Published on March 30th, 2023
What’s YouTube Vanced?
YouTube Vanced is a modified version of the official YouTube app that allows users to watch videos without ads, play videos in the background, and more. It’s a popular choice for those who want a better user experience on YouTube.
YouTube Vanced is available for Android devices, and it’s easy to install. Once you have it installed, you can start enjoying ad-free videos on YouTube right away. The app also offers a range of customization options, so you can tweak the interface to your liking. You can change the theme, the playback speed, and even the swipe gestures.
One of the most useful features of YouTube Vanced is background play. This means you can continue listening to a video even when you exit the app or turn off your phone screen. This is great if you want to listen to music or a podcast while doing something else on your phone.
Another useful feature of YouTube Vanced is video downloading. You can download videos in various resolutions and formats, so you can watch them later even if you don’t have an internet connection. This is great if you’re going on a long flight or train ride and want to watch some videos without using your data.
Overall, YouTube Vanced is a great option if you want to watch YouTube videos without any ads and with some additional features. It’s easy to install and use, and it can make your YouTube experience much more enjoyable.
However, in March 2022, YouTube Vanced was shut down due to a legal threat from Google, which forced it to stop developing and distributing the app.
It is important to note that the distribution of Vanced involves the unauthorized redistribution of Google’s proprietary code, and it also infringes on the YouTube trademark. Some may even consider it a form of piracy since it provides most of the features of YouTube Premium, a paid service, for free.
So,if you’re a user of YouTube Vanced and are in search of a new alternative, there are several options available to consider. With the recent crackdown on Vanced and similar apps, it’s understandable that users may be looking for a new ad-free experience while watching their favorite videos.
We’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of some of the best free and paid options for Android users.
Disclaimer: It’s important to keep in mind that using modified versions of apps, such as Vanced, can be considered piracy and may have legal consequences. Therefore, it’s recommended to consider legal alternatives that offer similar features and provide a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience.
YouTube Vanced Alternatives
1. LibreTube
LibreTube is a free and open-source alternative to YouTube. It’s built on the decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) network, which means that the content is stored on multiple servers and not on a central server like YouTube. This ensures that the platform is more resistant to censorship and allows for greater freedom of expression.
Some of the features of LibreTube include:
- No Ads: Like other alternative video sharing platforms, LibreTube is free of ads, so you can enjoy watching videos without any interruption.
- Open Source: LibreTube is an open-source project, which means that anyone can access and modify the code. This makes the platform more transparent and encourages community participation.
- Decentralized: Because LibreTube is built on a decentralized P2P network, the content is distributed across multiple servers, making it more resilient against censorship and providing greater control over the data.
- Privacy Focused: LibreTube respects user privacy by not tracking or storing user data, and it also offers end-to-end encryption for all video streams.
- Community Driven: LibreTube is run by a community of volunteers, which means that it’s not owned or controlled by any corporation or government. This ensures that the platform is truly independent and democratic.
LibreTube is a promising alternative to YouTube that offers a more privacy-focused and community-driven experience. However, because it’s still in the early stages of development, it may not have the same level of content and features as YouTube.
2. uYouPlus
uYouPlus is a free browser extension that enhances the YouTube experience by adding some really cool features. It’s available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera, and can be downloaded from the uYouPlus website.
Some of the features of uYouPlus include:
- Ad Blocker: uYouPlus removes all ads from YouTube videos, so you can enjoy watching your favorite content without any interruptions.
- Picture-in-Picture: With uYouPlus, you can watch YouTube videos in a small pop-up window while you browse other websites or use other apps. This is really convenient if you want to multitask while watching videos.
- Auto HD: uYouPlus automatically adjusts the video quality to the highest possible resolution based on your internet connection speed.
- Dark Mode: If you’re a fan of dark mode, uYouPlus has got you covered. It allows you to switch to a dark theme that’s easier on the eyes, especially if you’re watching videos at night.
- Playback Speed Control: With uYouPlus, you can adjust the playback speed of the video to make it faster or slower, depending on your preferences.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: If you’re someone who likes to use keyboard shortcuts, uYouPlus has a bunch of them that make it easier to navigate through YouTube.
