YouTube is just something we open without thinking, whether it is for watching a tutorial, listening to music, or just passing time. But as useful as it is, the official app does not really give you much control over how it works. From non-stop ads to limited playback options, it can feel like you are stuck with whatever settings Google decides. That is why YouTube Vanced became a popular choice for so long. Now, with ReVanced, the same idea continues and even gets better. If you are ready to upgrade your YouTube experience, then this guide will show how to do it, step by step.
What is YouTube Vanced
YouTube Vanced is a modified version of the regular YouTube app that gives you features not available in the normal version. It was first created to let users watch videos without ads, play them in the background, and enjoy better controls without needing YouTube Premium. The app grew fast in popularity, and a lot of Android users switched to it. Even after the original development stopped, the community stepped up with ReVanced, which keeps the same functions going but uses patches instead of pre-made builds. With that, users now have more control over what features they want and how their app looks and runs.
Vanced With ReVanced Patches
While YouTube Vanced came pre-packed with all features, ReVanced lets users patch features into the YouTube APK. That may sound technical, but it gives more flexibility. You do not need to install features you do not want. The patching process also works with the latest YouTube versions, which makes updates easier to manage. So it’s a bit of a learning curve at first, but the result is a version of YouTube that works exactly how you want. Once you have it running, it will feel like a custom-built app made just for you.
Skip every ad
Ads are probably the biggest reason why most people look for YouTube alternatives. With Vanced and ReVanced, ads are removed before the video even starts playing. You do not get video ads, banners, or anything that interrupts the content. It just opens and plays. No settings to change, no buttons to press. This works right after setup and saves a lot of time and frustration for people who watch often.
Background audio
This feature lets your videos keep playing even after you close the app or turn off the screen. It is perfect for music lovers or people who listen to long talks while doing something else. On the official app, this only works with a Premium subscription, but with ReVanced, you get it free without needing to log in to anything special. Just play your video and move on with your day.
Dark theme ready
If you are someone who watches videos at night or in low light, dark themes are really helpful. ReVanced gives you more than one type of dark mode, including AMOLED black. It looks clean and is easier on the eyes. It also saves battery on some phones. You can pick the one that fits your taste and use it right away without needing to change anything else in your system settings.
Swipe gestures
One of the things that makes the app easier to use is the swipe gestures. With ReVanced, you can swipe up or down to change brightness or volume while watching. This means no more pausing the video to find tiny buttons. It works smoothly and becomes something you use all the time without even thinking about it. Once you get used to it, going back to the regular app feels slower.
Skip sponsored parts
This feature uses something called SponsorBlock, which skips over parts of the video that are known to be sponsorships. These are usually the parts where a creator is promoting a product or service. The app checks what parts can be skipped and jumps past them, and you can choose which types to ignore, like intros or end credits. It’s not perfect every time, but it works really well on most popular videos.
Change default quality
By default, YouTube sometimes switches video quality based on your connection, which can be annoying. With Vanced or ReVanced, you can pick your default video resolution and make sure it always loads in that quality. Whether you want higher clarity or want to save data with lower quality, the app remembers what you set. You do not have to change it again and again.
How To Download and Install YouTube Vanced
You will not find it on the Google Play Store, but getting it installed is still simple if you follow the right steps.
To install the app:
Visit https://youtubevanced.org/ and download the Vanced Manager.
Open the app and install MicroG first, which is needed for Google login support.
Next, install YouTube ReVanced through the same app.
You can choose what features to patch during setup.
Once done, install the app and open it.
Sign in and enjoy the new YouTube experience.
FAQ
Is ReVanced completely safe to use?
Yes, if you download it from official and trusted sources, it is safe for most Android phones. It has a large community using it, and there have been no major problems reported. Just make sure to avoid downloading random APKs from unknown websites.
Do I need to root my device for this to work?
No, rooting is not required at all. There is a root version available, but the regular non-root version works for most users and includes the same important features. It is simple to install and works on any recent Android version.
What is MicroG, and why do I need it?
MicroG is a tool that lets you log into your Google account without needing official Google Play Services. It is safe and works well, especially if installed from a reliable source. Without it, the YouTube app will not let you sign in on ReVanced.
Can I watch YouTube Originals or Premium-only content with this?
Some Premium content might still be locked unless you pay for it officially, but most features like ad-blocking and background play are included. You get most of what Premium offers without the cost, but not every piece of paid content is free.
Can I install both ReVanced and the official YouTube app?
Yes, both can be installed side by side on the same phone. If you want ReVanced to open links by default, you might need to change app settings for that, but they will work together without problems.
Why do I have to download it outside the Play Store?
Because Google does not allow apps that change how YouTube works to be on the Play Store, you need to download it manually. It is common for modified apps like this, and that is why using a trusted source is so important.
Conclusion
Using YouTube Vanced or ReVanced is a simple way to take control of your YouTube experience without paying anything extra. It brings back the features that many people feel should have been included in the official app all along. Whether it is blocking ads, playing videos in the background, or having full control over video settings, this tool gives you all of that and more. The setup might seem like a bit of work the first time, but once it is running, the difference it makes is huge. If you watch YouTube often, switching to this might be one of the best things you can do for your viewing experience.
