Do you get annoyed by advertisements popping up when you watch YouTube? Numerous people feel the same way. In 2023, YouTube generated over $30 billion in ad revenue, demonstrating a high volume of ads being shown. As a result of this, an increasing number of individuals are trying to find ways to watch YouTube without ads.
Certain apps allow you to watch videos without interruptions, and they even offer features like downloading videos for offline viewing. These ad-free YouTube apps are gaining popularity because they enhance the viewing experience by making it more enjoyable and uninterrupted.
Let’s dive into the blog and find out the most popular ad-free YouTube apps that show how to enjoy YouTube without the annoyance of advertisements.
List of 11 Most Popular Ad-Free YouTube Apps
1. YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a subscription service for which clients pay and get an ad-free experience while watching YouTube videos. It includes background play, offline downloads, and access to exclusive YouTube Originals and YouTube Music.
It runs on web, mobile, and smart TV, making YouTube better by eradicating the commercials and adding functionality to work simultaneously and downloading YouTube videos for offline use. The service is particularly beneficial for frequent YouTube users who prefer an uninterrupted viewing experience.
Moreover, YouTube Premium is often bundled with other Google services like Google Play Music which makes it easy to switch between devices and have a better entertainment experience.
Pros
- Ad-free experience across all devices, ensuring uninterrupted viewing.
- Offline downloads let you watch videos without an internet connection.
- Includes YouTube Music, offering ad-free music streaming.
- Access to exclusive YouTube Originals content not available elsewhere.
- Background play allows multitasking without pausing videos.
- Seamless integration with Google services across multiple devices.
Cons
- Monthly subscription fees can be expensive for some users.
- Not available in all countries, limiting global access.
- Promotional content may still appear, which can be distracting.
Pricing
- Individual: $11.99/month
- Family Plan: $17.99/month
- Student Plan: $6.99/month
2. NewPipe
NewPipe is an open-source application that empowers listening to YouTube on Android by utilising less Google services and without advertisements. NewPipe is a privacy-oriented, lightweight app that does not collect any user data, making it a great choice for those concerned about privacy.
NewPipe enables background playback and video download and audio only streaming which can be powerful when it comes to data and battery conservation.
This app is regularly updated by the community, which continuously adds new features and improvements. However, it is only for Android and has to be manually downloaded because it is not in the Play Store.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source, with no hidden costs.
- Don’t rely on Google services, enhancing user privacy.
- Supports background playback for multitasking.
- Allows downloading videos for offline viewing at any time.
- Offers audio-only streaming to save data and battery life.
- Lightweight, using minimal system resources for smooth performance.
Cons
- Unavailable on Google Play Store, requiring manual installation.
- Limited to Android devices, with no support for iOS.
- May experience occasional bugs or stability issues due to community-driven development.
Pricing
Free
3. LibreTube
LibreTube is a free and open-source client for Youtube for the Android platform free from ads and trackers. It is user privacy-oriented, does not use Google services, and offers users relatively greater opportunities to control their data.
It also has features like background playback, downloads, and a client interface resembling YouTube. It is a good option for people who want an ad-free version of YouTube on Android with no affiliation.
Being an open-source app, it may not offer some of the features that are offered in the official YouTube app, although the app is being updated frequently.
Pros
- Privacy-focused, with no ads or tracking by Google services.
- Free and open-source, ensuring continuous improvements.
- Background playback supports multitasking while streaming.
- Video downloads allow offline viewing on your schedule.
- User-friendly interface similar to YouTube’s for easy navigation.
- Lightweight, providing fast performance on most devices.
Cons
- Only available for Android, leaving iOS users out.
- Manual installation is required as it’s not on Google Play.
- May lack some advanced features of the official YouTube app.
Pricing
Free
4. AdGuard for iPhone
AdGuard for iPhone is an effective application that can filter out ads in various applications and browsers, including YouTube. It includes the ability to set filters for ad, tracker, and phishing site blocking and allows for a safer browsing process.
It is quite simple to install and operate, so it can be considered one of the most popular choices of iPhone users who wish to protect their anonymity on the web.
Though it easily removes advertisements, it is not always perfectly compatible with all platforms and the basic version also will not have many options.
Pros
- Blocks ads across apps and browsers, enhancing user experience.
- Customisable filters allow the blocking of specific ads and trackers.