Overall, uYouPlus is a really handy browser extension that adds a lot of useful features to YouTube. It’s easy to install and use, and it can make your YouTube experience much more enjoyable.
3. NewPipe
NewPipe is a free and open-source app that allows you to stream YouTube videos without any ads and even download them for offline viewing. It’s available for Android devices and can be downloaded from the F-Droid app store or the NewPipe website.
Some of the features of NewPipe include:
- Ad-Free Experience: NewPipe removes all ads from YouTube videos, so you can watch your favorite content without any interruptions.
- Background Play: You can play YouTube videos in the background or even with your screen turned off, which is great if you want to listen to music or a podcast while doing something else on your phone.
- Download Videos: NewPipe allows you to download YouTube videos in various formats and resolutions, so you can watch them later even if you don’t have an internet connection.
- Privacy Focused: NewPipe respects user privacy by not tracking or storing any user data, and it also offers end-to-end encryption for all video streams.
- Customizable Interface: You can customize the look and feel of NewPipe, including changing the theme and the color scheme.
- Lightweight and Fast: NewPipe is a lightweight app that runs smoothly on even older Android devices, and it doesn’t require a lot of storage space.
NewPipe is a great alternative to the official YouTube app that offers a more ad-free and privacy-focused experience. It’s also really handy if you want to download videos for offline viewing or listen to music in the background while doing something else on your phone.
4. Skytube
Skytube is a free and open-source app that allows you to watch YouTube videos without any ads and even download them for offline viewing. It’s available for Android devices and can be downloaded from the F-Droid app store or the Skytube website.
Some of the features of Skytube include:
- Ad-Free Experience: Skytube removes all ads from YouTube videos, so you can watch your favorite content without any interruptions.
- Background Play: You can play YouTube videos in the background or even with your screen turned off, which is great if you want to listen to music or a podcast while doing something else on your phone.
- Download Videos: Skytube allows you to download YouTube videos in various formats and resolutions, so you can watch them later even if you don’t have an internet connection.
- Privacy Focused: Skytube respects user privacy by not tracking or storing any user data, and it also offers end-to-end encryption for all video streams.
- Customizable Interface: You can customize the look and feel of Skytube, including changing the theme and the color scheme.
- Lightweight and Fast: Skytube is a lightweight app that runs smoothly on even older Android devices, and it doesn’t require a lot of storage space.
- Subscriptions and Playlists: Skytube also allows you to manage your YouTube subscriptions and playlists, so you can keep track of your favorite channels and videos.
Skytube is a great alternative to the official YouTube app that offers a more ad-free and privacy-focused experience. It’s also really handy if you want to download videos for offline viewing or listen to music in the background while doing something else on your phone.
5. Firefox with uBlock Origin
Firefox with uBlock Origin is a web browser with an ad-blocking extension installed. uBlock Origin is a free and open-source browser extension that blocks ads, trackers, and malware from web pages. It’s available for Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Opera, and can be downloaded from the uBlock Origin website.
Firefox with uBlock Origin offers a number of benefits, including:
- Ad-Free Browsing: With uBlock Origin, you won’t see any ads on web pages, which can make browsing faster and more enjoyable.
- Better Privacy: uBlock Origin blocks trackers and other scripts that can collect data about your browsing habits, so you can maintain your privacy online.
- Malware Protection: uBlock Origin also blocks malware from infected websites, so you can browse the web with more peace of mind.
- Customizable Filters: uBlock Origin allows you to create your own custom filters to block specific elements on web pages that you don’t want to see.
- Lightweight and Fast: uBlock Origin is a lightweight extension that doesn’t slow down your browsing speed or take up a lot of memory.
Firefox with uBlock Origin is a great option if you want to browse the web without seeing any ads or being tracked by advertisers. It’s easy to install and use, and it can make your online experience much more enjoyable and secure.
6. Kiwi Browser
Kiwi Browser is an Android web browser that provides a fast and secure browsing experience. It’s built on the Chromium platform, which means it shares a lot of similarities with Google Chrome, but with some additional features.
One of Kiwi’s most significant features is its built-in ad blocker, which helps to remove annoying and intrusive ads. It also includes a night mode for browsing in low light environments and a custom download manager that allows you to download files directly from the browser.
