YouTube Plus Plus
Last Update: 17 March, 2025 (Source: GitHub)
From instructional classes to entertainment, live streaming, and vlogs, YouTube serves everything. Having billions of users across the globe, the platform undergoes continuous change to improve user experience. However, some users consider it too limited in features.
Though YouTube Premium provides a great ad-free experience, runs in the background, and allows downloads, the price for membership is steep on a monthly basis. Additional constraints, ranging from not being able to download videos forever to being unable to set their own playback preferences, have seen users looking for alternatives. All this demand has consequently led to the birth of YouTube++, an unofficially modified version of the YouTube app, which packs a whole lot of improved features.
YouTube++ performs wonders in hiding ads, playing videos in the background, saving content directly on your devices, and giving a lot of other features that standard apps do not provide. But with these benefits come many questions about legality, safety, and ethical considerations. That is, because it is not an official app, installing it through third parties or sideloading it poses many potential harms, including exposure to malware and violation of YouTube’s Terms of Service.
This article is going to be all about YouTube++, its features, installation methods, compatibility, advantages and disadvantages, and finally the alternatives that come with using the app. By the end of this, users will have the knowledge to judge for themselves if YouTube++ is worth considering or if other legal alternatives such as YouTube Premium and open-source apps will solve the problem better.
Understanding YouTube++
What is YouTube++?
YouTube++ is a modified variant of the official app YouTube, which enables the users to access features that the normal application does not have. These features make life all the better for a user in all aspects of controlling video playback, downloading, and so on.
Additional Information
| App Name | YouTube++ |
| App Size | 101 MB |
| App Version | 19.47.54 |
| Requirement | 5.0 and above |
| Last Update | 17 March, 2025 |
YouTube++ Features: What You Need to Know
- Video and Audio Downloads: One of the key features that draw people to YouTube++ is the ability to allow direct downloading of video and audio content onto the device. This feature allows users to view content offline with no reliance on Internet connectivity. Downloads can be made in a format of the user’s choice and a quality of their choice, suitable for storage limitations requirements and quality preferences.
- Background Play: The official YouTube app does not support background play. The app has to be kept open to listen to audio. YouTube++ has removed this restriction and allows videos to be played in the background while using other applications or locking the device.
- Ad Blocking: Ads interrupt the viewing experience. YouTube++ has an integrated ad-blocking feature that eradicates ads from videos; hence, no interruptions while watching.
- Customization Options: The app interface and functionality can be customized by the users, for example, to set up default playback quality, enable or disable auto-play, or change playback speed.
- Audio-Only Mode: For the users who are interested only in the audio of a video, YouTube++ has provided audio-only mode. This seems to be helpful mainly for music listeners, as it consumes less data and provides smooth listening even when the device is locked.
- SponsorBlock Integration: SponsorBlock is a community-driven feature to skip sponsored segments in videos. YouTube++ has integrated this feature to skip non-essential parts of videos based on community submissions automatically.
- Return YouTube Dislike: After YouTube opted to remove public dislike counts, the YouTube++ application went on to reclaim this feature so that users could see how many dislikes a video has received. This option adds context to the general reception of the content.
- Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode: YouTube++ being PiP mode enabled means that the videos are played back by a small resizable window while other applications may be navigated. This is a multitasking attribute that calls for even more consideration, especially with the larger-screened devices.
Installation and Compatibility
Device Compatibility
YouTube++ is predominantly intended for iOS users, such as iPhone and iPad owners. There are similarly tweaked applications found on Android phones, which are some of the features that crossover.
Methods to Install for iOS
Installation of YouTube++ in an iOS device happens beyond the confines of the official App Store since Apple does not allow such modified applications to thrive on their platform. The three methods via which you can use to snap install YouTube++ are:
- Third-Party App Stores: TutuApp, AppValley, TweakBox, and similar platforms provide the download for YouTube++. The users will need to trust the developer profile in device settings to run the application.
- Sideloading with Cydia Impactor: This method works using a computer application that installs YouTube++ onto devices. Users have to download the IPA file for YouTube++ and sideload it using Cydia Impactor. An active Apple ID is required for this process, which will need to be repeated every seven days unless a paid developer account is used.
- Jailbreaking: Users who have jailbroken their devices can install YouTube++ through package managers such as Cydia or Sileo. Jailbreaking removes some of the Apple-imposed restrictions so that devices can be customized more fully and allow the installation of unauthorized applications.
