YouTube Vanced is shutting down. Announced on Twitter, the app will be discontinued with download links to be taken down soon. The latest version will still work, however, until such time that it becomes outdated in a couple of years or so.
For those not familiar with YouTube Vanced, or just Vanced, it is a popular third-party app, a modded version of the original YouTube app, that offers features such as background play, ad blocking, and even the dislike button. The app is free, installed via sideloading on your phone.
It was a good alternative for those who didn’t want to avail of YouTube Premium or for devices who have no access to the YouTube app, such as current Huawei smartphones.
The reason for the shutdown was not specified, but sure enough, Google is behind it. Seeing as how popular Vanced has become, the search giant has likely caught wind of the app and let loose its legal team. According to The Verge, Vanced owners were sent a cease and desist letter, ordering them to remove all references to ‘YouTube’, change the logo, and remove all links related to YouTube products.
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In a tweet, the people behind Vanced also recommended an alternative to their app, pointing to YouTube Premium.
At the time of this article, Vanced download links are still active on its website.
