YouTube at double speed on mobile

Solution 1:

This can now be done with the latest version of Youtube Mobile App

"What's New in Version 12.33

• Adjust video playback speed with new player controls"

Solution 2:

Updated answer for those who still prefer to watch in Safari

In the iOS Shortcuts app you can find a shortcut that will change the speed of any video it finds on the web page you're on when you run it. You run it from the share sheet in Safari.

Activate it in the Shortcuts app in Gallery → Javascript Shortcuts → Change video speed.

Visit a Youtube video in Safari and use the share sheet to run the newly added shortcut. It will ask you what speed to play the video at.


Original answer

  1. On the video's mobile Youtube page, tap the menu button at the top left (or right). Scroll to the bottom and switch to Desktop view.*

Youtube desktop version

  1. Change the speed controls just like you would on your computer.
  2. Play the video by tapping it and it will use the new speed settings.

*If you're in YouTube desktop mode but still don't see the gear icon then tap Safari's action/share button and request desktop version from there as well. The request desktop icon looks like a monitor/iMac.

Icon to request desktop version

(I recently learned that you can also tap and hold Safari's refresh button to request the desktop version of a page)

If you lock the screen Safari will pause playback, but it can be resumed either from the lock screen or your headset to allow audio only.

Solution 3:

I've released a new app made just for this: Speedeo

You can watch any YouTube videos on it at up to 2x the speed. Great for tutorials, presentations, and just saving time in general.

Note: I'm one of the authors of the app. If you have any feedback please let me know!

Solution 4:

No, mobile versions often have much less functionality. With the official YouTube app there is (currently) no function to speed up a video.

There might be an external app containing this feature, but by default there is no functionality for this.