Hey guys! Are you an iOS user who's bummed out about YouTube Vanced being discontinued? You're not alone! Vanced was a super popular, modified version of YouTube that allowed users to block ads, play videos in the background, and enjoy other cool features that the official YouTube app lacked. But, since it's no longer available, what are the best alternatives for iOS users who want an ad-free, feature-rich YouTube experience?

Fear not! In this article, we'll dive into some awesome YouTube Vanced alternatives specifically tailored for iOS devices. We’ll explore apps and methods that will let you enjoy ad-free videos, background playback, and more, ensuring your YouTube experience remains top-notch. Let's get started!

Why Look for YouTube Vanced Alternatives?

Before we jump into the alternatives, let's quickly recap why YouTube Vanced was so beloved in the first place. Vanced offered several key advantages over the official YouTube app:

• Ad Blocking: This was the biggest draw for most users. Vanced completely blocked all those annoying ads that interrupt your viewing experience.
• Background Playback: You could listen to YouTube videos even when your screen was off or you were using other apps.
• Customization: Vanced offered various customization options, such as themes and playback settings, allowing you to tailor the app to your preferences.
• Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Vanced allowed you to watch videos in a small, floating window while using other apps. Although this feature is now available in the official Youtube app based on your subscription.

Since Vanced is no longer an option, finding alternatives that offer similar features is crucial for users who want a premium YouTube experience without paying for YouTube Premium.

Top YouTube Vanced Alternatives for iOS

Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best YouTube Vanced alternatives for iOS that you can start using today:

1. YouTube Premium

While it might seem obvious, YouTube Premium is the most direct and official alternative to YouTube Vanced. Yes, it's a paid subscription, but it offers a range of benefits that make it worth considering.

• Ad-Free Viewing: Just like Vanced, YouTube Premium removes all ads from YouTube videos.
• Background Playback: You can listen to videos even when your screen is off or you're using other apps.
• YouTube Music Premium: You also get access to YouTube Music Premium, which allows you to listen to music ad-free, offline, and in the background.
• YouTube Originals: Access to exclusive content that's only available to YouTube Premium subscribers.
• Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Watch videos in a small, floating window while using other apps.

Why it’s a good alternative: YouTube Premium provides a seamless and legal way to enjoy YouTube without ads and with added features. It directly supports the content creators you love, ensuring they can continue making great videos.

Consider this: If you're already heavily invested in the YouTube ecosystem and use YouTube Music, YouTube Premium is a no-brainer. The cost might seem high, but the benefits justify it for many users. Plus, you're supporting the creators you watch!

2. Using a Safari Content Blocker

Another option is to use a content blocker in Safari. This method isn't a direct YouTube alternative, but it can significantly improve your YouTube experience on iOS by blocking ads when you watch YouTube through the Safari browser.

• Ad Blocking: Content blockers like AdGuard or BlockBear can block ads on websites, including YouTube.
• Cost-Effective: Many content blockers are free or offer a free version with basic ad-blocking features.
• Easy to Use: Simply install the content blocker from the App Store and enable it in Safari settings.

How to set it up:

1. Download a content blocker app like AdGuard or BlockBear from the App Store.
2. Go to Settings on your iOS device.
3. Scroll down and tap on Safari.
4. Tap on Content Blockers.
5. Enable the content blocker you installed.

Why it’s a good alternative: This method is a great way to block ads without having to switch to a different app. It’s also a cost-effective solution, especially if you choose a free content blocker.

Consider this: While this method blocks most ads, it might not be as seamless as YouTube Vanced or YouTube Premium. You'll need to watch YouTube in Safari, and some advanced features like background playback might not be available.

3. Vinegar - Tube Cleaner

Vinegar - Tube Cleaner is a Safari extension that replaces the YouTube player with a minimal HTML video tag. This not only blocks ads but also prevents Google from tracking your viewing activity.

• Ad Blocking: Vinegar removes YouTube ads by replacing the standard player.
• Privacy Focused: Prevents Google from tracking your viewing habits.
• Picture-in-Picture: Supports Picture-in-Picture mode for multitasking.
• Background Playback: Allows you to play videos in the background.

How to set it up:

1. Download Vinegar - Tube Cleaner from the App Store.
2. Go to Settings on your iOS device.
3. Scroll down and tap on Safari.
4. Tap on Extensions.
5. Enable Vinegar.

Why it’s a good alternative: Vinegar offers a clean, ad-free YouTube experience with added privacy benefits. It's a simple and effective way to enjoy YouTube without the clutter and tracking.

Consider this: Since Vinegar replaces the standard YouTube player, the interface will be different. Some users might miss the familiar YouTube layout, but the ad-free and privacy benefits make it worth trying.

4. Third-Party YouTube Apps

There are several third-party YouTube apps available on the App Store that offer ad-free viewing and other features. However, it's essential to exercise caution when using these apps, as they might not be officially endorsed by YouTube and could pose security risks. Always read reviews and check the developer's reputation before installing any third-party app.

Example of such app:

• ProTube: This app often surfaces as a recommendation, promising ad-free playback and background listening. However, its availability on the App Store can be intermittent due to YouTube's policies.

Why it could be an alternative: If you find a reputable third-party app, it might offer a Vanced-like experience with ad-free viewing and additional features.

Consider this: The availability and safety of third-party YouTube apps can vary. Always do your research and prioritize your security when choosing this option. Proceed with caution!

5. Brave Browser

Brave Browser is a privacy-focused browser that comes with built-in ad-blocking and tracker blocking features. You can use Brave to watch YouTube videos without ads on your iOS device.

• Ad Blocking: Brave automatically blocks ads and trackers on websites, including YouTube.
• Background Playback: Brave supports background playback, allowing you to listen to YouTube videos while using other apps.
• Privacy Focused: Brave offers enhanced privacy features to protect your data.

How to set it up:

1. Download Brave Browser from the App Store.
2. Open Brave and navigate to YouTube.
3. Start watching videos ad-free!

Why it’s a good alternative: Brave provides a seamless ad-free browsing experience, not just for YouTube but for all websites you visit. It’s a great option for users who value privacy and want to block ads across the board.

Consider this: You'll need to use Brave as your primary browser to enjoy the ad-blocking benefits on YouTube. If you prefer Safari or Chrome, this might not be the ideal solution.

Additional Tips for an Enhanced YouTube Experience on iOS

Besides using the alternatives mentioned above, here are some additional tips to enhance your YouTube experience on iOS:

• Use a VPN: A VPN can help protect your privacy and bypass geo-restrictions on YouTube content.
• Create Playlists: Organize your favorite videos into playlists for easy access.
• Adjust Playback Speed: Speed up or slow down videos to match your preferences.
• Enable Closed Captions: Use closed captions for a better viewing experience, especially when watching videos in noisy environments.

Conclusion

While the discontinuation of YouTube Vanced was a bummer for many iOS users, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy an ad-free and feature-rich YouTube experience. Whether you choose to subscribe to YouTube Premium, use a content blocker, try Vinegar, explore third-party apps (with caution), or switch to Brave Browser, there's a solution out there for you. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

So, go ahead and try out these alternatives and reclaim your YouTube viewing experience on iOS! Happy watching, guys!