YouTube Vanced and ReVanced: what they are, differences and how to get the most out of them

Android Guides » Android Apps » YouTube Vanced and ReVanced: what they are, differences and how to get the most out of them

YouTube Vanced and ReVanced have become two legendary names among those who use YouTube all the time and are fed up with adsLimitations and features reserved for the paid subscription. If you've been hearing about them for a while but aren't quite sure what they are, what happened to Vanced, or why everyone is obsessed with ReVanced now, you'll find out here.

Throughout this article you will see What were YouTube Vanced and what is ReVanced, what does each offer, why did one die and the other is still aliveHow to install them securely, the role of tools like MicroG or NewPipe, and even how to get the most out of patches for apps like YouTube Music, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook, or Spotify. Everything is explained in clear language, without unnecessary legal jargon, and with practical details based on real-world user experience.

What was YouTube Vanced and why did it become so popular?

During years, YouTube Vanced was the absolute benchmark for getting the most out of YouTube. on Android without paying for YouTube Premium. It wasn't just an alternative app: it was the official YouTube app itself, but modified to add a ton of extras that improved the experience to levels that Google never offered for free.

Among its most valued features, Vanced included app-wide ad blocking., support for SponsorBlock (to automatically skip sponsored segments within videos), background playback, picture-in-picture mode, AMOLED dark theme, advanced interface customization and much more.

That set of functions made it so that Many people used Vanced as a direct replacement for YouTube PremiumBecause it offered practically the same (or more) content without requiring payment. For the average user, it was "the YouTube that Google should have released from the beginning," and that's why it became so popular.

The distribution model was simple: Vanced's team directly published the already modified APKsSo the user only had to download and install them like any other Android app. No compiling, patching, or anything complicated.

But that simplicity came at a cost: The application touched on aspects that directly clashed with YouTube's terms of service.Especially because of the ad blocking and access to "premium"-like features without paying. And that's where the problems started.

Why did YouTube Vanced disappear and what role did Google play?

The Vanced project had been in the spotlight for some time, but The situation exploded when Google legally pressured those responsible.The threats of lawsuits for infringing intellectual property and violating YouTube's terms of use ultimately led the team to throw in the towel.

From Google's perspective, Vanced offered a "premium" version of YouTube with no oversight and no advertising revenue.This directly contradicted their business model. Furthermore, distributing modified APKs directly left them highly vulnerable to legal action.

After that pulse, YouTube Vanced has officially been discontinued.New versions stopped being released, the official download links disappeared, and the team asked users to stop searching for updates or clones in their name.

The immediate consequence was that Millions of users were suddenly left without their favorite appMany continued using Vanced as long as it lasted, others jumped to dubious alternatives, and a good number began to look for more open and sustainable long-term solutions.

In the midst of this void, a new name appeared that soon began to resonate strongly: RevancedAlthough many people described it as a "continuation of Vanced", the reality is somewhat different, and it's important to understand that.

What is ReVanced and how is it different from YouTube Vanced?

Unlike Vanced, ReVanced is not, in itself, a unique, modified YouTube app.but an open-source project that provides patches These modifications are applied to original Android applications. In simpler terms: instead of downloading a modified app, you take the official APK and apply the changes yourself.

These patches are designed for A bunch of popular apps: YouTube, YouTube Music, Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and othersThe complete and updated list of patches can be found on the project's official website: https://revanced.app/patches.

The best-known and most polished patches are those on YouTube, with which you can achieve A superior experience to the original app, even compared to YouTube PremiumWe're talking about removing ads, background playback, changing the design, restoring buttons that Google has removed, and much more.

One of the key points is that ReVanced is not affiliated with the former YouTube Vanced team.It's a separate project, maintained by another community of developers, although its goal is to offer something similar (or better) to what Vanced once offered.

The team itself has made this clear on multiple occasions: It's an "unofficial continuation" in spirit, but there's no direct connection to Vanced.In fact, the way the software is distributed and the emphasis on open source are designed precisely to avoid certain legal problems that ended up bringing down the original project.

