YouTube has become an integral part of our daily lives. From educational content to entertainment videos, it offers a wide range of video content. However, the official app comes with certain limitations, such as ads and the inability to play videos in the background. That's where YouTube Vanced comes in. In this article, we'll discuss how to use YouTube Vanced, its pros and cons, alternatives, and tips to make the most out of the app.
What is YouTube Vanced?
YouTube Vanced APK is a modified version of the official YouTube app that offers several additional features. It is essentially a YouTube Premium alternative that can be used for free. With YouTube Vanced, you can:
- Block ads
- Play videos in the background
- Use picture-in-picture mode
- Change video playback speed
- Adjust video quality and resolution
- And more
How to Download and Install YouTube Vanced
Before we dive into how to use YouTube Vanced, let's first go through the steps to download and install the app.
Step 1: Download the APK file
Since YouTube Vanced isn't available on the Google Play Store, you need to download the APK file from the official website. Here's how to do it:
- Go to the official YouTube Vanced website (vanced.app).
- Click on ‘Downloads' in the menu.
- Download the APK file for your device.
Step 2: Install the APK file
Once you've downloaded the APK file, follow these steps to install it:
- Open the downloaded APK file.
- If prompted, enable ‘Install from unknown sources' in your device settings.
- Tap on ‘Install' and wait for the installation to finish.
Step 3: Sign in to your account
After installing YouTube Vanced, open the app and sign in to your Google account to access your subscriptions and playlists.
How to Use YouTube Vanced
Now that you have YouTube Vanced installed, let's go through its various features and how to use them.
Play videos in the background
One of the most useful features of YouTube Vanced is the ability to play videos in the background. Here's how to do it:
- Start playing a video on YouTube Vanced.
- Press the home button to minimize the app.
- The video will keep playing in the background, allowing you to use other apps simultaneously.
Block ads
Another great feature of YouTube Vanced is ad-blocking. Here's how to enable it:
- Open the ‘Vanced Settings' menu.
- Tap on ‘Ad settings.'
- Enable ‘Block all ads.'
Picture-in-picture mode
With picture-in-picture mode, you can watch videos while using other apps. Here's how to use it:
- Start playing a video on YouTube Vanced.
- Swipe up on the home button to activate picture-in-picture mode.
- The video will shrink down to a small window, which you can move around the screen.
Adjust video playback speed
If you want to speed up or slow down a video's playback speed, here's how to do it:
- Start playing a video on YouTube Vanced.
- Tap on the three-dot menu button.
- Select ‘Playback speed.'
- Choose the playback speed you want.
Change video quality and resolution
YouTube Vanced allows you to change the video quality and resolution. Here's how to do it:
- Start playing a video on YouTube Vanced.
- Tap on the three-dot menu button.
- Select ‘Quality.'
- Choose the video quality and resolution you want.
Pros and Cons of Using YouTube Vanced
Like any other app, YouTube Vanced has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons of using the app:
Pros
- Ad-free experience
- Background playback
- Picture-in-picture mode
- Playback speed control
- Video quality and resolution control
Cons
- Risk of security and privacy issues
- Not available on Google Play Store
- May not work on all devices
Alternatives to YouTube Vanced
If you're looking for alternatives to YouTube Vanced, here are some options:
Newpipe
Newpipe is another open-source app that allows ad-free YouTube watching. It also lets you download videos and audio.
OGYoutube
OGYoutube is a modified version of the official YouTube app that offers similar features as YouTube Vanced, such as background playback, ad-blocking, and more.
YouTube Music Premium
If you're mainly interested in listening to music, YouTube Music Premium may be a great alternative. It offers ad-free music streaming, background playback, and offline downloads.
Tips to Make the Most Out of YouTube Vanced
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of YouTube Vanced:
- Enable dark mode: YouTube Vanced offers a dark mode that can be easier on the eyes and save battery life. To enable it, go to ‘Vanced Settings' > ‘Layout settings' > ‘Dark theme.'
- Use custom themes: In addition to the default dark theme, YouTube Vanced also allows you to use custom themes. Go to ‘Vanced Settings' > ‘Layout settings' > ‘Custom themes' to choose from a variety of options.
- Disable auto-playing videos: If you don't want videos to start playing automatically, go to ‘Vanced Settings' > ‘General' > ‘Autoplay' and disable it.
- Use gesture controls: YouTube Vanced offers gesture controls that can make navigating the app much easier. Go to ‘Vanced Settings' > ‘Layout settings' > ‘Gesture controls' to enable them.
- Download videos: With YouTube Vanced, you can download videos for offline viewing. To do this, start playing a video and tap on the download button below it.
The Best Features of YouTube Vanced
Here are some of the best features of YouTube Vanced:
- Ad-blocking
- Background playback
- Picture-in-picture mode
- Playback speed control
- Video quality and resolution control
- Dark mode
- Custom themes
- Gesture controls
- Video downloading
Overall, YouTube Vanced is an excellent alternative to the official YouTube app, offering several additional features that can enhance your watching experience. By following the steps and tips mentioned above, you can make the most out of the app.