There I was, huddled under my blanket in the wee hours of the night, craving some binge-worthy YouTube content without the pesky ads interrupting my experience. That’s when I stumbled upon YouTube Vanced, and my life changed forever. However, things can’t remain the same, and now that the app is no longer being updated, I find myself scouring the internet for the best YouTube Vanced alternatives. Are you in the same boat as me? Well, my friend, you’ve come to the right place. As a fellow video enthusiast, I’ve taken the time to research and experiment with several alternatives that bring back the uninterrupted, ad-free experience that YouTube Vanced once offered. The quest for the perfect video streaming app may seem daunting, but worry not. I’ve found options that cater to varying preferences, from interface design to additional features. So, without further ado, let’s embark on this journey together, as I guide you through the steps to take for a satisfying video streaming experience.
This article will discuss several alternatives to YouTube Vanced, a popular tool that allowed users to watch YouTube videos without ads but is no longer available. YouTube has become an essential digital video platform for people all over the world, with many relying on it for educational purposes. However, the increasing number of ads has become a source of frustration for users. While some can afford to purchase subscriptions to bypass ads, others cannot. YouTube Vanced was a free app that provided an ad-free experience, but it is no longer accessible. In this article, we will explore some of the best YouTube Vanced alternatives that can help users watch their favorite videos without interruptions.
What was YouTube Vanced and why is it not accessible now?
YouTube Vanced
The purpose of this app was to serve as an alternative to the original YouTube platform, and in my personal experience, as well as that of many others I know, this app was actually better than the original. Its most notable feature was the absence of advertisements, making it a kind of ad-blocker with many other cool features. Let me describe all those features so that you can choose the best alternative.
Background play was a highly sought-after feature that YouTube lacked. With this feature, you could play videos in the background and use other apps simultaneously. This was especially useful for videos that were only available on YouTube, such as certain songs. No advertisements was the main reason why most people started using the Vanced app. It provided an ad-free platform for all users without charging a single penny.
YouTube video download was another great feature that allowed users to download any YouTube video. Although YouTube also allows downloads, not all videos can be downloaded, and they are only available for 30 days. Vanced’s downloaded videos lasted forever, unless deleted, and you could download any video you wanted.
The app also supported high-quality videos and music, with videos available in many different resolutions such as 720p, 1080p, 2k HD, and 4k. You could even download any video as an mp3 without using any third-party apps, as Vanced was able to convert videos to mp3. In addition, YouTube Vanced had several other features and was even available as a web version, which did not lack any features.
Why are they discontinuing it:
The Vanced corporation was forced to discontinue the app due to a legal threat from Google. After receiving a cease and desist letter from Google, the corporation had no other choice but to put a stop to further development of the app. This is unfortunate news for those who have not yet installed the app, as the already installed app will only work for a limited time, about two years or until it becomes outdated. Additionally, the brand has announced that the available downloadable links on the platform will be officially taken down in the coming days, as stated in their recent tweet.
Alternatives for YouTube Vanced:
FreeTube
The application has been serving its users since 2017 as an alternative to the YouTube platform and YouTube Vanced. Being open-source, it is highly customizable and shareable. This app is ad-free, which means that you can watch your videos without interruptions. The import feature allows you to see your subscribed channels from YouTube, which makes your feed familiar. The app’s design is similar to YouTube, making it easy to use.
Unlike YouTube Vanced, which is only available on Android, this app runs on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and multiple Linux versions. The app is also available in multiple languages, making it accessible to users worldwide. All your history and subscriptions are stored locally, and the best part is that the app does not track your viewing habits or sell your data to third parties.
You can only download the FreeTube app from their official webpage, which is https://freetubeapp.io/#download. If you come across the app on any other platform, it is likely a fake copy of the original app.
NewPipe
According to their official website, the NewPipe app is widely regarded as one of the best alternatives to YouTube Vanced. The app is designed to deliver the same YouTube experience without the inconvenience of ads. As an open-source application, you can modify and distribute it as you see fit. In addition to YouTube, the NewPipe platform also supports PeerTube, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and media.ccc.de, with more services in the pipeline.
The NewPipe app is lightweight and packed with features, including:
- Downloads: You can download your favorite videos, customize them by changing the title, file format, and resolution, and even download captions.
- Background Player: You can watch videos in the background while using other applications.
- Popup Player: This feature allows you to continue watching videos in a small window while using other apps.
- Subscriptions: You can subscribe to a channel with a single click, and import or export your subscribed channels from other devices.
- History: You can manage your watch history and receive suggestions on your feed based on your searches.
