Joe Maring / Android Authority
Don’t let Google know, but I’d be quite lost without YouTube. I use the video platform daily for background noise during the workday and for enjoying my favorite creators’ content in the evenings.
The platform doesn’t offer the best user experience, at least not one that prioritizes the content. Constant interruptions and visual clutter within the app have prompted me to seek alternative ways to watch YouTube. And you don’t need to put up with them, either.
There are various ways to use YouTube interruption-free. What follows are your options.
How do you watch YouTube interruption-free on Android? 112 votes I use a browser with video controls. 17 % I use a third-party Android YouTube app. 34 % I pay for YouTube Premium. 25 % I just use the official YouTube app, ads and all. 13 % I don’t watch YouTube on my phone. 8 % I have another method (elaborate in the comments). 3 %
Use a browser with dedicated video controls
Andy Walker / Android Authority
You don’t necessarily need to use an app to view YouTube content; Android browsers will serve just as well. Some browsers are more adept at displaying and controlling video than others, though, and while the likes of Google Chrome seem like an excellent fit for a fellow YouTube product, there are better options.
Personally, I’ve gravitated towards Banana Browser as my preferred video web browser. It packs a dedicated video player that supports numerous content sources, including YouTube and TikTok. It also includes ad-blocking smarts and SponsorBlock support — a tool that skips past sponsor slots and other interruptions — while background play and picture-in-picture modes are also available.
As far as user-friendliness is concerned, Brave is perhaps the best option on Android for casual users. It supports background playback for audio tracks, picture-in-picture mode, and dedicated settings to block recommended content, “distracting elements,” and YouTube Shorts.
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