If you’ve been watching videos on YouTube for years, you’ve probably noticed how things have changed. More ads, more popups, and sometimes the app just doesn't do what you wish it could. Maybe you want to play music in the background while checking messages, or you just want YouTube to remember your video quality preference. That’s where something like YouTube Vanced really comes in handy. People started using it because it gave them more control over how YouTube works, without having to pay for premium features. It lets you skip ads, watch in the background, and even adjust how the app looks and feels. And even though the original project has shut down, the community has kept it going with newer tools and patches. In this post, I’ll show you what makes it special, how you can set it up, and what features are worth using.
What is YouTube Vanced
YouTube Vanced is basically a modified version of the official YouTube app for Android. What it does is unlock a bunch of premium-style features for free. Things like skipping ads, changing the theme to black for OLED screens, and letting videos run in the background while your screen is off. You don’t have to root your phone or do anything too technical, either. The project was made by some independent developers who wanted more out of the app, and a lot of people loved it. But later on, due to pressure from Google, they had to stop working on it. Even though that version isn't being updated anymore, it led to a new version called ReVanced that works similarly, just using patches instead.
Vanced with ReVanced Patches
After Vanced got discontinued, the ReVanced team took over by creating patches that could be applied to YouTube. These patches are like little pieces of code that adjust how the app behaves. So instead of downloading one fixed app, now you can actually pick what features you want before installing. This method is more flexible because people have different phones and needs. Some only want ad blocking, others want everything. ReVanced lets you build your own version of YouTube based on that. And with the right tools, it’s not too hard to do. You just need to follow the steps carefully, which I’ll walk you through a bit later.
Blocks Ads
This is what most people are looking for first. YouTube Vanced and ReVanced can remove all kinds of ads from videos, whether it's the one before the video or the banner ads during it. No more waiting five seconds to skip. It saves a lot of time, and honestly, it makes the app feel smoother and less distracting. You just open a video, and it starts right away.
Runs in Background
One of the best features is background playback. You will be able to listen to videos or music while switching to other apps or even turning your screen off. This is something YouTube normally only gives to premium users. But with Vanced or ReVanced, you can get that for free. It really helps if you listen to music or podcasts a lot.
Black Theme Option
If you’re using a phone with an OLED screen, the black theme in Vanced saves battery and just looks better. Even on non-OLED screens, it feels easier on the eyes, especially at night. You can choose between light, dark, and pure black. Once you use the black theme, you probably won’t go back to the default YouTube look.
Skips Sponsored Segments
This part is fascinating. There’s a feature called SponsorBlock built into Vanced and ReVanced that can skip parts of a video where creators do sponsored messages or intros. It uses info shared by the community, so it works well most of the time. You can even control which types of sections it skips, like intros or music sections.
Gesture Controls
Gesture support makes it easier to adjust things while watching. If you swipe up or down on the right side, it changes volume. Do the same on the left side and it changes brightness. That way, you don’t have to pause or leave full-screen mode. It’s a small touch, but it really makes watching feel better when you’re lying down or multitasking.
Set Default Quality
If you're tired of YouTube starting videos at 360p every time, you can fix that with Vanced. There’s a setting where you can tell it what resolution and speed to use by default. So if you prefer 1080p at 1.25x speed, just set that once and it stays like that. It saves time and makes things more predictable when you're opening lots of videos.
How to Download and Install YouTube Vanced
To install YouTube Vanced today, you will be using the newer ReVanced tools, since the original app is no longer maintained. It’s still very simple though, especially if you follow the steps listed on youtubevanced.org, which has all the tools in one place.
Here’s what to do:
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Go to youtubevanced.org and download Vanced Manager or ReVanced Manager
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Open the manager and install MicroG (this is needed for logging in to your Google account)
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Choose the patches you want and install the ReVanced YouTube app
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Open the app, log in using MicroG, and start watching
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You can go back and reapply patches later if you want to change anything
FAQ
Is this legal to use?
Well, it’s a bit of a grey area. The app doesn’t contain pirated content, but it does block ads, which is something YouTube depends on for income. So while it’s not illegal in the strictest sense, it’s also not officially supported or encouraged by Google. It’s more like using a custom tool that works differently from the original.
What makes ReVanced better than the old Vanced?
The big difference is that ReVanced lets you choose which features you want through patches. The original Vanced was one fixed app. Now with ReVanced, it works on newer versions of YouTube and can stay updated longer because it’s built to be more flexible.
Do I need root access for this?
No, most people use the non-root version. That way, you don’t have to do anything risky to your phone. Just install MicroG along with the app and you will be able to log in and use it normally. There is a root version too, but it’s really only for advanced users.
Will I be able to use my YouTube account?
Yes, but only if you install MicroG first. That acts like a replacement for Google Services. Without it, you won’t be able to sign in. But once you set it up, it works just like the normal YouTube app with your subscriptions and playlists.
Can I get this on my iPhone?
No, unfortunately YouTube Vanced and ReVanced are only made for Android. iPhone doesn’t allow apps like this to be installed outside the App Store. There are some browser-based tricks for blocking ads, but nothing as complete as this.
Does ReVanced get updated often?
Yes, the developers are pretty active. Since ReVanced is open-source, people from around the world help keep it working. Updates usually come out when the official YouTube app changes something, and you can update through the manager app easily.
Conclusion
If you've ever felt annoyed by YouTube's ads or just wanted it to do a little more, then YouTube Vanced and now ReVanced are great options. They bring back the control users want without needing to pay for premium features. Whether you're using it for music, study videos, or just casual watching, it makes a big difference. And the nice thing is, you can adjust everything. From how it looks to what it skips, or how it plays. It's not for everyone, sure, but if you're curious and a bit patient during setup, it really does improve how YouTube feels day-to-day. Try it out and see what works best for you.