With NewPipe, you can create your own playlist, import playlists from other platforms, and bookmark videos you like. The app is fast, data-efficient, and saves your battery. You can download the NewPipe app only from their official website by clicking on the link https://newpipe.net/#lightweight and tapping the “Get NewPipe” button. Your privacy is assured while using the NewPipe app.
Piped
The app called Piped is another great alternative to YouTube Vanced. Despite its slightly suspicious name, Piped is a secure, open-source application that provides users with a fast and user-friendly interface. Unlike YouTube Vanced, Piped has a lightweight design that does not require a lot of storage space on your device.
One of the standout features of Piped is its in-built ad blocker, which goes beyond what most apps offer by including a SponserBlock feature. This means that the app automatically skips paid promotions within videos. Piped also provides a seemingly endless scroll of recommended videos, making it easy to navigate and find new content.
The Piped app is free to download and use, but it can be challenging to find online. When searching for it on the internet, search engines may provide unrelated results. To save you time, here is the official website link: https://piped.garudalinux.org/. Piped is also available on iOS devices.
SkyTube
Please note that this app is only available for Android users, as it is not supported on other platforms such as Windows, Linux, iOS, or macOS. If you are not an Android user, feel free to skip this paragraph. SkyTube is an open-source application that can be modified or redistributed under the General Public License. Unlike YouTube Vanced, you cannot import your YouTube feed into this app because SkyTube does not allow you to sign up with a YouTube or Google account. However, you can still access similar content by searching for it or browsing YouTube channels.
The app offers several features, including a video blocker, the ability to read video comments, bookmarks to save videos for later, subscriptions to channels, search functionality, a trending section, and an ad-block feature. SkyTube does not rely on Google apps, so you do not need to install them on your device to use the app. It is an excellent alternative to YouTube Vanced.
SkyTube also allows you to download any video and watch it without using your data. Additionally, you can enhance your feed by applying region or category filters and filter videos according to your preferences. For example, if you want to watch videos with significant dislikes or a low number of views, you can use a filter for that. To download the app, visit the official website at https://skytube-app.com/ and click on the download button in the upper-right corner of the page.
Minitube
Minitube is a desktop-only application that can be used as an alternative to YouTube Vanced, although it has some limitations. Unlike YouTube Vanced, it does not support mobile platforms such as Android or iOS. The interface of Minitube is different from YouTube, but it is user-friendly and even kids can easily use it. The app includes a filtering feature to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content. It runs on various computer systems such as Windows, Debian, Ubuntu, and macOS.
Minitube is lightweight and does not consume much CPU memory or storage space. It supports high-quality video streaming and full-screen mode. The app also includes an efficient energy consumption feature to save battery life. You can download any YouTube video with just one click, but it does not support the playlist feature. Instead, you need to select a topic or channel, and the app will create a playlist for you.
However, there are some downsides to Minitube. It has some hidden features and buttons that may take some time to learn. Some users have reported difficulties with downloading and playback.
Snaptube
Next on our list is Snaptube, an app that unfortunately is only available for Android devices and Chrome OS. If you’re not using either of these platforms, then this app won’t work for you. However, if you are an Android user, you can use Snaptube to watch and download videos from not just YouTube, but also from other social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. The app offers various video qualities for download, ranging from 144p to 4K. Additionally, you can download multiple pictures or videos with just a single tap, without going through a long process.
The app has a simple and easy-to-use interface, and can also work as a web browser. However, if you’re looking for an alternative to YouTube Vanced, Snaptube may not be the best option. It doesn’t offer all the same features as the other apps on our list, but it does serve as a great platform to download videos for offline viewing.
To download Snaptube, visit their website at https://www.snaptubeapp.com/. They also provide a guide on how to download and install the app if you need assistance.
SongTube
Despite its name, SongTube is not just limited to music downloads but also supports video downloads. It is an open-source application available on a range of platforms, including Android, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Tablet, Windows, Mac, Online, Google Chrome, Firefox, and more. As an open-source app, anyone can download it, modify it, and even redistribute it. With SongTube, you can download videos with the actual video or just the audio (mp3) and even select the video quality. The app’s interface is similar to YouTube’s, and it also includes an in-built ad-blocker for uninterrupted service. The app doesn’t rely on Google services, so users need not worry about privacy concerns or being tracked.
One of the app’s standout features is its equalizer, which lets users customize the audio settings of the song they’re listening to. To download the app, visit SongTube’s official website at https://songtube.github.io/ and click on the “Download SongTube” button. If you wish, you can also donate to the app developers by clicking on the “Donate” button located below the “Download SongTube” button.
