- YouTube has updated its terms to block third-party apps that remove ads.
- ReVanced and NewPipe users may experience playback failures.
- Several ReVanced developers have left the project to create Morphe.
- The only official ad-free alternative remains YouTube Premium, which costs €11,99 per month.
Google's video platform, YouTube, has launched a new offensive against third-party apps that allow users to watch content without ads. Among the most affected are... ReVanced and NewPipeTwo of the most popular alternative clients on Android. The company has updated its terms of service to clarify that these tools violate its rules and that it will take steps to block them.
This decision isn't new: YouTube had already launched a campaign against browser ad blockers like AdBlock Plus. Now, the focus is on mobile apps that modify the YouTube experience. According to the company, the goal is to protect creators and encourage the use of [unclear - possibly "software" or "platform"]. YouTube PremiumIts paid subscription removes advertising. However, many users consider this measure abusive, especially since the subscription includes YouTube Music, a service not everyone wants.
YouTube's new offensive
YouTube has updated their Technical Support help page with a section titled "Applying the policy to third-party apps." In it, the company explains that users of apps like ReVanced may experience buffering issues or see the error "The following content is not available in this app." The company emphasizes that its terms do not allow these apps to disable ads, as this prevents creators from receiving compensation for their work.
Furthermore, Google has made it clear that It only allows the use of its API When the terms of service are followed, YouTube takes appropriate action to protect its platform when it detects a violation. This directly affects ReVanced, which uses the YouTube API to offer features like background playback and ad removal. However, apps like NewPipe don't rely on the API, as they pull videos directly from the web, which could make them harder to block.
Consequences for users
Users who continue to use ReVanced or similar apps They will begin to notice playback errorsYou may encounter pauses, interruptions, or messages indicating that the video is unavailable. The only official solution to watch YouTube without ads is to subscribe to YouTube Premium, which costs [price missing] in Spain. 11,99 euros per monthThis price includes YouTube Music, which many consider a drawback, as it forces you to pay for a music service you may not need.
YouTube's strategy has been criticized for being too aggressiveThe ads on the platform have become more frequent and longer, like the 30-second ads that cannot be skippedThis is pushing users to look for alternatives. However, the company maintains that advertising is necessary to keep the service free. Meanwhile, the ReVanced developer community has reacted: several members have left the project and launched a new app called Morphe, which demonstrates the instability of the ecosystem.
The future of ReVanced and alternatives
The ReVanced project, which began as the successor to the defunct YouTube Vanced, faces an uncertain future. Pressure from Google and the departure of key developers have led to this. the community seeks new solutionsMorphe, the new app created by former contributors, promises similar features, but it's still unknown how YouTube will respond to this new alternative.
On the other hand, there are legal options like the Brave browser, which includes a built-in ad blocker and allows background video playback. However, none of these alternatives offer the same level of integration as the official app. The truth is that YouTube's war against ad blockers It's far from over, and users will have to decide between paying for Premium or looking for less stable methods.
With this offensive, YouTube is making it clear that it will not tolerate applications that violate its terms of service. ReVanced and NewPipe users are already experiencing problems, and the only official way to an ad-free experience is YouTube Premium, which costs €11,99 per month. Meanwhile, the fragmentation of the ReVanced project with the emergence of Morphe adds further uncertainty to the landscape. The final decision rests with the users: adapt to the new restrictions or seek alternatives that, while less convenient, allow them to avoid advertising.