YouTube Vanced app shuts down after legal threat from Google

YouTube Vanced, a popular alternative to the YouTube app, has ceased to exist. There will be no future updates and the download links for the app will also go offline. The reason is that Google is threatening to take legal action against Vanced’s developer bait.

YouTube Vanced stops

It shouldn’t come as a complete surprise, but the story of the Vanced, the well-known third-party YouTube app, is coming to an end. Vanced has made this known himself through his social media channels. on Twitter we read:

“Vanced is no longer supported. In the coming days, the download links will be removed and the website will disappear. We know you don’t want to hear that, but it’s something we need to do. Thank you for your support over the years.”

At The Verge, the owners of Vanced say they recently received a letter from Google forcing the developers to stop working and also stop offering the app. Vanced had to remove all references to YouTube, change the logo and remove links pointing to YouTube.

YouTube without ads

Vanced was a popular alternative to the YouTube app released by Google itself. That’s mainly because the app allowed you to block ads without having to subscribe to the YouTube Premium subscription. In addition, the app also had features that you will not find in the official app and it also has a really dark theme, compared to the light gray theme of the YouTube app.

It is mainly that free and ad-free viewing, which was probably an eyesore for Google. Especially since YouTube is also looking for ways to gain more subscribers for YouTube ¨Premium. For example, the video platform has been experimenting since last year with a cheaper Lite subscription that also removes the ads.

Tips for Vanced Users

At the time of writing, Vanced is still available to download from the website and the app will continue to work even after it is no longer officially supported. The only question is how long that will be the case.

Also read how you can remove ads from YouTube with a simple trick. In addition, you can also listen to music in the background without YouTube having to be open. Have you used YouTube Vanced and will you miss the app if it no longer works? Are you considering taking out a YouTube Premium subscription? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this article.

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