SmartTubeNext
Here’s another free alternative to YouTube Vanced, but this one is designed specifically for set-top boxes, tablet devices, and Android-based TVs. SmartTubeNext is not available for Android or iOS phones, and users can only install it on their set-top boxes and Android-based TVs. Unlike YouTube Vanced, which aims to provide an alternative to YouTube, SmartTubeNext is built to offer users a TV-like experience and enhance it. With this app, you can enjoy videos in up to 4K resolution.
SmartTubeNext shares some similarities with YouTube Vanced, such as an in-built ad blocker that eliminates annoying ads, multiple video quality options, the ability to select playback speed, create playlists, and a skip feature to jump between videos. The app’s interface is easy to use, even for beginners. And, most importantly, privacy is a top priority. The app does not require Google services, so you can use it even if your device is not compatible with the Google Play app. SmartTubeNext also offers an external keyboard option for easier text input. To download the app, visit their website at https://github.com/yuliskov/SmartYouTubeTV.
LibreTube
LibreTube is an open-source app that allows anyone to make modifications and share it with others. It is completely free to download and use, making it an excellent alternative to YouTube Vanced. The interface of the app is similar to YouTube and it also has an ad-free feature, which is probably why you are looking for YouTube Vanced in the first place.
The app is built using Material Design, also known as Material You, which makes it smooth and easy to use. Since it is a lightweight application, it won’t take up much space on your device. One of the unique features of LibreTube is the SponsorBlock feature, which lets you skip the sponsored parts of videos. You can also sign up for the app and access your favorite feed.
With the filter feature, you can watch the latest and trending videos of your region. You can subscribe to channels and receive notifications whenever they upload new content. The app also lets you create your own playlist, so you don’t have to search for the next video or song all the time.
LibreTube takes your privacy seriously and does not use any Google services support or save your data. You won’t be tracked either. If you want to download LibreTube, you can visit their official website at https://libre-tube.github.io/.
ViewTube
ViewTube is an online video streaming service that has similarities with YouTube. This open-source platform can be accessed from almost any device and does not require installation, unlike YouTube Vanced which is only available on Android phones. Although its interface is different from YouTube Vanced, it is user-friendly and allows you to easily navigate through various video categories. The interface provides a search option, sign-in, sign-up, and user profile option. If you haven’t signed in, it will show popular videos of various genres on your feed by default. You can sign up to get a familiar feed, or use it anonymously.
Since it is an online platform, it saves storage on your device. You can subscribe to any channel and receive notifications whenever they upload something new. Additionally, you can read comments on videos. The platform offers five themes, including Dark theme, Light theme, Dark theme without background gradients, Black theme, and Dark green theme. You can select the theme of your choice by tapping on the account option and then selecting Settings. The platform also supports the SponsorBlock feature and respects your privacy by not tracking your activities. Simply go to https://viewtube.io/ to access the platform without any additional downloads.
VueTube
VueTube is an alternative to YouTube Vanced that is still in development. While this means that users may encounter significant changes in the future, it also indicates that the platform is continually improving. Additionally, VueTube is a free, open-source application that anyone can contribute to and download. Since it is lightweight, it will not take up much space on your device. Unlike YouTube Vanced, VueTube works on any device, whether it is an iPhone or an Android.
VueTube has an easy-to-use interface and is incredibly fast. One of its best features is background play, which allows you to listen to the audio of the video you’re watching while using other apps on your phone. Additionally, VueTube has a night mode option and a dark theme, making it perfect for nighttime streaming. The app also includes an AdBlock feature and a sponsor block option, which is excellent for skipping over sponsored segments in videos.
VueTube is also focused on privacy and ensures that your activities on the platform are not tracked. To download the app, visit their official webpage at https://vuetube.app/ and click either the “Download” or “Install” option to download the app on your device. Additionally, if you would like to contribute to the app’s development, you can access their GitHub by clicking on the “GitHub” option next to the Install button.
Echoes Player
Moving on to the next alternative, we have the Echoes Player. It’s a free platform that offers a similar experience to YouTube. You can sign in with your YouTube account and access your familiar feed. Being an open-source platform, it allows users to contribute to its development, modify it, and share it with others. However, contributing to its development requires programming knowledge, which you can look up on the internet.
Although signing in is optional, it’s recommended for a better experience. However, the platform lacks the feature to access comments on videos, which can be a turn-off for some users. On the bright side, Echoes Player provides weather forecasts for your local area, which is an additional feature.