Another standout feature of Kiwi is its ability to play YouTube videos in the background. This means that you can keep listening to music or other videos while using other apps or when your phone is locked. Additionally, Kiwi includes a data saver mode that can reduce your mobile data usage while browsing the internet.
Overall, Kiwi Browser offers a lot of features that make it a great alternative to other popular web browsers. Its ad blocker, night mode, background play, and data saver mode make browsing the internet faster and more enjoyable.
7. PeerTube
PeerTube is an open-source, decentralized video hosting platform that aims to provide an alternative to centralized video sharing platforms like YouTube. Instead of relying on a single company or organization to host and serve videos, PeerTube is powered by a network of community-run instances that share videos with each other.
One of the key features of PeerTube is its decentralized nature, which means that no single entity has control over the entire platform. This helps to ensure that user data is not exploited for profit, and that videos are not subject to censorship or removal.
Another important feature of PeerTube is its support for open standards and protocols, which makes it easy to integrate with other decentralized web technologies. This includes support for WebTorrent, a peer-to-peer protocol for sharing large files over the web, and ActivityPub, a protocol for building decentralized social networks.
Overall, PeerTube offers a more democratic and decentralized approach to video hosting, and provides an alternative to centralized platforms that are prone to censorship, data exploitation, and other abuses of power.
8. LBRY
LBRY is an open-source, decentralized content-sharing platform that enables creators to publish and monetize their content without relying on centralized platforms. LBRY allows users to upload, share and discover videos, music, books, and other digital content.
One of the key features of LBRY is its decentralized nature, which means that it’s not controlled by any single entity. This helps to ensure that user data is not exploited for profit, and that content is not subject to censorship or removal.
Another important feature of LBRY is its blockchain-based system for rewarding creators with cryptocurrency for their content. This enables creators to monetize their content directly without relying on advertising revenue or other intermediaries.
LBRY also features a built-in search engine that makes it easy for users to discover new content, as well as a content rating system that helps to promote high-quality content and reduce the spread of misinformation.
Overall, LBRY provides a decentralized and censorship-resistant alternative to centralized content sharing platforms, while also providing creators with new opportunities to monetize their content directly.
9. Revanced
Revanced is a modification of YouTube Vanced that was developed after Vanced was shut down. It provides many of the same features as Vanced, such as ad-blocking, background playback, and dark mode. Here are some of its key features:
- Ad-blocking: Revanced blocks all types of ads, including video ads, banner ads, and pop-ups, providing users with an ad-free viewing experience.
- Background playback: With Revanced, users can play YouTube videos in the background while using other apps, allowing them to listen to music or podcasts while multitasking.
- Customization: Revanced allows users to customize the app’s appearance by changing the background color, enabling or disabling swipe controls, and adjusting video playback speed.
- 4K video playback: Revanced supports 4K video playback, which is not available on the official YouTube app.
- HDR playback: It includes the option to force HDR playback on non-HDR videos, which enhances the video quality on supported devices.
It’s important to note that Revanced is a modified app and may have legal consequences for use. However, for those who choose to use it, it provides a more customizable and ad-free YouTube experience.
10. YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a subscription-based service offered by YouTube that provides users with exclusive access to premium content and features. Here are some of the key features of YouTube Premium:
- Ad-free viewing: YouTube Premium subscribers can watch videos on YouTube without any ads.
- Background playback: With YouTube Premium, users can play videos in the background while using other apps or when the screen is turned off.
- Offline playback: Users can download videos and watch them offline, which is particularly useful when traveling or in areas with limited internet connectivity.
- YouTube Music Premium: This service is included with YouTube Premium and provides ad-free music streaming and access to millions of songs.
- Original content: YouTube Premium subscribers have exclusive access to a range of original content, including movies, TV shows, and documentaries produced by YouTube.
- Access to YouTube Kids: YouTube Premium subscribers can also access YouTube Kids, a family-friendly version of YouTube with content tailored for kids.
- Enhanced features: With YouTube Premium, users can enjoy enhanced features such as video playback in 1080p or 4K, and the ability to play videos at higher frame rates.
YouTube Premium provides users with an ad-free and enhanced viewing experience, exclusive access to original content, and access to YouTube Music Premium. However, it is a paid service and requires a monthly subscription.