- Improves privacy by blocking trackers and phishing sites.
- Simple setup and user-friendly interface.
- Reduces data usage by blocking unwanted content.
- Enhances device performance by reducing the load from ads.
Cons
- Not all features are available in the free version.
- May not block ads effectively on all platforms.
- Limited to iPhone, with no support for Android users.
Pricing
- Free
- In-App Purchases
- 1-Year Premium Mobile Ad Block: $4.99
- 1 Month Safe Mobile Ad Blocker: $0.99
- AdGuard Premium: $5.99
- AdGuard Premium: $12.99
- AdGuard Premium: $4.99
5. SmartTube for Smart TVs
SmartTube is an ad-free YouTube client that is specifically marketed to smart TV users since this kind of platform is going to take full advantage of big screens, offering an uninterrupted and slick experience.
There are features such as background play, setting the resolution of the app and videos, and basic layouts designed for use on a television screen.
SmartTube is rather common for users who regularly use YouTube on smart TVs and don’t want to experience ads. But it is compatible only with some specific TV models and might need configuration by hand, which is inconvenient for some people.
Pros
- Ad-free YouTube experience tailored for smart TVs.
- Optimised interface for easy navigation on large screens.
- Supports background playback and high-resolution streaming.
- No subscription fees, completely free to use.
- Enhances viewing experience on smart TVs.
- Regular updates ensure ongoing improvements and new features.
Cons
- Limited compatibility with certain smart TV models.
- Manual installation might be complex for non-tech users.
- Occasional bugs or performance issues may occur.
Pricing
Free
6. SponsorBlock
SponsorBlock is a browser extension that allows users to specifically skip through sponsored content during YouTube videos, which can be useful for people who prefer a more streamlined watching experience.
It uses user-submitted timestamps to automatically skip video segments, making it a community-driven application. The extension is available on multiple browsers and works seamlessly with YouTube, helping users avoid interruptions from sponsors.
However, it’s only as good as its user base, meaning some segments might not be skipped if they haven’t been flagged yet.
Pros
- Automatically skips sponsored segments in YouTube videos.
- Community-driven with user-submitted timestamps for accuracy.
- Works seamlessly with multiple browsers.
- Enhances viewing experience by removing unwanted interruptions.
- Free to use and easy to install.
- Regularly updated based on community feedback.
Cons
- Relies on user submissions, so some segments may be missed.
- Only works on supported browsers, not on the YouTube app.
- Occasional inaccuracies in skipping segments if not properly flagged.
Pricing
Free
7. Rumble
Rumble is a video-sharing site that could be portrayed as a YouTube competitor although much more lenient in terms of content control. It’s ad-supported and gives creators more ways to make money, supports free discourse and has less Rules of content compared to its competitors.
Rumble has started trending as an alternative way that gives less censorship and more control for its users. But, it has a relatively small number of registered users when compared to YouTube and this may translate to lesser visibility of content.
Pros
- Focuses on free speech with less restrictive content policies.
- Easier monetisation for creators compared to other platforms.
- Ad-supported but allows greater control over ads.
- User-friendly interface, making it easy to upload and manage content.
- Rapidly growing platform with increasing visibility.
- Open to a wide variety of content types and genres.
Cons
- Smaller user base compared to YouTube, limiting content reach.
- Ad-supported, so viewers may still encounter ads.
- Limited advanced features for video editing and management.
Pricing
- Basic: $9/month
- Plus: $99/month
- Advanced: $499/month
8. Vimeo
Vimeo is a video sharing social site with a focus on delivering quality unadorned videos. Today, it is used by artists, directors, and other representatives of creative professions, as well as business people who need a platform that offers great opportunities for video hosting, video editing, and video analysis.
Vimeo’s user base is more targeted, targeting creative professionals and amateurs with professionally produced and edited clips and videos compared to YouTube.
As for Vimeo, it does not have ads, but it is a subscription-based platform for creators that provides multiple plans depending on the extent of the package the creator needs.
Pros
- Ad-free platform providing a clean viewing experience.
- High-quality video streaming with professional-grade tools for creators.
- Advanced video hosting, editing, and analytics features.
- Support for 4K Ultra HD content, catering to professionals.
- Niche community focused on creative, high-quality content.
- Subscription model ensures no ads are displayed.
Cons
- Smaller audience compared to YouTube, limiting exposure.
