YouTube vVARY

Google LLC

Contains ads • In-app purchases

About this app

The YouTube app solves the problem of accessing a vast library of video content on-the-go, benefiting users who consume a lot of online videos, including music, educational content, and vlogs. Compared to alternatives in the Video Players category, YouTube stands out with its massive content library and robust features like offline playback and personalized recommendations. However, it falls short in terms of ad intrusion and limited features for free users. With over 10 billion downloads, YouTube's popularity is undeniable, but its dominance also raises concerns about data collection and privacy.

Pros

With a 3.9/5 rating and over 10 billion downloads, YouTube's social proof is unparalleled, indicating a high level of user satisfaction and trust in the app's functionality and content quality.
The app's feature set is robust, including features like offline playback, Chromecast support, and personalized recommendations, making it a one-stop-shop for video consumption.
Google's reputation as a developer is a significant advantage, ensuring regular updates, security patches, and a commitment to user experience.
YouTube's accessibility features, such as closed captions and screen reader support, make it an excellent choice for users with disabilities.
The app's performance is generally smooth, even on lower-end devices, thanks to Google's optimization efforts.

Cons

The app's monetization model, which includes ads and in-app purchases, can be intrusive and may detract from the user experience, particularly for free users.
Despite having no permissions listed, YouTube's data collection practices have raised concerns in the past, and users should be aware of the potential risks to their privacy.
The app's compatibility with certain devices can be inconsistent, with some users reporting issues with playback and performance on older or lower-end devices.
The lack of features like ad-free playback and background play for free users may drive some users to alternative video platforms.

Best for: The ideal user for the YouTube app is a tech-savvy individual between the ages of 18 and 45 who consumes a significant amount of online video content, values convenience and accessibility, and is willing to tolerate ads or consider a paid subscription for an ad-free experience.

Developer Description

Enjoy your favorite videos and channels with the official YouTube app.

Get the official YouTube app on Android phones and tablets. See what the world is watching -- from the hottest music videos to what’s popular in gaming, fashion, beauty, news, learning and more. Subscribe to channels you love, create content of your own, share with friends, and watch on any device.

Watch and subscribe
● Browse personal recommendations on Home
● See the latest from your favorite channels in Subscriptions
● Look up videos you’ve watched, liked, and saved for later in Library

Explore different topics, what’s popular, and on the rise (available in select countries)
● Stay up to date on what’s popular in music, gaming, beauty, news, learning and more
● See what’s trending on YouTube and around the world on Explore
● Learn about the coolest Creators, Gamers, and Artists on the Rise (available in select countries)

Connect with the YouTube community
● Keep up with your favorites creators with Posts, Stories, Premieres, and Live streams
● Join the conversation with comments and interact with creators and other community members

Create content from your mobile device
● Create or upload your own videos directly in the app
● Engage with your audience in real time with live streaming right from the app

Find the experience that fits you and your family (available in select countries)
● Every family has their own approach to online video. Learn about your options: the YouTube Kids app or a new parent supervised experience on YouTube at youtube.com/myfamily

Support creators you love with channel memberships (available in select countries)
● Join channels that offer paid monthly memberships and support their work
● Get access to exclusive perks from the channel & become part of their members community
● Stand out in comments and live chats with a loyalty badge next to your username

Upgrade to YouTube Premium (available in select countries)
● Watch videos uninterrupted by ads, while using other apps, or when the screen is locked
● Save videos for when you really need them – like when you’re on a plane or commuting
● Get access to YouTube Music Premium as part of your benefits

Privacy

Although YouTube has no listed permissions, users should be cautious about the data that may be collected through the app, including watch history and search queries. To minimize risks, users can review YouTube's privacy policy and adjust their account settings to limit data sharing. Additionally, users should be aware of the potential for malicious content and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unauthorized apps.

Tips

To get the most out of the YouTube app, users should explore the settings menu to customize their experience, including enabling offline playback and adjusting video quality. Additionally, users can take advantage of features like playlists and subscriptions to discover new content and stay up-to-date with their favorite creators. Finally, users can optimize their app performance by clearing cache and updating to the latest version.