If you want to stop YouTube playlists from automatically playing videos one after another, you can easily turn off the autoplay feature. This guide will show you the different ways to disable autoplay for playlists on both desktop and mobile in 2023.
What is YouTube Autoplay?
The autoplay feature on YouTube allows videos to automatically start playing one after another without any action from the user.
When autoplay is enabled, as soon as one video ends, the next video in line will immediately start playing.
Autoplay works for playlists as well as singular videos. If you are watching a playlist, the next video in that playlist queue will automatically start once the current video finishes.
This creates a seamless viewing experience but can also lead to hours of uncontrolled viewing.
Why Turn Off Autoplay Playlists?
Here are some reasons why you may want to disable autoplay for YouTube playlists:
- Avoid distracting autoplay recommendations after each video
- Prevent potentially inappropriate content from automatically playing
- Stop playlists from playing endlessly without control
- Manage data usage on mobile devices
- Improve YouTube viewer experience
Basically, turning off autoplay gives you greater control over what you watch on YouTube next. You can manually select each new video instead of having the platform automatically queue videos based on recommendations.
Turning Off Autoplay Playlists on Desktop
If you primarily watch YouTube on a desktop or laptop, here are the steps to disable autoplay for playlists:
- Go to YouTube and begin playing any video or playlist.
- Click on your account icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Go to the “Autoplay” section on the left sidebar.
- Uncheck the box next to “Autoplay next video in a playlist”.
- Scroll down and click “Save” to confirm changes.
Once you save these settings, autoplay will be turned off for all playlists. Videos will pause at the end instead of automatically continuing to the next one.
You can still keep the main “Autoplay” feature enabled if you want standalone videos to play continuously. The above steps only apply to playlist autoplay.
Alternative Ways to Disable Playlist Autoplay
A couple other ways to quickly turn off autoplay for YouTube playlists on desktop include:
- Click the “Autoplay” toggle below any playlist to disable it for that specific playlist.
- Use a YouTube browser extension like Hide YouTube Comments to block autoplay.
The global settings method gives you blanket control over autoplay, while the other two options let you customize it for individual playlists or videos.
How to Turn Off Autoplay Playlists on Mobile
The steps are slightly different on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets:
- Open the YouTube app on your iPhone, Android, or other mobile device.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top right.
- Select “Settings” from the menu.
- Scroll down and tap “Autoplay.”
- Switch “Autoplay next video” to the OFF position.
This will prevent autoplay for both individual videos and playlists. You can’t customize it specifically for playlists on mobile like you can on desktop.
Other Ways to Stop Playlist Autoplay
A couple other methods to stop autoplay for YouTube playlists on mobile include:
- Tap the “Autoplay” toggle below a playlist to turn off for that playlist only.
- Use a mobile YouTube app like Video Background Play Fix to disable autoplay.
Again, the global setting controls autoplay entirely while the other options let you customize it for particular playlists.
Autoplay Settings for YouTube Music
The above instructions work for both YouTube and YouTube Music when using the main YouTube apps. However, if you use the separate YouTube Music app, the settings are configured slightly differently:
On Desktop:
- Click your profile picture in the top right of YouTube Music.
- Select “Settings” then go to “Autoplay.”
- Uncheck “Autoplay similar songs when your music finishes.”
On Mobile:
- Tap your profile icon in YouTube Music.
- Go to “Settings” then “Autoplay.”
- Disable the “Play similar songs” option.
This will prevent the app from automatically queueing up recommendations once playlists and songs end.
Disabling Autoplay on YouTube TV
The YouTube TV app for streaming live television also has an autoplay feature for playing consecutive content. Here is how to turn it off:
On Mobile:
- Open the YouTube TV app.
- Tap your profile picture then “Settings.”
- Scroll down to “Autoplay” and toggle it off.
On Roku:
- From the YouTube TV app, go to “Settings.”
- Select “Autoplay” and set it to “Off.”
This will prevent the service from automatically playing another video after your current video ends.
Prevent Playlists From Looping
In addition to autoplay, YouTube playlists also have an option to keep looping indefinitely. This means that once the last video finishes, the first video will play again to restart the playlist.
To disable playlist looping:
- Start watching any playlist.
- Click the “Loop” toggle below the playlist videos.
- The toggle will turn grey when looping is disabled.
This will stop the playlist from starting over every time it ends. The “Loop” setting is separate from autoplay.
Autoplay for YouTube Kids
The YouTube Kids app aimed at children has autoplay enabled by default to keep videos continuously playing.
To turn it off:
On Mobile Devices:
- Open the YouTube Kids app.
- Tap the lock icon in the bottom toolbar.
- Enter your parental passcode.
- Go to “Settings” then “Autoplay.”
- Toggle the autoplay setting off.
This will prevent videos from playing automatically one after another, giving your child greater control over their viewing experience.
Other possible issues
Why does YouTube autoplay sometimes get stuck on a loop?
If you notice the same playlist or videos playing on repeat, it could mean the loop setting was accidentally enabled. Double check that the “Loop” toggle below the videos is disabled.
How do I stop getting music video recommendations after playlists?
Go to your YouTube “Settings” then the “Recommendations” section and disable “Music videos” to prevent autoplaying music videos after other content.
Can I get in trouble for disabling YouTube autoplay?
No, disabling autoplay does not violate any policies or terms of service. It is a built-in preference you’re free to customize as desired.
What about YouTube’s “click-to-play” feature?
This feature still requires you to click to start individual videos but will not disable autoplaying between playlist videos.
Will this setting carry over across devices?
Unfortunately no. You will need to disable autoplay separately on each desktop computer, mobile device, streaming box, smart TV, etc. that you use to watch YouTube.
Whether or not to allow YouTube playlists and videos to automatically play comes down to personal preference. If you find the endless autoplay distracting, data-consuming, or inappropriate, disabling the feature gives you greater control.
Simply toggle the autoplay settings to off in your account, below individual playlists, or using a third-party app. Just be aware you may need to repeat these steps on all your connected devices. With autoplay disabled, you can now relax and enjoy YouTube uninterrupted!
