For many people, YouTube is one of the apps they open first thing in the morning. Whether it's watching a quick video during a break or playing music in the background while working, the way we use YouTube has grown a lot. But sometimes, the official app feels limited. There’s too many ads, and not enough features. That’s where ReVanced comes in, giving users more control, more settings, and less interruptions. If you ever wanted a smoother and more enjoyable experience on YouTube, ReVanced might be the solution you didn’t know you needed. So now, let me walk you through everything you might want to know about it.
What is YouTube Vanced
YouTube Vanced was a popular modified version of the YouTube app. Many users started using it because it allowed things like background play, skipping ads, and applying dark mode all the time. These are small things, but when you get used to them, it becomes hard to go back to the normal app. Sadly, development of YouTube Vanced stopped some time ago. But it didn’t end there. A newer version appeared, called ReVanced, which uses a patching method instead of giving a full ready app. This means more flexibility and it can stay up to date more easily. It works with the official YouTube app by adding patches that give you new functions that Google does not allow in their normal version.
ReVanced Built With Custom Patches
ReVanced is not just a clone. It is a better way of building your own YouTube with the features that matter to you. It gives more freedom because it’s based on the real YouTube app but adds features through small patch files. You select the ones you want, then install the app through a tool. It may sound technical but the steps are made simple so even normal users can do it without much trouble. Now let's look at what kind of features you can expect.
Play videos in background
One of the main things people missed in normal YouTube is that you can't just lock your phone and keep listening to the audio. With ReVanced, background playback is added. So your video keeps going even if the screen is off or if you switch to another app. You can now listen to music, lectures or podcasts without worrying that the playback will stop the second you minimize the app.
Skip all the ads
Nobody likes watching ads when they just want to enjoy a video. Some are long, and some are hard to skip. ReVanced removes all types of ads from videos. It means no interruptions, no delay, and more time spent watching what you actually came for. It just works in the background once set up, and you do not have to adjust it every time.
More visual themes
The default white YouTube interface can be hard on the eyes, especially at night. ReVanced lets you apply a dark theme or even AMOLED black which looks better and also saves battery on phones with OLED screens. You can also change how the buttons look or what’s visible on screen depending on your choice.
Video quality always your way
By default, YouTube changes the video quality depending on your internet. Sometimes that’s okay, but not always. ReVanced lets you pick a default video quality like 720p or 1080p that the app will always try to use first. It means fewer taps to get the quality you expect.
SponsorBlock support
Some videos come with sponsor messages or repeated segments that you do not always want to sit through. ReVanced uses a tool called SponsorBlock to skip those parts automatically. You can even choose what type of segments should be skipped like intros or outros, and it saves you time without needing to fast-forward.
Swipe controls for ease
When you're watching in full screen, it can be tricky to change brightness or volume. ReVanced adds swipe gestures to fix that. You just swipe up or down on one side of the screen to control these without stopping your video. Once you try it, it starts to feel like a natural part of the app.
How to Download and Install YouTube Vanced
The process might feel new, but it’s not too hard. All you need is a few minutes and you will have it working.
Follow these steps:
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Visit youtubevanced.org and download the Vanced Manager.
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Open the app and install MicroG, which is needed for logging into your Google account.
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Tap on YouTube ReVanced in the app to begin.
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Choose the patches you want like ad-block, SponsorBlock or dark mode.
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Let the manager patch and install the app.
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Once it finishes, just open the app and sign in if needed.
FAQ
Can ReVanced be trusted for regular use?
Yes, it is made by open-source developers and many people use it daily without issues. As long as you get it from the official source and not from third-party sites, it should be safe to use on your phone and does not collect your private data.
Is my phone required to be rooted?
No, it works fully on non-rooted phones. That means you can install and use it without changing anything deep in your Android system. It’s easy for average users as well.
Will I still be able to sign in with my Google account?
Yes. You just need to install MicroG which lets you log in securely. Your history, playlists, and subscriptions will still be there as normal after you sign in.
Can I keep the normal YouTube app too?
Yes, both can be used side by side. They do not interfere with each other. If you ever want to use the original for anything, you still have that option available.
Does this work on all Android versions?
Most current Android versions are supported, from Android 8 and above. If you have a phone that is not too old, it should work fine. Just make sure your device has enough storage and updates.
Will I need to update ReVanced often?
Only when YouTube gets a big update. But the process is simple. Just open the Vanced Manager, update the patches, and install the new version. It’s easy to stay current.
Conclusion
ReVanced is not just a tool for skipping ads or changing how YouTube looks. It’s about giving control back to you. Whether you use it for music, learning, or just browsing, having options like background play, gesture controls, and ad-free viewing makes a big difference. It's not too complex, and once set up, it runs smoothly. If you want YouTube to feel more useful and more personal, then giving ReVanced a try could be the best step forward.