Start from the headphone control
Use the monochrome headphone button in YouTube’s player controls, or open the extension popup and use its switch.
Chrome extension
Listen when you do not need to watch.
Audio Mode for YouTube hides the moving video behind bright, blurred artwork and requests 144p playback while the audio continues.
How it works
Switch modes without leaving the player.
Keep the thumbnail in view
The moving video is hidden and replaced with a blurred thumbnail for the active video. Audio continues through YouTube’s normal player.
Return to the original view
Turn Audio Mode off to reveal the video and request the quality that was active before the mode was enabled.
Built for listening
Less moving video when the picture is not the point.
Stay inside YouTube
The extension adds its control to the existing player instead of creating a separate media service.
Reduce video work
Audio Mode requests YouTube’s 144p quality range to reduce video processing and bandwidth where the player allows it.
Keep the state in sync
The player button and popup reflect the same Audio Mode setting through Chrome Sync.
Clear limits
Audio Mode changes presentation, not YouTube access.
It does not unlock background playback
The extension does not bypass YouTube Premium, locked-screen, regional, account, or content restrictions.
Quality control is a request
YouTube may delay or override the 144p request. The extension waits briefly for buffered playback before requesting the change to reduce unnecessary audio interruption.
It is an independent product
Audio Mode for YouTube is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by YouTube or Google.
Extension privacy
No extension account or external analytics.
The extension stores its enabled state, Audio Mode duration, and session count through Chrome Sync. Current video and quality information stays in page memory while the extension operates. It does not send those records to Web Dev NC, sell user data, or add advertising.
Need help with Audio Mode?
Use the support page for quick checks or send Web Dev NC the extension version and a description of the problem.
Open extension support