10 of the Best Alternative Apps for YouTube

YouTube now has over 2 billion users around the world, 79% of which have their own YouTube account. People watch around one billion hours of video every single day on the world’s second-largest app.

Video content is so in demand because it is more engaging than traditional content. Sites with video content rank better on the internet, and so digital content creators bring a good number of video content to YouTube every day. Even traditional content is getting a boost with video content. Video resumes, for instance, are commonly downloaded on YouTube now to support paper resumes.

However, no matter how popular YouTube is, it is not perfect.

YouTube, for instance, cannot keep playing when you close the window on mobile. Because of YouTube Premium and YouTube Music, more and more disruptive ads proliferate YouTube, almost as if pushing users to the brink of upgrading to its paid counterparts.

On YouTube, you also cannot download all the videos you want due to Google’s policies. There are many restrictions on YouTube as well that other users find cumbersome. Data privacy has always been a concern as well with Google and its apps.

YouTube alternative apps are available now for iPhone and Android. These apps bring the power back to consumers, giving them options for their video content needs.

Here are 10 of the best YouTube alternatives available today:

1. TubeMate

TubeMate is the most popular YouTube app alternative for Android. It provides several download options like HD, SD, and MP3 from any other HTML5 support video services.

You can also adjust resolutions and formats before you download them. TubeMate makes it possible for you to watch and download videos from other sites, and you can simultaneously download multiple files. You can determine where to save videos on, like internal storage, cloud, or on SD card.

TubeMate supports other video-sharing sites aside from YouTube. Keep this app updated to continue enjoying all its features. Google makes frequent changes to YouTube services, and updating the app often ensures you get developers updates as well.

2. YouTube Go

YouTube can be heavy on data consumption. It requires a speedy internet connection to work optimally. For this reason, YouTube developers made a lighter version in YouTube Go, now available in130 countries worldwide.

YouTube Go app allows you to choose how much MB you want to spend on watching videos. It also does not use data in video transfers and is compatible with Android OS. YouTube Go saves data by working seamlessly, even on low internet speeds. However, it does not let users create playlists.

3. YouTube++

YouTube++ is an exceptional app that outperforms YouTube with its features. Not only can you download YouTube videos, but you can also extract the audio track from the video. YouTube++ can play in the background while you use other apps and has no disruptive ads.  It makes the most out of the YouTube library, with added features like playback speed control, no age restrictions, HD video play, and caption support.

4. NewPipe

NewPipe is a freeware or open-source app that is like a lighter version of YouTube. It does not require any Google Play services. It can function independently of YouTube because it collects the URL source from YouTube and displays the information it gathers in its system. You can search for videos, view the video’s info, or even stream YouTube videos in this app.

You can watch videos in high resolutions of 1080p, 2k, and 4k. The NewPipe app is an excellent choice for YouTubers who do may not have the best Android-powered mobile device, but still want to enjoy the benefits of browsing the world’s largest video sharing platform. It has excellent browsing, and it has excellent search features. It lets you download videos to your device and offers support for high-resolution videos. However, the app is not available on Google Play store, and it has limited tools for creating playlists. You also cannot log in to your YouTube account and view or manage your subscriptions. You can search manually for the videos you want to watch or be redirected to NewPipe from your web browser.

5. YouTube Vanced

YouTube Vanced, or iYTBP (Injected YouTube Background Playback), is developed by XDA. Since the original developer discontinued the project, other developers have picked up the project and renamed it YouTube Vanced with official YouTube updates.

YouTube Vanced supports both root and non-root devices. This app can completely block all video ads, enable background playback, and adjust video quality based on user preference. YouTube Vanced also allows you to either enable or disable annotations, suggestion cards on videos and includes white and black themed versions.

It also includes Video and Audio Downloader that can save directly to the device storage.

6. VidMate

VidMate lets you download HD videos, photos, and songs from social media platforms and streaming websites. VidMate works with different devices and operating systems. The app is also popular if you like watching and downloading movies currently released. It also has a very appealing user interface (UI).

The app hosts dubbed movies that you can stream from the app. It also allows you to download videos from YouTube in different resolutions, filtered by genre, year, age, rating, and type.

7. OGYouTube

OGYouTube has the same interface as YouTube with added features. The app allows you to browse the platform, listen to music, and watch videos in different resolutions. The app is actually older than YouTube, with a download button below every video as the difference between the two. When you press the download button, it lets you choose both the format and quality of the video and saves it directly to your device storage.

OGYouTube also allows you to have a hovering window that works in the background so you can still browse the web or open other apps as you watch videos on OGYouTube.

However, once you log into your YouTube account, you will not be able to download videos anymore.

OGYouTube is a good way for people who do not have powerful Android phones to view videos. Best of all, this app is ad-free.

8. FlyTube APK

FlyTube is a third-party app, and all its content is provided by YouTube services.  It does not have direct control over the content displayed. The app may be limited in the options it gives, but it is still one of the best YouTube app alternatives.

You can view videos directly from YouTube without consuming much data. It works on OS that is at least Android 4.0. It allows you to listen to music from YouTube while still using other phone apps. It also allows multitasking, because it enables you to adjust the small window on your screen while you do other things.

This app is lightweight and gives access to the rich music collection of YouTube without the ads or surveys. It also extends your battery life so you can watch videos longer.

9. iTube

iTube saves your battery life and allows you to access music, even in areas with no internet reception. It is ad-free is a great source for music streaming on long flights. iTube uses a minimum amount of data for video playing. However, users cannot leave comments on the YouTube videos, and sharing is also limited.

10. YT Music

YouTube Premium and YouTube Music are both paid versions of YouTube that are ad-free, offline, and allows background play. You can now listen to music on YouTube while you are browsing uninterruptedly by ads, even when you are using other apps or during screen lock.

It is easy to find the music you want, like albums, live performances, and other music content. You also get served selections based on your preferences and what is currently trending too.

Conclusion

What is impressive in the world of mobile is the plethora of apps available for whatever you may need. Even YouTube can be replaced with alternative apps that can also give what you need from YouTube in varying capacity.

For instance, I always use YouTube Go if I am on data even if I lose the other features o YouTube. Since my priority is simply to be able to watch videos with limited data consumption, YouTube Go works for me. It depends on what you value or need from a video-streaming app, and you can use YouTube alternatives to fill in the gap.