Not every Android user is happy with the official YouTube app. It has ads, it limits background playback, and most of the best features are only available if you subscribe to Premium. That’s where YouTube Vanced once came in, and for a while, it felt like a perfect fix.

Vanced gave people what they really wanted from YouTube. But when the project ended, many thought that experience was gone for good. That’s not the case anymore. Now with ReVanced, you can bring those same features back — and even make them better.

If you’ve ever wished for more control over your video experience, this guide is made just for you. It’ll show you what made Vanced great, how ReVanced keeps it alive, and how to install it without confusion.

Let’s break it down piece by piece so you don’t miss anything.

What is YouTube Vanced

YouTube Vanced was a custom version of the original YouTube app, made by independent developers who wanted to remove its limits. It became popular fast because it removed all the ads, allowed videos to play in the background, and included built-in dark themes.

There were even features to skip sponsored content, override resolution settings, and customize playback controls. It looked like the regular app but acted a lot smarter.

Although development stopped, its community didn’t go away. That’s how ReVanced started gaining attention and became the next best option.

Vanced with ReVanced patches

ReVanced works differently. Instead of downloading a finished app like Vanced, now you patch the official YouTube app with tools from the ReVanced Manager.

This method is better in some ways, because it gives you freedom to choose only the features you want. Whether you want all the tweaks or just a few, you build it yourself.

It may sound complex, but once you go through the process, it becomes simple. And more importantly, it works very well.

Blocks ads

Nobody wants ads interrupting their videos. With ReVanced, you don’t see ads before or during the video, and the banners also go away.

It makes watching smoother and faster. You don’t have to keep tapping “Skip” or waiting for countdowns. The video just plays.

Plays in background

YouTube by default doesn’t allow background playback unless you pay. But with ReVanced, videos continue even after switching apps.

Music, podcasts, interviews — everything keeps going even if the screen turns off. It feels more natural and useful.

AMOLED dark mode

Dark themes are nice, but ReVanced offers true AMOLED black. This helps save battery and looks clean, especially at night.

It also reduces strain on your eyes. If you’re someone who watches videos before bed, this small touch makes a difference.

Skips sponsored parts

Some creators include sponsor messages in the middle of their content. With the SponsorBlock patch in ReVanced, those parts get skipped automatically.

You don’t need to mark the times yourself. The system uses crowd-sourced data to know where the sponsored parts begin and end.

Custom swipes

Instead of using volume buttons or pulling down the quick settings, ReVanced lets you swipe up or down on the video screen to control brightness and volume.

This saves time and keeps your focus on the video. You don’t need to pause or search for sliders.

Better video defaults

ReVanced gives you the option to choose what resolution you want for every video by default. So instead of auto-switching to 480p, you can lock it to 1080p or higher.

This makes sure your videos always look sharp, no matter what connection you’re on.

How to Download and Install YouTube Vanced

The official site to get everything needed is youtubevanced.org. You will need to download a few things and follow some steps, but it's easier than it sounds.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Download ReVanced Manager from the site

2. Install the MicroG app to sign into your Google account

3. Launch ReVanced Manager and go to the Patcher section

4. Pick the YouTube APK version you want

5. Choose the features you wish to include

6. Let the manager patch the app

7. Install the finished APK file on your device

8. Log in through MicroG if needed

Make sure to remove the stock YouTube app or disable it, so the ReVanced one works without problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I sign in with my YouTube account in ReVanced?
Yes, but only after you install the MicroG app. It acts like a substitute for Google’s login system, which normal modded apps can’t use by default. Once it's installed, you can use your regular account without issue.

Q: Does this require a rooted phone?
No, root is not needed. Everything works on standard Android devices. The patching process is done with an app and does not require any special access.

Q: Are ReVanced updates automatic?
No, it doesn't auto-update like Play Store apps. When a new version of YouTube is out, you will need to repeat the patching process using the latest base version.

Q: Is it safe to use ReVanced?
As long as you download the patcher and APKs from the official or trusted sources, it's generally safe. It doesn’t ask for any permissions that raise red flags. But avoid unofficial modified versions from random sites.

Q: Is it available for iOS?
No, ReVanced is made for Android only. iOS does not allow patching in the same way and doesn’t support these kinds of system changes.

Conclusion

YouTube Vanced might be gone, but that doesn’t mean the experience is lost. ReVanced keeps the same vision alive and offers even more control over how you watch videos on your phone.

Whether you’re after no ads, background playback, better video settings, or just want something that feels like it respects your time, ReVanced is worth looking into.

Give it a try, and you might not go back to the regular YouTube app again.