All Devices Users of iOS and iPadOS, how do you watch YouTube?

[Populus]

Dear users of both iPhone and iPad, running iOS 13, where do you watch YouTube on your devices, on Google’s Youtube App? On Safari? Maybe some of you use apps only available through Jailbreak or downloading them from outside the App Store but those are not on my focus because I won’t compromise iOS security to watch YouTube. That’s why I didn’t include them on the poll.

So, now, let’s dive into the topic with the advantages and disadvantages of using YouTube App or watching videos on Safari.

YouTube App:

Pros:
- It is more convenient because you have it all in an app.
- Gesture based, which at least on the iPhone makes it more easy to use.
- You can put it on landscape without having to toggle the orientation lock, again on the iPhone.
- It is easier to discover content on the suggestions because it is the first thing you see after opening the app.
- It “contains” your activity log to that google account, just on the YouTube app, without logging all the info about every search you do on Safari, and other services. It allows you to remain relatively “anonymous” on the browser.

Cons:
- It shows you ads. This doesn’t happen on Safari if you use a content blocker.
- On the iPad, It doesn’t allow you to enter Picture in Picture iOS mode, or background play.

Safari Youtube.com web:

Pros:
- Content blocker allows you to watch YouTube with zero ads. Which sometimes may get annoying.
- Better control over the content, offering a true desktop interface which is great on the iPad.
- Slightly less power consumption.
- Background play and PiP feature.

Cons:
- Basically, once you log into YouTube on Safari, you’re being observed by Google and all your activity attached to your user. Just try to open a new tab: You’re still logged in. Try to use google maps, if you grant location permissions to Safari, Google will track your user on Google Maps. Once you log into Safari you‘re login into Gmail, and all the other Google services. So that makes me think using Youtube in Safari is worse, privacy wise.
- On iPhone, it is a pain to use.

So, do you agree or disagree with me?
What is your preferred way to watch YouTube videos on your iPhone and iPad? And the most secure with privacy in mind?

Do iOS 13 sandbox apps in a way that Google can’t collect info for your YouTube user from other apps? If so, I think the YouTube App is way safer than using Youtube on Safari.

And yeah, I’m a bit paranoid trying to avoid Google’s eyes.

 

[Frankied22]

I use an app called Ivory on my iPhone. No ads, background playback, and history without logging into YouTube.

 

[arn]

Have YouTube red and just use the app.

 

[Klatti]

I’m using YouTube Premium via India. So it’s 2,43€ instead of 17,99€ for the family plan. I just can’t stand the ads...

 

[StumpyBloke]

I’m using YouTube Premium via India. So it’s 2,43€ instead of 17,99€ for the family plan. I just can’t stand the ads...

The ads are, without question, getting more frequent and intrusive. But rather than it tempt me to purchase Premium, it just puts me off using YT altogether. I get they have to make money but some of the vids I watch have their first ad within the first minute!

OP, I use the standard YT apps.

 

[itsmilo]

App + downloads for offline viewing. I used an vpn and subscribed to YouTube premium from Turkey and it’s like 3€ instead of 13€

 

[Puppuccino]

By using YouTube at all you’re not hidden from “Google’s eyes”...

 

[papbot]

When possible I only use Safari because of ads. I don’t mind the initial ads so much but the ones during the video, on the longer ones anyway, are extremely aggravating.

 

[Populus]

By using YouTube at all you’re not hidden from “Google’s eyes”...

You mean “By using Youtube not logged in”? I have the sense that, if I log in on Safari, Google tracks me more, but you may be right, their logarithm knows who am I even if I’m nit logged in.

On the iPad I would have no issues in using the web version, which thanks to the content blocker (ad-blocker) I have no ads. But on the iPhone I’ve been trying the web version on iOS 12 during the past few hours and it is a pain to use: mainly because I have to select the resolution each time, and to put it into full screen landscape I have to deactivate the orientation lock. I’m not sure if the web experience with YouTube has improved with iOS 13.
[automerge]1572787344[/automerge]

I use an app called Ivory on my iPhone. No ads, background playback, and history without logging into YouTube.