Similar to VueTube, Echoes Player is a self-hosted platform, so you can use it on any device, including iPhones, without downloading it. All you need is an internet connection. The platform has a straightforward interface, and it also has an ad blocker, which is a feature that most people are looking for in an alternative.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the official website of the platform, but I did manage to provide a link to add it as a Chrome extension on your desktop. Here’s the link https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/echoes-player/aaenpaopfebcmdaegggjbkhaedlbbkde.
Invidious
One of the alternatives to YouTube Vanced that you can consider is Invidious. Invidious is also an open-source platform, but unlike the previous two mentioned, it is not a self-hosting platform. One of the strong points of the Invidious app is that it is highly secure. Its official webpage states that it was built with a privacy-focused intention, so it won’t track any of your activities on the app, and it also does not depend on Google services, which means you don’t need to worry about Google accessing your important data.
The best thing about this app is that you don’t need to sign up for a YouTube account to do activities like subscribing to a YouTube channel and creating a playlist of your choice. You get the options like Documentation, Team, Contribute, Donate, Contact, change the theme, and access its GitHub on the upper section of its official website. The app supports many different languages, which is a relief for someone whose first language is not English. The website says that the app’s interface is ethically designed, so it is easy to use.
The Invidious app also has a built-in ad blocker feature, and it even has the SponserBlock feature, so the ads problem is completely solved. If you are wondering whether this app will support your device or not, then to answer your question, yes! It will support your device. Not only does it support Android and iPhone, but it is also compatible with other platforms like Mac, online streaming, and Linux. You can access the Reddit comments on this app instead of the YouTube ones, which are more fun to read in my opinion. To get the Invidious app, I am dropping the link to their official site: https://invidious.io/.
VidMate
Unfortunately, the next app on the list of YouTube Vanced alternatives is only available for Android and PC users. VidMate is not just a streaming platform, but also a popular video downloader app. It allows you to access content from various social media sites such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook. With over 1000 supported sites, VidMate offers an abundance of choices that might even spoil you. The latest version of this app has resolved the issue of lag and crashes that many users faced while downloading multiple files. So, you can now download multiple files easily without any hassle. You can choose the video resolution from 480p to 1080p, or even 4k if it’s available. You can also use VidMate to download movies and music on your device.
Downloading with VidMate is easy; you just need to access the website and find the video you want to download. VidMate also has a built-in app store, so you can explore numerous apps and install them on your device. Additionally, it has a built-in music player, allowing you to stream music and download your favorite songs. You can even download images from multiple sites using this app.
The app allows you to subscribe to channels, and it will notify you of any updates from your subscribed channels. There are no download restrictions (except for your device’s storage), and the app also lets you convert mp3 to mp4 and mp4 to mp3. VidMate is free to download and use. To download the app without any issues, you can use this link to access its official webpage: https://vidmate.en.softonic.com/.
YouTube Premium
To avoid any frustration, I’ve saved the best alternative option for last. The reason you’re reading this article is that you were searching for alternatives to YouTube Vanced, but did you know that YouTube Vanced is itself an alternative to YouTube? You can get full access to all YouTube features without having to install any additional apps on your device. One of the main reasons people use YouTube Vanced is to watch YouTube videos without those pesky ads. Well, getting a YouTube Premium subscription will solve that problem for you.
Why use an alternative/copy app when you can use the authentic one? You can navigate the familiar interface that you’ve known for years. With a YouTube Premium subscription, you’ll also get the background play feature, which means you can listen to your favorite music and use other apps simultaneously. You can also download your favorite music and videos, although keep in mind that YouTube only lets you access your downloaded items for 30 days.
Additionally, a Premium subscription lets you create your playlist and upload your videos. You’ll also get exclusive access to popular original content on YouTube. YouTube offers three premium plans: individual, family, and student.
- The individual plan costs $11.99 per month.
- The family plan costs $17.99 per month.
- The student plan costs $6.99 per month.
I recommend selecting the family or student plan since the individual plan is quite expensive. With the family plan, you can add up to five more members (the limit is six members, including yourself). You can either choose your real family or friends to share the plan with.
Summary
This guide has covered the best alternatives to YouTube Vanced, which is essential not only because YouTube Vanced is being discontinued but also because it was only available on the Android platform. Therefore, iOS users can also benefit from these apps. In my opinion, if you are unable to purchase YouTube premium, the best alternative to YouTube Vanced is NewPipe, which is arguably the best option on this list. It has a similar interface, all the features of YouTube (including premium), and no need to worry about being tracked. Additionally, it’s important to note that the list is not in any particular order and is completely random, so don’t assume that the top applications are the best.