Device Compatibility for YouTube++ and Alternatives
| Platform | YouTube++ Availability | Alternative Options | Installation Method |
| iOS (iPhone, iPad) | Yes (Unofficial) | Cercube, uYou+, YouTube Reborn | Sideloading, Jailbreaking, Third-Party App Stores |
| Android | No (YouTube++ is iOS-only) | YouTube Vanced (Discontinued), ReVanced, NewPipe, LibreTube | APK Installation (Sideloading) |
| Windows PC | No (Not available for PC) | YouTube Premium (Official), YouTube Downloader Tools | Browser Extensions, Third-Party Software |
| Mac | No | YouTube Premium (Official), Third-Party Downloaders | Browser Extensions, Apps like 4K Video Downloader |
| Smart TVs & Consoles | No | SmartTubeNext (Android TV), YouTube Premium (Official) | APK Installation (For Android TV), Official YouTube App |
Installation Methods for Android
YouTube++ is not available for Android; the same goes for an ad-free environment with background playing and downloading videos available on somewhat similar apps for Android users—YouTube Vanced (Discontinued), ReVanced, NewPipe, and LibreTube. These apps can’t be found in the Google Play Store and can instead be installed via alternative means, such as sideloading the APK and installing via custom modules. Here are the different install methods for Android:
1. Installing YouTube ReVanced (Successor to YouTube Vanced)
YouTube Vanced was the most downloaded modified version of Android YouTube, discontinued due to legal issues, while the community developed YouTube ReVanced, which offers features like the old application but with a little tedious installation.
Steps to Install YouTube ReVanced:
- Download ReVanced Manager:
Go to the ReVanced official website to download the ReVanced Manager APK. - Install ReVanced Manager:
Open the downloaded APK and install it. You may need to enable the Install from Unknown Sources option in your device’s settings. - Patch the YouTube App:
ReVanced does not provide a pre-patched APK to avoid legal issues. Therefore, users are required to patch the official YouTube app by themselves.
In ReVanced Manager, select the version of YouTube you plan to patch. - Install MicroG (If Needed):
YouTube ReVanced, by default, does not work with Google accounts. You will, therefore, need MicroG, a small application that mimics the Google authentication system implemented in other apps, to log in. - Enjoy the Modded YouTube Experience:
Once installed, YouTube ReVanced is ready for use with ad-blocking and background playback, as well as SponsorBlock.
2. Installing NewPipe (Open-Source YouTube Alternative)
NewPipe is a lightweight, open-source client for YouTube that works something like YouTube++ and does not rely on Google services. It’s really different from YouTube ReVanced by working particularly independently from the official application-user YouTube app so that it can be used even more privately.
Steps to Install NewPipe:
- Get your NewPipe APK file
Visit the official website of NewPipe or F-Droid, which is an alternative app store for open-source applications. - Installation of the APK
Open the file that was downloaded and install it. Also, make sure that your device settings have been enabled for installing APKs from Unknown Sources. - Using NewPipe Without Ads and Tracking
NewPipe does not require a Google account to run since it is independent of Google Play Services. Background playback, offline downloading, and ad-free experience are supported.
3. Installing LibreTube (A Privacy-Focused YouTube Alternative)
Another open-source YouTube client focused on privacy is LibreTube. In contrast to NewPipe, which fetches YouTube videos directly, LibreTube leverages Invidious, a more secure front end to YouTube.
Steps to Install LibreTube:
- Download the LibreTube APK either from GitHub or from the F-Droid site.
To obtain the most current version, visit LibreTube’s GitHub releases page or F-Droid. - Install the APK:
Install the app and enable “App Install from Unknown Sources.” - Relish YouTube in a Private Way:
LibreTube blocks Google Tracking, provides ad-free viewing, and allows users to subscribe to channels without having a Google account.
4. Manually Installing Older Versions of YouTube Vanced
Although YouTube Vanced has officially been put to rest, you can still find older versions of it available on other sites. However, out-of-date versions may miss out on security updates, and they may not be compatible with new features of YouTube.
Steps to Install YouTube Vanced (Legacy Version):
- Find a Trusted Source
Older versions may be found on websites such as APKMirror or the Vanced community. Stay away from suspicious websites that may harbor malware. - Install MicroG First
Logged Google sign-in does not work with YouTube Vanced. Hence, MicroG is to be installed independently. - Install the YouTube Vanced APK
Download and install the latest working version of YouTube Vanced. - Disable Auto-Updates
To prevent YouTube from updating to the official version, disable automatic updates via the Google Play Store.
