Can you make the YouTube app louder?
YouTube is the largest video sharing and streaming platform globally, with over 2 billion monthly users. It has a 97.71% market share in the media players and streaming platforms industry according to 6sense. While it offers high quality video, YouTube’s default audio volume is often lower than other apps and video platforms.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of methods you can use to increase the volume on YouTube videos beyond the basic in-app settings. We’ll cover adjusting your device and headphone volumes, using a volume booster, upgrading your phone model, and more. With the right tweaks and tools, you can turn up the sound on YouTube for a louder, clearer listening experience.
Check Your Device’s Volume
The first step is to ensure the volume on your phone or tablet is turned up to the maximum level. On Android devices, press the volume up button on the side of the phone until it won’t go any higher. On iPhones, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the Control Center, then drag the volume slider all the way to the right.
You’ll typically see a popup warning if you go above 80% volume on an iPhone, but you can dismiss this and turn it up fully. Just be careful not to blast music at max volume into your ears for prolonged periods, as this can damage your hearing over time.
Additionally, check any external speakers connected to your device like Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Make sure these are also turned up to max volume. This ensures the audio signal leaving your phone or tablet is as loud as possible before being amplified further by the external device.
Adjust In-App Volume
The easiest way to increase the volume on YouTube is to max out the in-app volume controls. YouTube has a built-in volume slider that goes up to 100%. To find it, tap on the video you want to watch and look for the volume icon in the bottom right corner. Tap on it to bring up the volume slider.
Drag the slider all the way to the right to turn the YouTube volume up to maximum levels. Be careful though, as this can make loud videos even louder. If you want to avoid blasting your eardrums, consider plugging in headphones first.
This maxes out YouTube’s built-in volume, but you may still be able to boost levels higher by adjusting your device’s system volume. Just keep in mind that the YouTube in-app slider goes up to the full volume your device allows for.
Some users have resorted to 3rd party apps like Volume Control to force limits on in-app volume if they want to restrict maximum levels for kids. But for boosting loudness, simply drag the native YouTube slider to the right.
Use Headphones
One of the easiest ways to make the YouTube app louder is to use headphones. Headphones can provide louder and higher quality sound compared to speakers on your mobile device or computer. There are a few different types of headphones to consider:
Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears and the padding helps block out external noise. This allows you to immerse yourself in the audio and often provides a fuller sound. Popular over-ear models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 are designed for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
Earbuds sit directly in your ear canal like Apple AirPods. They are ultra portable but may not isolate sound or deliver as complete of an audio profile as over-ear headphones. Earbuds often excel at reproducing mids and highs but lack the bass response of over-ear models.
High-end audiophile headphones from brands like Sennheiser and Audeze take sound quality to another level. Their precise tuning and premium components can reveal details in music you’ve never heard before. However, these pro models come at a steep price.
No matter which style you choose, headphones allow you to pump up the volume beyond what’s possible from tiny mobile speakers. They can transform the listening experience and let you fully appreciate YouTube audio.
Enable Volume Booster
Some Android devices like Samsung, LG, and Huawei phones have built-in volume boosters that can be enabled to increase the maximum volume output. This boosts volume system-wide, allowing you to turn up the volume higher in any app including YouTube.
To enable the volume booster on a Samsung device, go to Settings > Sound quality and effects > Volume > Turn on Volume booster. You can then adjust the volume level boost from Low to High depending on your preference.
On LG phones, open Settings > Sound > Volume and check the box next to Extra volume. Select the desired boost level from 1-3.
For Huawei phones, go to Settings > Sound and enable Super volume. You can then pick from High, Medium or Low volume boost modes.
The process may vary slightly on other brands, but generally look in Sound/Audio settings for a system-wide volume boost or loudness option to enable.(1)
Get an External Amp
A portable headphone amp can help boost the volume from your mobile device beyond its built-in limits. Portable amps work by taking the audio signal from your phone and amplifying it before sending it to your headphones. This provides extra power to drive higher-impedance headphones properly and enables louder overall volume.
