I think it’s an ongoing thing with Google blocking Invidious and them then finding away around Google back and forth. Probably depends on the instance and how much hassle whoever runs it wants to deal with.
If you use a VPN you can simply set your location to Albania and won't receive any ads on YT, as Google's ad platform doesn't support the Albanian language yet.
Late to the party but try Unwatched: RSS Video Player
It’s blocking adds, has pip, no account needed, can disable shorts and so on.
It’s basically premium on roids
I use DuckDuckGo for search, and it gives you the option to watch full YT videos without actually going to YouTube. I only watch videos that I’ve searched for - not ones that YT suggests to me, so this has been sufficient. Watching this way does not have ads (so far) but it does warn that YT can still use trackers.
Other’s advice (plugins etc.) are probably better overall, but this is the simplest option for me. I haven’t felt the need to find a more robust solution, but that’s only because of how I use YouTube.
Edit - when you click a DDG search result that is YT, this pops up:
1
What's the best way to watch youtube without adds on ios? (without premium). | Spyke
I have been using Orion Browser (by Kagi) for the last couple of weeks and haven’t seen a single ad on YouTube since.
Same. I use it on desktop too
Damn that works nice thanks.
Brave Browser + AdGuard is also good at blocking youtube ads.
I haven't needed adguard with brave browser…yet. Though id probably go the safari way next if that stops working
That’s how I use it as well. Plain old brave browser gets the job done on iOS.
I use uYou plus. It has to be installed via Altstore (which means you have to resign it once a week with a computer needed in the same network).
But it has the best features:
This is the cleanest way but does take some work to get going. It also has the benefit of full video quality when web only shows 720p.
I prefer SideStore, because it doesn’t require a computer after initial setup
I use a private safari window with Vinegar
May I ask you to tell me if it supports subtitles in PIP mode. I’m deaf so I don’t want to buy something that may be useless to me.
It sure does
If you're cool with Invidious you can use instances via the Yattee app. (Not sure if it's available in every territory though.)
https://github.com/yattee/yattee
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yattee/id1595136629
Did invidious find a way around Google’s blocking? I remember a headline a week or so ago that Google had managed to completely block them.
I think it’s an ongoing thing with Google blocking Invidious and them then finding away around Google back and forth. Probably depends on the instance and how much hassle whoever runs it wants to deal with.
Lately I’ve found that, https://inv.nadeko.net/, works decently.
Again, kind of fiddly if you’re looking for a pick up and play option but… ¯_(ツ)_/¯
I’m so lost how do I properly set this up? The github FAQ doesn’t seem to have a guide.
Looks like you’re almost there. I think you just need to add an instance under “Custom Locations”.
There’s also more details in this (apologies) Reddit thread. Link
If you use a VPN you can simply set your location to Albania and won't receive any ads on YT, as Google's ad platform doesn't support the Albanian language yet.
Look up Vinegar for iOS and install
Been using it for some years now
May I ask you to tell me if it supports subtitles in PIP mode. I’m deaf so I don’t want to buy something that may be useless to me.
Took me a minute to figure out how to test this as I don’t use subtitles but…it works fine. MacOS and iOS.
Late to the party but try Unwatched: RSS Video Player It’s blocking adds, has pip, no account needed, can disable shorts and so on. It’s basically premium on roids
Damn this is good thanks
I use the following with mobile version of YouTube in safari (not desktop version) on iPad 9.
Wiper adblock $1.99 one time payment (no subscription).
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wipr/id1030595027
SponsorBlock $1.99 one time payment (no subscription).
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sponsorblock-for-safari/id1573461917
If you want a standalone app and not a safari workaround, I recommend video lite. Works for twitch too.
That’s what I was looking for, thanks!
/edit: it seems to have ads though… I was wrong, I mixed up the apps.I use DuckDuckGo for search, and it gives you the option to watch full YT videos without actually going to YouTube. I only watch videos that I’ve searched for - not ones that YT suggests to me, so this has been sufficient. Watching this way does not have ads (so far) but it does warn that YT can still use trackers.
Other’s advice (plugins etc.) are probably better overall, but this is the simplest option for me. I haven’t felt the need to find a more robust solution, but that’s only because of how I use YouTube.
Edit - when you click a DDG search result that is YT, this pops up: