ReVanced, also known as YouTube ReVanced, is a free video player by the ReVanced team. Created to continue the legacy of YouTube Vanced, this app provides users with the features of YouTube premium without having to pay a dime. Its primary features include blocking ads and playing videos in the background.

Google’s cease and desist letter to YouTube Vanced’s developers effectively forced the app’s discontinuation. Official download links have been taken down. Those who’ve downloaded the app can still use it, but it will stop working when Google updates YouTube’s API. Enter ReVanced — the app that continues what Vanced started.

Enjoy premium features

ReVanced is not created by the same developers behind YouTube Vanced despite its name. It’s instead built through the contributions of a passionate Android community. Regardless, the app takes the essence of its predecessor and keeps it alive. The app carries over the core features of Vanced: ad and sponsor blocking, background play, picture in picture, auto-repeat, and true AMOLED dark mode.

Like Vanced, this app is open-source. This allows users to customize everything about the app, making it truly personalized. Users can override codec choices, force 60 fps playback or HDR, override screen resolution for clear 4K viewing, and even enable ads. Most importantly, the open-source format means community members will be better equipped to contribute to improving the project, increasing its chance to succeed.

What truly separates this app from its predecessor is the way it works. Vanced was a modified version of the YouTube app and distributing it was illegal. This eventually led to its demise. This new one, on the other hand, takes the form of an Android patch. It makes the app less likely to be struck down by Google, but it’s arguably still a gray area.

Uncertain future

ReVanced started strong, thanks to what Vanced had already established. Backed by a passionate community, it will only continue to improve, but its future remains uncertain. Everything seemed perfect for Vanced at first, too, until Google placed it under its sights. How long until Google comes after ReVanced? Only time will tell. For now, the app is an excellent alternative to its fallen predecessor.