When choosing a portable headphone amp to use with your mobile device, look for models designed for on-the-go use. These typically offer a compact size, internal battery, and USB-C or Lightning connection. Some popular portable amp options include:
- Fosi Audio Q4 – Affordable mini amp with impressive power and bass boost (Cited from The Best Portable Headphone Amp With Built-In DAC)
- JDS Labs Atom+ – Versatile amp with USB-C and lightning inputs for mobile use
- Schiit Hel – High-quality amp/DAC designed specifically for mobile devices
Portable amps with a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) provide the added benefit of improving sound quality over your device’s internal DAC. Top options include the iFi Hip-dac 3, Chord Mojo 2, and AudioQuest DragonFly models.
Just make sure any amp you choose is compatible with your smartphone or tablet and has enough battery life for your needs before purchasing.
Adjust Audio Settings
One way to make the YouTube app louder is by adjusting your audio settings in Android. Here’s how:
Open the Settings app on your Android device and go to the Sound section. There you will find an option called Audio effects or Audio profiles. This allows you to choose different audio presets that can boost the volume and audio quality in apps like YouTube.
Try selecting different presets like Movie, Dynamic, or Surround sound and testing them while playing a video in the YouTube app. Many Samsung devices also have a Volume booster option here which can increase loudness.
The Audio effects settings essentially act as system-wide equalizer presets. Switching between them allows you to find one that makes audio louder and clearer in apps like YouTube without root access or separate apps.
You can also customize the presets by tapping on the current selection and adjusting bands yourself. Boosting certain frequencies can help make sounds fuller and louder.[1]
So if the YouTube app sounds too soft, try changing up the Audio effects in your Android device’s Settings. With a bit of tweaking, you can find a preset that makes YouTube and other media louder.
Upgrade Phone Model
Newer phones tend to have better volume capabilities and audio quality overall compared to older models. Phone manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, and LG have released phones in recent years that are optimized for audio performance.
Some of the latest phones lauded for exceptional sound include the Sony Xperia 1 V, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, LG V60 ThinQ 5G, and the Asus ROG Phone 5. These models stand out with features like high-resolution audio support, powerful onboard amps, Dolby Atmos, and dedicated headphone jacks. Upgrading to one of the current flagships known for great sound quality is one of the best ways to maximize volume from the YouTube app.
Clean Headphone Port
Dust and debris buildup in the headphone port can muffle the sound or cause cracking and popping noises. Over time, the port can accumulate pocket lint, dust, and dirt which gets impacted deep inside. A proper cleaning helps remove this debris so audio can flow freely through the port.
Use a toothpick, toothbrush, or soft-bristled brush to gently clean inside the headphone port. Make sure not to insert anything too far into the port to avoid damage. Then use isopropyl alcohol on the bristles to help dissolve any hardened debris or corrosion, being careful not to get any liquid into the port. Let the port fully dry before reconnecting headphones.
Cleaning the headphone port regularly prevents major buildup that could affect sound quality. Just be gentle during the process and never insert anything too forcefully into the port in order to avoid damaging the pins.
Summary
YouTube videos don’t always play at the volume we want. There are several things you can try to make the YouTube app louder on your phone or tablet.
First, check your device’s main volume setting and make sure it’s turned all the way up. The YouTube app volume can’t exceed this maximum level set for your device.
Next, adjust the in-app volume in YouTube. Tap the volume icon in the video player and drag the slider to increase the volume to 100%. This sets the app volume to the highest level allowed.
Using headphones, especially noise-isolating ones, can help block out external sounds so you can better hear YouTube videos. Headphones with larger drivers tend to play louder than tiny earbuds.
Enabling volume booster and other audio enhancement features in your device’s settings can boost overall sound. Just be aware this may reduce audio quality.
Getting an external headphone amp increases how loudly headphones can play. An amp between your phone and headphones gives a volume boost.
Adjusting audio settings like equalizer presets and normalizing volume can also help make the YouTube audio louder. Test different combinations.
Upgrading to a newer phone model may provide louder maximum volume potential. Newer phones tend to have improved audio circuitry.
Finally, clean out any dust or debris in your phone or tablet’s headphone port so your headphones or speakers make full contact for maximum volume.
The easiest and most effective solutions are adjusting your device volume, YouTube’s in-app volume, using headphones, and getting an external amp. Combining several techniques gives the best results. With a few tweaks, you can make the YouTube app significantly louder.