A computer-implemented method for providing adaptive background playback behavior is provided herein. Embodiments of the method include steps of playing a media item in a media viewer executing on a processor of a computing device. The media item includes both an audio component and a video component. The method further includes steps of detecting an event that causes the playing of the video component of the media item to be suspended and of identifying data pertaining to user behavior associated with the event. Additionally, the method includes determining whether to continue playing the audio component of the media item in view of the identified data.