ReVanced's key features: what you can get

The beauty of ReVanced is that It's not a single, fixed set of improvements, but a collection of patches that you can combine. (within compatible parameters) to customize each app to your liking. In the specific case of YouTube, the usual approach is to apply a set of fairly recognizable improvements:

• Block general ads and video ads within the app, including prequels, banners, and overlays.
• Playback in the background and with the screen off, something that Google only offers with YouTube Premium.
• Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode to continue watching the video in a small window while using other apps.
• Vintage-quality design to revert to previous interfaces if you're not convinced by YouTube's latest redesign.
• Minimized playback, which leaves the video small while you browse other sections of the app.
• Option to disable the "create" button if you don't use it and it gets in the way of the interface.
• Improved gestures and taps in the search and playback bar for more precise video navigation.
• Patch to change the app header or titleFor example, replacing “YouTube” with “ReVanced” to distinguish the original app from the modified one.

Furthermore, in other applications such as YouTube Music Patches can be applied that give an experience very similar to a premium subscription: no ads, background playback, unlimited skips, etc.

On social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, or Facebook, the patches focus on Improve privacy, remove annoying elements, and unlock hidden featuresIn general, the idea is that you have more control over what you see, what data you share, and how each app behaves.

Advantages of ReVanced over modified APKs you find out there

Along the way, the following have emerged Tons of clones and "alternatives" that distribute already modified APKssupposedly based on Vanced or ReVanced. The problem is that many of them are untrustworthy: anyone can download an original APK, modify it, add malware, and upload it with an appealing name.

The big difference with ReVanced is that It offers you tools so that you can patch the original app yourself.This way, you don't have to blindly trust what someone else has put inside the file: parts of the official app and you apply open-source patches whose content can be reviewed.

By doing so, You greatly reduce the risk of infecting your mobile phone with malware.It's true that you have to dedicate some time to understanding the process, but once you do it a couple of times, it becomes quite routine.

Another key security point is that The official ReVanced website is just one: https://revanced.appAny other website that uses a similar name but is not linked from there may be suspicious, and the wisest thing to do is ignore it.

In addition to the homepage, The project's official sources are on its GitHub and its community on Reddit.That's where technical documentation, releases, and source code are published; where questions are answered and problems are reported. If you stray from those channels, it's easy to end up with unreliable content.

Tools for using ReVanced: Manager and CLI

To apply ReVanced patches to the original applications, You have two main ways to proceed:

• ReVanced ManagerDesigned to be used directly on your Android mobile, with a graphical interface, ideal for most users.
• ReAdvanced CLI: command-line tool that works on any Java-enabled device (usually PCs), geared towards more advanced users.

In day to day, The most convenient option is to use ReVanced Managerbecause it allows you to manage patches and APKs directly from the device. The CLI is typically used when you want to automate the process or when handling many different versions and variants.

In both cases, the concept is the same: You take parts of an unmodified official APK, choose which patches to apply, and generate a new patched APK. which you then install on the device. From there, you use it like any other app.

If you're interested in delving deeper into scripts, automation, or if you have multiple mobile devices where you want to replicate a specific configuration, CLI is a good optionBut for the average user who just wants their YouTube ad-free, ReVanced Manager is more than enough.

Practical tutorial: how to patch YouTube with ReVanced Manager

Next you will see The typical process for patching YouTube with ReVanced ManagerThe example focuses on YouTube, but the basic flow is similar for many other compatible apps.

Step 1: Download and install ReVanced Manager

The first is Download the ReVanced Manager APK from its official repository on GitHubin the “Releases” section. It is always advisable to choose the latest stable version to avoid errors.

Once the file is downloaded, You install it on your mobile phone like any other APK. (enabling “unknown sources” if necessary). This app will be responsible for managing patches and applying modifications to the original applications.

Step 2: Configure basic permissions in ReAdvanced Manager

When you first open ReVanced Manager, The app will ask for storage permissionsThis is essential so that you can read the original APKs, save the patched APKs, and download the necessary components during the process.

Within the settings, you can go to “Settings” and change the language to the one that's most comfortable for youIt is also recommended to activate the "Allow changing patch selection" option to have more flexibility when deciding what is applied and what is not.

