a remarkable moment in the ongoing evolution of video content consumption and browser functionality.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft Edge’s new capability to provide YouTube Premium features without a subscription represents a notable shift in the browser landscape. While this allows users to enjoy premium benefits for free, it raises concerns about the sustainability of such offerings and how Google might respond. As competition among browsers heats up, this could influence how streaming services manage their premium features and user access.
For those looking to enhance their browsing experience or troubleshoot any issues with Microsoft Edge or other software, Computer Repairs Sunshine Coast is here to help. Our team can assist you in optimizing your browser for a seamless experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out! Click on our contact us page to get in touch today.
