How do I play YouTube audio only without the video?

Install PodTube, a free Chrome extension. Once installed, click the headphones icon or press Shift+A on any YouTube video to enable audio-only mode. The video blurs automatically while audio continues playing.

Is audio-only YouTube free?

Yes, PodTube is completely free with no ads, tracking, or hidden costs. You get audio-only YouTube without needing YouTube Premium.

Does audio-only mode save bandwidth on YouTube?

Yes. PodTube automatically sets video quality to the lowest setting (144p) when audio-only mode is active, reducing data usage by up to 90% compared to HD video.

Can I listen to YouTube in the background?

PodTube blurs the video so you can focus on audio while browsing other tabs or working. The audio continues playing even when the YouTube tab is in the background.

Does it work for YouTube Music?

Currently PodTube works on youtube.com only, not music.youtube.com. It works with all videos including podcasts, music videos, interviews, and lectures.

Is PodTube safe to use?

Yes. All preferences are stored locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server, and there's no tracking or analytics.

Can I control playback speed in audio-only mode?

Yes! When audio-only mode is active, a speed control overlay appears with a slider (0.25x-2x) and quick preset buttons. You can also use Shift+> and Shift+< keyboard shortcuts.

Audio Only YouTube — Listen Without Video

Free Chrome extension to blur YouTube videos and save bandwidth.

Listen to podcasts, music, and lectures on YouTube without the visual distraction. Works like audio-only mode — perfect for background listening while you work.

Add to Chrome — It's Free

Audio-Only YouTube Features

Everything you need to listen to YouTube without watching the video.

Audio-Only Mode

Blur any YouTube video instantly. Listen to podcasts, music, and lectures without the visual distraction.

Save Bandwidth

Auto-switches to 144p quality in audio-only mode. Reduce YouTube data usage by up to 90%.

Works on All Videos

Handles YouTube navigation seamlessly. Audio-only mode persists as you browse different videos.

Speed Control

Adjust playback from 0.25x to 2x. Perfect for speeding through lectures or slowing down podcasts.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Press Shift+A for audio-only. Use Shift+> and Shift+< for speed. No mouse needed.

How to Get Audio-Only YouTube in 3 Steps

Start listening to YouTube without the video in under 30 seconds.

Install PodTube Extension

Add to Chrome free — no account or signup required.

Open Any YouTube Video

Navigate to a podcast, music video, or lecture on youtube.com.

Enable Audio-Only Mode

Press Shift+A or click the headphones icon to blur video and listen audio-only.

See It In Action

Blur the video. Keep the controls.

What People Say

Join thousands of users who focus better with Audio-only.

"Finally I can listen to podcasts on YouTube without the distraction."

AK— Alex K.

"Saves my mobile data when I'm just listening to music."

JM— Jordan M.

"Simple, does exactly what it says. Love it."

ST— Sam T.

Audio-Only YouTube FAQ

Common questions about listening to YouTube without video.

Ready to focus?

Join thousands of users and experience YouTube without the distractions.

Add to Chrome — It's Free