For those who used YouTube Vanced before, you probably already know how good it felt to stream videos without any ads or annoying popups. It gave users more control and made YouTube feel lighter and easier to enjoy. But with Vanced no longer supported, many users have been unsure about what to use next.
That’s where ReVanced comes in. It’s not just a replacement — it's an upgrade if you know how to use it right. Instead of one fixed modded app, ReVanced lets you create your own. You decide what features you want and what to skip. That flexibility makes it one of the best alternatives right now.
If you’ve been waiting for something better than the old Vanced, ReVanced might be exactly what you need. It might take a few steps to set up, but once you get started, it’s not hard to manage.
Let’s break it down step-by-step and explore why ReVanced deserves your attention.
What is YouTube Vanced
YouTube Vanced was a special version of YouTube made for Android users who wanted more control. It was known mostly for being ad-free, but there were other things too like background play, forced high resolution, and dark themes. These little features added up to a smoother experience overall.
You didn’t need to pay for Premium to enjoy features that should’ve been free from the start. And that’s why so many users downloaded it and stuck with it. But now that it’s no longer maintained, users had to find something new.
That’s where ReVanced enters the scene.
ReVanced with custom patching
ReVanced isn’t just a single app like Vanced was. It’s a tool that helps you build your own version of YouTube by adding patches to the original app. It might sound a bit technical at first, but the steps are simple once you’ve done it once.
The biggest benefit is that you are not stuck with a one-size-fits-all setup. If you only want background play and dark mode, you can patch just those. Or maybe you want everything like sponsor skipping, ad blocking, and gesture controls — you can add those too.
It’s flexible, updated, and safer than downloading random modded APKs. You’re the one in control, and that’s what makes ReVanced a step forward.
Remove video ads
This is the most important feature for many users. With ReVanced, you can patch the app to block all kinds of video ads. That includes skippable, non-skippable, banner ads, and even popups.
It works right from the start, and you don’t need to toggle anything once installed. Ads won’t load at all, which saves both time and data.
Background play works
If you use YouTube for music or long podcasts, background playback is essential. ReVanced lets you enable this so videos continue playing even when the screen is off or while using other apps.
It’s like having YouTube Premium without actually paying for it, and it works really well for multitasking.
Black AMOLED theme
There’s also a pitch-black theme for OLED screens. This is not just about looks, it can help save battery too, especially on phones with AMOLED displays.
The regular dark theme is there too, but this black one looks more polished. It’s easier on the eyes at night and gives the whole app a cleaner feel.
Skip intros and sponsors
ReVanced supports the SponsorBlock patch, which skips sponsored sections, intros, or outros in videos. It knows where those parts are because of a public database where users tag them.
You can turn on auto-skip, or get a little button that lets you decide case by case. It’s customizable depending on how much you want to skip.
Control with gestures
ReVanced adds extra control with gestures. For example, you can swipe up and down to control volume or screen brightness right on the video screen.
This is something that’s missing in the normal app and makes it easier to watch videos in different lighting situations without fiddling with your phone’s buttons.
Set video quality
If your YouTube app keeps lowering video quality randomly, this patch is for you. You can choose a default quality like 1080p or higher, and it will stay that way for all videos.
It’s especially helpful if you always want HD and don’t like adjusting settings every time you open a new video.
How to Download and Install YouTube ReVanced
To get started, go to youtubevanced.org where you will find the tools you need to install ReVanced properly. It takes a few steps, but they are easy to follow and don’t require any technical background.
Steps to install:
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Download and install ReVanced Manager
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Install MicroG if you want to sign in to your account
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Open ReVanced Manager and give it permissions
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Choose the YouTube APK (you can let the manager download it)
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Select the patches you want
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Tap on Build and wait for the patched version
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Install the patched APK
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Open and log in if you installed MicroG
Now you’re good to go. Your new YouTube app will have all the features you selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is ReVanced safe for my phone?
Yes, as long as you get it from the right source and only use official patches. It does not include any spyware or ads, and you can always check what features are being added during patching.
Q: Can I log into my Google account with ReVanced?
You can, but it needs MicroG to work. This is a tool that lets you log in without using the full Google Play Services. Once installed, your account will work just like in the regular app.
Q: Do I need to uninstall the original YouTube app?
Not always. ReVanced can be installed next to the stock app, but sometimes it causes conflict. If the patched app crashes or doesn’t load, try disabling the official YouTube in your phone’s settings.
Q: How do I update ReVanced later?
You will need to repeat the patching process with the newest version of YouTube. Just go back into ReVanced Manager, pick the latest APK, and reapply the patches you want. Then install the new build.
Q: What makes ReVanced better than old Vanced?
Vanced was ready-made, but ReVanced gives you full control. You choose what features to include, and updates come faster since the patches are maintained separately. It's more customizable and not limited to YouTube either — other apps like Reddit or TikTok are supported too.
Conclusion
ReVanced is more than just a follow-up to YouTube Vanced. It’s a better way to customize your video watching the way you want. You don’t have to deal with forced ads or pay for simple features anymore.
Even if the setup process looks longer, it gives you freedom. You will only add what matters to you and remove what doesn’t. That means a smoother, cleaner, and more private YouTube experience overall.