YouTube ReVanced: How to Download & Use the Best Ad-Free YouTube Alternative (2024)
Tired of intrusive ads and limited features on YouTube? You’re not alone! Enter YouTube ReVanced, the unofficial successor to the popular YouTube Vanced app, which offers an ad-free, feature-packed YouTube experience without needing a premium subscription.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about YouTube ReVanced—from how to download it to the best features that set it apart from the standard YouTube app. By the end, you’ll be watching YouTube videos uninterrupted, with access to extra tools for a superior experience!
What is YouTube ReVanced?
YouTube ReVanced is a modded version of the official YouTube app, built by third-party developers to bring features usually available only to YouTube Premium users—such as ad-free videos, background play, and video downloading—to all users for free. ReVanced has replaced the now-discontinued YouTube Vanced, continuing the legacy of enhanced YouTube functionality without the need to subscribe to premium plans.
Key Features of YouTube ReVanced
Feature | Description |
Ad-Free Viewing | Enjoy YouTube videos without any ads interrupting your content. |
Background Play | Listen to videos or music while using other apps or when the screen is off. |
Video Downloading | Download videos directly to your device for offline viewing. |
SponsorBlock Integration | Automatically skip sponsored segments within videos. |
Custom Themes | Change the app's look with dark mode and other customizable themes. |
PIP Mode (Picture-in-Picture) | Watch videos in a small window while multitasking on your phone. |
MicroG Support | Use YouTube ReVanced without needing to log into a Google account. |
With these powerful features, YouTube ReVanced is not only an alternative but a true upgrade over the standard YouTube app.
How to Download and Install YouTube ReVanced
Downloading YouTube ReVanced requires a few extra steps compared to downloading a regular app from the Play Store. However, if you follow the process below, you’ll be up and running in no time.
1. Prerequisites
Before you download YouTube ReVanced, make sure you have the following:
Android Device: YouTube ReVanced is currently only available for Android users.
MicroG (optional): This is required if you want to log in to your YouTube account within ReVanced.
2. Download YouTube ReVanced APK
You’ll need to manually download the YouTube ReVanced APK file since it’s not available on the Play Store. Follow these steps:
Step | Action |
Step 1 | Go to the official ReVanced website: revanced.app |
Step 2 | Download the latest version of the YouTube ReVanced APK and MicroG (if you want to log in). |
Step 3 | Once downloaded, go to your device’s settings and enable Install from Unknown Sources. |
Step 4 | Install the APK file and, if needed, MicroG as well. |
3. How to Install MicroG (Optional)
MicroG is a lightweight alternative to Google Play Services, allowing you to log into your YouTube account on ReVanced. If you want to sync your subscriptions, likes, and watch history, you’ll need this.
To install MicroG:
Download the MicroG APK from the ReVanced website.
Install it on your device.
Open YouTube ReVanced, go to settings, and log in using your Google account.
4. Customizing YouTube ReVanced
Once installed, you can further customize the app’s appearance and functionality:
Themes: Switch between light, dark, and AMOLED themes.
Ads: Toggle ad settings to block all ads or allow certain types (e.g., channel promotions).
SponsorBlock: Customize how SponsorBlock works—either skip sponsored content entirely or allow it with manual controls.
Comparison: YouTube ReVanced vs. YouTube Premium
Feature | YouTube ReVanced | YouTube Premium |
Ad-Free Viewing | Yes | Yes |
Background Play | Yes | Yes |
Video Downloading | Yes | Yes |
SponsorBlock | Yes | No |
Price | Free | Paid Subscription (~$11.99/month) |
Availability | Android only (manual install) | Available on all platforms |
Official Support | No | Yes |
Updates | Community-supported (slower) | Frequent updates directly from YouTube |
As you can see, YouTube ReVanced offers nearly everything that YouTube Premium does, plus extra features like SponsorBlock and full customization, without the recurring cost of a subscription.
Is YouTube ReVanced Safe to Use?
Using modded apps like YouTube ReVanced comes with risks. Here are a few important considerations:
Security: Download the APK only from trusted sources (such as the official ReVanced site). Avoid third-party websites that could inject malware.
Updates: Since YouTube ReVanced is not officially supported, updates are community-driven and may not be as frequent.
Legality: YouTube ReVanced operates in a legal gray area. Modding apps to remove ads or enable premium features for free may violate YouTube’s terms of service. Use the app at your own risk, and be aware that your account could potentially be flagged or banned.
Alternatives to YouTube ReVanced
If YouTube ReVanced doesn’t suit your needs, there are several other options to consider for an ad-free YouTube experience:
Alternative | Description |
YouTube Premium | Official ad-free version of YouTube with premium features, but requires a monthly fee. |
NewPipe | A free, open-source YouTube client offering ad-free viewing, background play, and more. |
SkyTube | Another open-source YouTube client that supports offline viewing and no ads. |
LibreTube | Privacy-focused YouTube client that uses YouTube’s API without logging data. |
FAQs about YouTube ReVanced
1. Can I use YouTube ReVanced on iOS?
No, YouTube ReVanced is currently only available for Android. For iOS, alternatives like NewPipe or SkyTube aren’t available either, so using YouTube Premium is recommended.
2. How do I update YouTube ReVanced?
Updates must be downloaded manually from the official ReVanced website. You’ll need to uninstall the previous version before installing the new APK.
3. Can I log into my YouTube account with YouTube ReVanced?
Yes, but you’ll need to install MicroG for account login. MicroG replaces Google Play Services, allowing you to sign in without official support.
4. Does YouTube ReVanced work on rooted devices?
Yes, YouTube ReVanced works on both rooted and non-rooted devices. The installation process is slightly different for rooted devices but still straightforward.
5. Can I get banned for using YouTube ReVanced?
There’s a small risk of your account being flagged or banned for violating YouTube’s terms of service, especially if you use features like ad-blocking or sponsor skipping. Proceed with caution.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a way to get the best of YouTube without shelling out for YouTube Premium, YouTube ReVanced is an excellent alternative. With features like ad-free viewing, background play, and SponsorBlock, it offers everything you need to enjoy YouTube the way it was meant to be—without interruptions.
Follow the steps above to download and install YouTube ReVanced safely, and enjoy all the premium features for free. Just be sure to stay informed of any risks and use the app responsibly!
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