I purchased this app, man. And it is a mess. Those channels I am subscribed to don’t show the latest videos, just the older ones. And sometimes it just won’t work until I close it and open the app again... it is a pain to use. And its a pity because there are no better alternatives to the official app.

 

[SoYoung]

Have YouTube red and just use the app.

Same. I’m premium and I actually like the official app.

 

[Tsepz]

I have YouTube Premium, so I just use the official iOS YouTube app, no ads and I have background play on all my devices that I use it on.

 

[Blue Hawk]

I miss the app ProTube. It was perfect

 

[EM2013]

Safari because of ad blocker. Zero ads without having to pay for a silly subscription

 

[Klatti]

I miss the app ProTube. It was perfect

Hell yes! This App is still superior to the original YouTube App. it had so many amazing features... faster load time, 4K resolution, background playing, PiP and no ****** interface with just one video in a row - so much wasted space in the iPad app, it’s ridiculous. Also way better small video player while browsing YouTube.
Probably my most missed app.

 

[huiAPPOAJ]

I don't, YouTube is trash

 

[revmacian]

I use youtube dot com in Safari and a content blocker to remove ads. I’m not on YouTube often, if I go there it’s because I know exactly what I want and search for it. I refuse to use any type of “trending” our “suggested” lists.. I have a bookmark that takes me directly to my subscriptions and I don’t have to see the junk.

 

[Populus]

I use youtube dot com in Safari and a content blocker to remove ads. I’m not on YouTube often, if I go there it’s because I know exactly what I want and search for it. I refuse to use any type of “trending” our “suggested” lists.. I have a bookmark that takes me directly to my subscriptions and I don’t have to see the junk.

Hey! That's a really good idea! Using bookmarks, I didn't think that. Maybe it's not as convenient as managing subscriptions from the YouTube app itself, or saving your favorite videos. But it is a good alternative to having to log into the Google profile. At least for iPad and Mac. For the iPhone I still find much more convenient the iOS app.

Thank you for sharing!

 

[revmacian]

Hey! That's a really good idea! Using bookmarks, I didn't think that. Maybe it's not as convenient as managing subscriptions from the YouTube app itself, or saving your favorite videos. But it is a good alternative to having to log into the Google profile. At least for iPad and Mac. For the iPhone I still find much more convenient the iOS app.

Thank you for sharing!

I don’t mind logging in, so I’m ok with using this method. The issue I have is that trending and suggested lists are trash and only serve to tempt you into spending more time on YouTube than you intended.. not to mention unnecessary scrolling. Once I’m logged in I simply go to my bookmark https://www.youtube.com/feed/library and I don’t have to see junk that I likely would never watch anyway.

 

[Puppuccino]

You mean “By using Youtube not logged in”? I have the sense that, if I log in on Safari, Google tracks me more, but you may be right, their logarithm knows who am I even if I’m nit logged in.

They still know who you are even if you’re not logged in because certain parts of your device returns identifiers. Simply by using the service you’re being tracked. The only thing the content blockers do is remove the ads so you don’t see them.

 

[Apple_Robert]

They still know who you are even if you’re not logged in because certain parts of your device returns identifiers. Simply by using the service you’re being tracked. The only thing the content blockers do is remove the ads so you don’t see them.

They know the device and browser etc. They don’t know your name and other actual personal information. Also, using a vpn from associating a possible known IP address from someone who used the device signed in from the same physical location.

 

[symphony]

They still know who you are even if you’re not logged in because certain parts of your device returns identifiers. Simply by using the service you’re being tracked. The only thing the content blockers do is remove the ads so you don’t see them.

Jeez I hope not, I want to believe Google isn’t invading my privacy now, I hope. I hope because Google respects my privacy like they say they do on stage. I hope.
[automerge]1572846829[/automerge]
I pay for YouTube Premium because I’m very rich.

I hate how the YouTube app doesn’t support picture-in-picture and 4K.

Not being able to use PiP sucks, and slide over is not a good alternative. I mainly use the app on both devices. But recently I’ve been finding myself using Safari, even if the experience is a bit janky at times.