Step 3: Choose the YouTube app and get the original APK

From the main menu, you enter the section of “Patcher” and then “Select an app”The list of installed apps will appear there; you should look for YouTube, whose package name on Android is com.google.android.youtube.

When you select it, you'll see text like this: “Suggested: vXX.XX.XX”Clicking on that suggestion will open your browser with links to download the recommended version of the original YouTube APK.

At this point it is vital that Choose a well-known and reliable APK storeA popular example is APKMirror, which usually offers unmodified official versions. Avoiding suspicious websites is important to prevent installing malware on your phone.

If you choose APKMirror, check that The APK corresponds to the architecture of your device (On most current mobile phones it will be arm64-v8a). Select the appropriate variant and download the file using the “Download APK” option.

Step 4: Apply the patches from ReVanced Manager

With the YouTube APK already downloaded, you return to ReVanced Manager and You use the "Storage" option to locate that file in the internal memory (usually in the “Download” or “Downloads” folder).

Once you've selected the APK, go to "Selected Patches" and, to be on the safe side, You can choose the “Default” option, which loads a combination of patches tested to avoid frequent incompatibilities.

If you have a little more experience, you can activate or deactivate specific patchesFor example, you can add the patch that modifies the application header so that, instead of showing "YouTube", it shows "ReVanced" and thus you don't confuse the original app with the modified one.

Once you have the settings clear, click on "Patch" and wait for the process to finishDepending on the mobile device and the size of the APK, it may take some time, but generally it's a matter of a few minutes.

Step 5: Install the patched YouTube and configure MicroG

Once the patching is complete, ReVanced Manager will offer you install the modified APKAccept the installation and, when it's finished, you'll be able to open the new YouTube ReVanced app.

When you start it for the first time, It will ask you to open your browser to download MicroG GmsCore from GitHubMicroG is an essential component that emulates the Google Play Services libraries needed to sign in with your Google account in a modified app.

From the official MicroG ReVanced page, you download the APK (there are one default version and another for somewhat more problematic devices(like some Huawei models). You install the one that fits your case, trusting that the source is the one recommended by the developers.

After installing MicroG, you should now be able to Open YouTube ReVanced, sign in with your Google account, and start using it. with all patches active: no ads, with background playback, etc.

Possible problems with MicroG and additional settings

Not all devices behave the same. Some phones may have trouble with MicroG or require extra adjustments.especially if they have aggressive customization layers or strong background restrictions.

In certain cases, the application itself will ask you disable battery optimizations which could interfere with notifications or MicroG persistence. It's usually explained quite well for different brands: if you follow the instructions, you shouldn't have any major problems.

In other, more unusual environments, such as Android emulators on PC, it may be necessary tap on manual settings within the “microG Settings” appA practical example is to go to "Google Account" and disable the "Authenticate with device registration" option if it causes conflicts.

However, each phone model may behave differently, so Sometimes you have to do a little research on your own or consult Reddit and GitHub.The community often shares solutions to recurring errors for specific brands or versions of Android.

If you get stuck on a strange problem, the wisest thing to do is first check the project's official sources. And if you can't find anything, ask your question there, where other users and developers can guide you.

How to download videos with YouTube ReVanced using NewPipe

Serial, ReVanced does not include an internal system for downloading videos. YouTube does not support this feature due to obvious terms of service. However, it does allow integration with third-party apps that offer this functionality externally.

A very convenient combination is to use NewPipe as a download managerNewPipe is a free project that allows you to watch videos from various platforms, including YouTube, and has a powerful system for downloading both video and audio.

The workflow is simple: You install NewPipe and then activate an external download button in YouTube ReVancedso that when you press that button during video playback, the NewPipe download menu opens directly.

The basic steps are: three main actions

• Download and install the NewPipe APK from their official GitHub: https://github.com/TeamNewPipe/NewPipe/releases.
• Open YouTube ReVanced and enter the settings by tapping Your user icon in the bottom right corner, and then the gear icon. at the top right.
• Within the ReVanced settings, go to ReAdvanced > Player > External Download > Show External Download Button and activate it.

With this activated, When you play a video, you'll see the download icon in the bottom right corner.Tapping it will open a NewPipe menu where you can select "Download".

