YouTube Vanced is confirmed to be discontinuing, but why is it getting shut down and what other alternatives are there instead?
YouTube Vanced users were met with the news they feared the most: the app is getting shut down.
The company’s Twitter confirmed the news on Sunday (13 March), writing:
“Vanced has been discontinued. In the coming days, the download links on the website will be taken down. We know this is not something you wanted to hear but it’s something we need to do. Thank you all for supporting us over the years.”
The app has been the go-to method for Android users to surpass YouTube Premium by offering free ad-blocking, background playback, the recently-removed dislike button, and other features.
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Why is YouTube Vanced being shut down?
Naturally, android users scrambled to find a reason for the decision, with many speculating “legal reasons”, particularly after a Vanced developer commented on their subreddit:
“You don’t have to know the exact reason this had to happen, you can probably figure it out yourself, considering we had to do it.”
The Verge reports that the owners were recently sent a cease and desist letter from Google, forcing the developing to stop developing the app.
“We were asked to remove all references to ‘YouTube’, change the logo, and remove all links related to YouTube products,” they revealed.
A Discord screenshot also clarified it to be legal reasons:
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Check out these YouTube Vanced alternatives
Although we can continue using the app, for now, Vanced has said that it will “become outdated in two years or so”. So, here are some other apps to fill the void.
The company has recommended Brave and Adguard on the Vanced website, so they’re your best bet.
If not, here are some other apps to use instead:
- NewPipe – Blocks ads, supports video downloads and background playback (available via their website)
- SkyTube – Blocks ads, supports video downloads, no YouTube sign-in (available via their website)
- LibreTube – Blocks ads, supports video downloads (currently Beta only)
- Firefox for Android with uBlock Origin
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