Risks & Considerations When Installing Modded YouTube Apps on Android
| Risk | Impact |
| Security Risks | Downloading from unverified sources may expose devices to malware. |
| Legal Issues | Modded YouTube apps violate YouTube’s Terms of Service. |
| Loss of Google Account Access | Some users have reported that Google may disable accounts using modded apps. |
| App Instability | Updates from YouTube may break functionality in modded apps. |
YouTube++ is all about iOS, but Android users have a suite of modified apps sporting similar features. Ad-free viewing, background playback, and offline downloads without a need for a YouTube Premium subscription become the realm of YouTube ReVanced, NewPipe, and LibreTube. Still, users should be aware of the possible security risks, legal repercussions, and potential loss of Google services. For those who care about privacy and security, NewPipe and LibreTube are the safest alternatives, whereas YouTube ReVanced is an excellent replacement for YouTube Vanced.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of YouTube++
| Aspect | Advantages of YouTube++ | Disadvantages of YouTube++ |
| Ad-Free Experience | Blocks all ads for uninterrupted viewing. | Violates YouTube’s revenue model, negatively affecting creators. |
| Background Playback | Allows videos to play in the background, even when the device is locked. | Official YouTube app requires YouTube Premium for this feature. |
| Video & Audio Downloading | Enables direct downloads for offline access in multiple formats and qualities. | Unauthorized downloads may violate copyright laws. |
| Customization | Offers playback speed control, default video quality settings, and UI tweaks. | Customizations may cause app instability or crashes. |
| Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode | Allows multitasking while watching videos in a floating window. | Not officially supported by YouTube; may stop working with updates. |
| SponsorBlock & Dislike Counter | Skips sponsored segments and restores the dislike count. | Uses third-party modifications that YouTube does not officially support. |
| Security Risks | N/A | Installing from unofficial sources may expose devices to malware or data breaches. |
| Installation | Available through third-party stores or sideloading. | Requires workarounds like sideloading or jailbreaking, which can void warranties. |
| Legality & Ethics | N/A | Violates YouTube’s Terms of Service, potentially leading to account bans. |
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Terms of Service Violations
YouTube’s Terms of Service state that using modified applications like YouTube++ violates usage principles. These apps change the expected functionality of the platform, thereby possibly infringing the rights of the content creators and YouTube’s business model, which rests primarily upon advertisements.
Security Risks
The dangers of installing unauthorized apps are numerous, including endangered personal information. Most of the apps have malware or include malicious codes. Also, sideloading requires users to disable built-in security measures, making devices even more vulnerable to possible threats.
Impact on Content Creators
It has been observed that features such as ad-blocking and downloading impair content creators’ productivity. Advertisement generates revenue for creators and losing it will lead to a disruption in this income source. Unauthorized downloading of content may also infringe on intellectual property rights denying the deserved earnings to the creators.
Alternatives to YouTube++
For users who wish enhanced functionality without having to rely on modified applications, several legitimate alternatives exist.
YouTube Premium
YouTube provides a subscription service for YouTube Premium that offers:
- Ad-Free Viewing: View videos without interruptions from advertisements.
- Background Playback: Continue playing audio while working in other apps or when the phone is locked.
- Offline Downloads: Download videos for offline viewing inside the official YouTube app.
- YouTube Music Premium: Ad-Free Music streaming via YouTube is up with features.
Subscribing to YouTube Premium is a way to ensure that YouTube’s Terms of Service are respected, whereas the other routes mentioned may be something of a gray area – they are very much questionable and also will really hurt content creators who deserve legitimate revenues.
Third-Party Applications
Several third-party apps are offering a wholesome experience of what YouTube is, but all such apps are following legal and ethical paths:
- NewPipe: An Android application that is open source and allows playing in the background, downloading videos, and no ads without calling on any API that belongs to Google.
- LibreTube: A designed YouTube client for Android focused on privacy with background playback, downloading, and a very neat user interface.
- SongTube: An Android application with the ability to download audio and video, and create playlists with the ability to enjoy an ad-free environment.
Such applications can be obtained through alternative app repositories, and they both emphasize user privacy and customization.
Final Thoughts
YouTube++ comes with an alluring assortment of features that make watching more fun, like ad-blocking, playback in the background, offline downloads, etc. For users feeling constrained by the official app of YouTube, this modded version serves as the perfect alternative. This convenience is definitely all about trade-offs.
You need to sideload or jailbreak to install YouTube, which would also make your iPhone prone to security vulnerabilities and risks of feeding a virus. Even more critical, it breaches the terms and conditions of YouTube, which can suspend your account or slap you with legal action for it too. Besides, by preventing ads from showing to its users and allowing them to download videos, YouTube++ really hits the content creators who rely on ad revenue to sustain their creatorship.
For those looking at ethical and safer options, there are also commercially available equivalents like YouTube Premium, offering ad-free viewing and offline downloads, and playback in the background while assuring fair pay to creators. NewPipe and LibreTube are open-source apps and also achieve ad-free experiences without violating an individual’s rights by YouTube’s policies.
The final verdict may boil down to individual priorities. In case an enhanced functionality is the priority and the risk seems bearable, then YouTube++ may look attractive. If, however, security, legality, and supporting content creators are the priorities, the better way is to go official alternatives. Digital consumers must keep abreast of changing trends and developments in the business along with a careful weighing of options to make intelligent choices on how they consume content.