In that menu you can Choose whether you want to download only the audio or the full video...in addition to the quality among those available. You confirm with "Accept" and, if it's the first time, you will grant the necessary permissions to access the storage.

The file will be saved in the path you specify and You can track the download progress from NewPipe notificationsIn this way, ReVanced remains clean in terms of "sensitive" functions, but you still have the option to download what you're interested in using another free app.

ReVanced for other apps: the case of Spotify

Beyond YouTube, one of the uses that has generated the most interest lately is Spotify patching with ReVancedespecially since tools like xManager started having problems.

The ReVanced team has launched New patches specifically for the Spotify app which allow you to activate some of the premium features without a subscription, always within the technical limitations and implicit legal risks.

Some users have reported that Using Spotify APKs from repositories like APKPure can cause errors or malfunctions. To minimize problems, there is a more efficient method: obtain the APK directly from the Play Store and then extract it.

The procedure proposed in some Reddit tutorials consists of: an extraction method from within the installed app itself

• Install Spotify from the Google Play Store in a normal way
• Descargar the app AntiSplit M from its official GitHub repository (in the “Releases” section) and install it.
• Open AntiSplit M, press on “Select from installed applications” and choose Spotify.
• Choose in the file manager where to save the generated APKIt usually takes as its name the package identifier followed by the version and the suffix "_antisplit", which helps to avoid confusing it with other files.
• Once the APK has been extracted, Uninstall the version of Spotify installed from the Play Store to avoid conflicts.

From there, the process is very similar to that of YouTube: You use ReVanced Manager to load that Spotify APK and select the compatible patches that interest you, generating a new modified APK that you then install.

As always, it's important to remember that Anything that involves bypassing the limitations of a paid subscription falls into a legal gray areaand that each user is responsible for how they use these tools.

Why hasn't Google taken down ReVanced like it did with Vanced?

Many people who use YouTube ReVanced ask themselves the same question: "If this is so good, how come Google hasn't shut it down already?"There is no single answer, but there are several factors that help to understand the situation.

To begin with, ReVanced does not directly distribute a pre-modified YouTube appIt offers patches and tools so that each user can modify, at their own risk, the official APK they have downloaded. Legally, this is not the same as directly delivering the "finished" product.

Furthermore, It is an open-source project with multiple contributors spread across the country.This makes it much harder to pinpoint a single responsible entity. Vanced, on the other hand, had a more identifiable team and distributed closed binaries, which are easier to attack legally.

Moreover, The impact of ReVanced, although notable, remains a minority view. when compared to YouTube's total user base. It's more profitable for Google to pursue large, clear, and direct sources of infringement, and ReVanced may not reach that level of priority, at least for now.

That doesn't mean the project is "blessed" or immortal, but it does help to explain Why does it continue to work so well without us seeing such a clear public offensive as the one that occurred against Vanced?.

Videos, guides, and additional resources about YouTube ReVanced

In addition to written documentation, Many users have created video guides to teach, step by step, how to install and configure YouTube ReVancedSome of these videos are hosted on platforms like YouTube or shared via Reddit.

A typical example is that of those who They publish a short tutorial showing where to download ReVanced Manager, which version of MicroG to use, and which settings to adjust. so that everything works smoothly on a specific device.

The advantage of these audiovisual guides is that They allow you to watch the entire process live.This is helpful if you're someone who gets confused by long texts or menus in English. Even so, it's always a good idea to verify that the links mentioned match the official sources.

If a video stops working or the embedded link fails, It's usually a good idea to check if the author has left an alternative link. on platforms like Reddit or if they have updated the information in the video description.

Despite all the help available, it never hurts to remember that The best reference for knowing what is safe and what is not will continue to be the official ReVanced website, its GitHub repository, and its main community.Anything that deviates significantly from those channels should be examined closely.

After everything we've seen, it's understandable why so many users remain hooked on these solutions: ReVanced picks up where YouTube Vanced left off, takes it further with an open and expandable patch system, supports many more apps, and, above all, puts you in control of how you want to use YouTube and other platforms on your mobile device.always assuming the risks and responsibility involved in moving outside of official channels.