- Subscription is required for creators to access advanced features.
- Less focus on user-generated content, more niche-oriented.
Pricing
- Monthly
- Free
- Starter: $20/month
- Standard: $33/month
- Advanced: $108/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
- Annually
- Free
- Starter: $12/month
- Standard: $20/month
- Advanced: $65/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
9. TikTok
TikTok is a microblogging and instant video sharing social media application used in disseminating short videos. As it will be explained further, it is not an ad-free YouTube per se but is more of a niche platform that allows creators to share content within its appeal of creativity, trending videos and challenge/host videos.
TikTok is not a paid app but is a freemium social media application supported by advertising, quite frequently ads are intercalated within the flow.
In terms of the demographic, it is most popular among the younger population and has gained prominence as a marketing tool for influencers. However, its focus on short videos differentiates it from YouTube, which is more suited for longer content.
Pros
- Short-form content encourages creativity and trendsetting.
- Massive user base, providing wide reach for content.
- Highly engaging platform with viral potential.
- Easy-to-use editing tools built directly into the app.
- Great for discovering new trends and creative ideas.
- Free to use with a straightforward interface.
Cons
- Ad-supported, with ads often interrupting the content stream.
- Focused on short videos, limiting content depth.
- Concerns about data privacy and security for users.
Pricing
Free
10. DailyMotion
DailyMotion is a site similar to any other video sharing site where clients can upload and share their videos or just watch the professionally made ones. It’s free of charge but comes with interruptions within the form of advertisements that can be before or during the video.
DailyMotion offers options for earning on videos and tools for posting and organising videos. It isn’t nearly as prevalent as YouTube, but it has a noteworthy viewership and is more prevalent in zones where YouTube does not have a stronghold.
DailyMotion moreover allows you to access news, entertainment, sports, and music, and it is an alternative to the commonly known site YouTube.
Pros
- Large library of user-generated and professional content.
- Monetisation options available for content creators.
- Supports HD video streaming with a clean interface.
- Popular in regions where YouTube is less prevalent.
- Easy-to-use platform with a variety of content categories.
- Free to use, with a straightforward content management system.
Cons
- Ad-supported, which can be disruptive to viewing.
- Smaller user base compared to YouTube, limiting exposure.
- Occasional issues with video buffering and load times.
Pricing
- Trial: Sign up for free
- Business: Contact sales for pricing
- Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing
11. DTube
DTube is a digital video sharing website which is developed based on blockchain technology with features like no advertisements and greater privacy of users and ownership of content.
DTube is not a centralised platform and the content is in the nodes of the system, which gives a good result in terms of censorship. Members are also rewarded in tokens whenever they upload content, share content, and also whenever they comment.
DTube will suit those users, who are more concerned with their privacy and who would like to take charge sometimes. But it lacks some features of central platforms like YouTube, for example, it works slower and has less content available.
Pros
- Decentralised platform, enhancing privacy and content ownership.
- Ad-free, providing a clean viewing experience.
- Users can earn cryptocurrency by uploading and engaging with content.
- Resistant to censorship due to decentralised hosting.
- Focus on privacy, with no data tracking.
- Community-driven with an emphasis on user control.
Cons
- Smaller content library compared to centralised platforms.
- Performance can be slower due to decentralised nature.
- Less user-friendly interface, requiring some technical knowledge.
Pricing
Free
Conclusion
In terms of buffering and interrupted video streaming, ad-free YouTube apps definitely provide an optimal experience for those users who prefer avoiding ads. In addition to removing ads they also offer features like download for offline use, playback in the background as well as better privacy settings. These alternatives are much less intrusive and are still aimed at different audiences, allowing them to watch the content without any intermissions and use the tools that optimise their experience of using the Internet.
FAQs
What are ad-free YouTube apps?
Ad-free YouTube apps are alternative platforms or modified versions of YouTube that block ads, allowing for uninterrupted video streaming.
Are ad-free YouTube apps safe to use?
Most ad-free YouTube apps are safe, but it’s essential to download them from trusted sources to avoid security risks.
Do ad-free YouTube apps require a subscription?
Some ad-free YouTube apps are free, while others may require a subscription or one-time purchase for premium features.
Can I download videos using ad-free YouTube apps?
Yes, many ad-free YouTube apps offer the ability to download videos for offline viewing without interruptions.