YouTube users who want audio playback in the background, picture-in-picture mode, ad-free viewing and other premium features will have to cough up a few bucks for a monthly subscription on YouTube Premium, formerly known as YouTube Red. A third-party app for Android, however, provides all these premium features for free. It’s called YouTube Vanced.
What is YouTube Vanced?
Think of YouTube Vanced as the same as the free app version of the video-sharing platform but on steroids. It has a number of features that make it popular among Android users: a built-in ad blocker that lets you proceed directly to the video you want to watch, a background playback feature so you can play videos outside the app, and a forced HDR mode that improves video quality through High Dynamic Range.
In addition, YouTube Vanced also has secondary color themes (besides light and dark), picture-in-picture video, repeat playback, pinch to zoom, and many more that are not yet available in YouTube Premium.
Is YouTube Vanced legal?
This is something of a legal gray area. So far, YouTube’s parent company Google hasn’t struck the banhammer on YouTube Vanced, so it can be said that the latter hasn’t done anything unlawful for the search giant to mobilize its legal team. Note that YouTube Vanced does not let you download video files, as that one is explicitly prohibited per YouTube’s terms of service.
In the past, Google did go after a number of third-party YouTube apps and video rippers to take them down. The most prominent was ProTube, a paid iOS app that offered features not found in the official YouTube app. In 2017, it was quietly removed from the Apple App Store per Google’s takedown request.
If you’re wary, use YouTube Vanced with a secondary Google account.
Is YouTube Vanced safe to use?
YouTube Vanced is safe as safe can be when we’re talking about third-party apps outside Google’s Play Store. There are always risks involved when you install and use apps, be it from the Play Store or from external sources. Sad to say, it’s you as the user who must decide if the apps you want to use can be trusted with your personal data.
How do you install YouTube Vanced?
There are several fake sites out there offering a malware-infested, outdated, or ad-riddled version of YouTube Vanced, so only get the app from the official website. It’s pretty straightforward.
There you can choose to get non-root or root variants. The process requires installing MicroG, which lets you log into YouTube Vanced using your Google account and SAI which is used to install the multiple APK files of YouTube Vanced.
1.) Go to the official YouTube Vanced website: https://vanced.app
2.) Download MicroG and install it.
3.) Download the SAI app from the Google Play Store.
4.) Go to the File Manager —> Downloads folder in your device and select the vanced .apks.
5.) Click install and you’re done.
6 Vanced alternatives: Watch YouTube videos without ads
Some ads are annoying that many users would go to great lengths to avoid it. At the same time, ads are what keep many online services and website alive. But until companies lower the intrusiveness and pervasiveness of ads to a tolerable degree, alternative apps like YouTube Vanced will always appear to offer a cleaner web browsing and online experience.
I really appreciate the insights in this post! YouTube Vanced seems like a great alternative for those who want to enjoy ad-free videos without the monthly fee. However, I’m curious about the safety and legality aspects mentioned. Can anyone share their experiences with using it?
Great insights on YouTube Vanced! I love the idea of ad-free viewing, but I’m curious about the potential risks of using it. It’s a bit of a dilemma since the official premium subscription offers support to creators. What are your thoughts on balancing convenience with supporting our favorite channels?
This article highlights some great insights about YouTube Vanced! The ad-free experience is tempting, especially for avid YouTube users like me. However, I appreciate the caution around legal concerns and potential risks. It’s definitely a dilemma between enjoying free features and supporting content creators. I’d love to know more about alternatives that still support the platform!
I love the idea of YouTube Vanced providing ad-free viewing and extra features without any cost! However, I’m a bit concerned about the legality and potential risks involved. It’s great that we can access premium-like features for free, but I wonder if it compromises user security in any way. Has anyone experienced any issues while using it?
Great insights! YouTube Vanced definitely offers some enticing features, especially the ad-free experience. However, I’m concerned about the legality and potential risks involved. It would be helpful to weigh the pros and cons thoroughly before deciding. Thanks for shedding light on this topic!
Great insights! YouTube Vanced really does offer some appealing features, especially for those who want an ad-free experience. However, I wonder about the potential risks of using unofficial apps. It’s a tough choice between convenience and security.
Great overview of YouTube Vanced! It’s impressive how it offers ad-free viewing and additional features, but I’m curious about the potential risks involved in using it. Has anyone had any issues with account security or violations of YouTube’s terms? Would love to hear from other users!
Great analysis! I’ve been using YouTube Vanced for a while now, and the ad-free experience is a game changer. However, I’m concerned about the potential risks associated with unofficial apps. It’s a tough call between convenience and safety!
This post really highlights the pros and cons of using YouTube Vanced. The ad-free experience sounds amazing, but I’m curious about the potential risks of using it. Has anyone faced any issues with this app?
Great insights in this post! YouTube Vanced really does offer some appealing features, especially the ad-free experience. However, I have my reservations about using it due to the potential risks and legal gray areas involved. It’s tempting, but I think I’ll stick to the official app for now to avoid any issues. Thanks for shedding light on this topic!