[h4waii]

If it's any help, NewPipe [0] is a FOSS YouTube client for Android which doesn't require an account, doesn't require Google Play Services, and doesn't (!) display ads.

Yes, it has subscription support and you can import/export that list to keep it backed up.

It also has a TON of features, like PiP, background play (for video and audio), downloading, and much, much more.

Ivory [1] might be the closest iOS equivalent, and Motionbox [2] and FreeTube [3] the closest desktop equivalents.

[0]. https://newpipe.schabi.org/

[1]. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ivory-video-player/id129434748...

[2]. http://omega.gg/MotionBox/

[3]. https://github.com/FreeTubeApp/FreeTube

[britch]

I love NewPipe, it works fantastically.

I am nervous that Google will find a way to kill it if it gets big enough. It's not exactly an alternative to YouTube, it's more of a band-aid.

[swtrs]

Due to YT constantly changing video decryption functionality, ~4-5 times a year it breaks for multiple days. I fully expect it to be suddenly broken in a year or two.

[magashna]

The downloading feature and background play is what makes it for me. Occasionally Youtube makes a change that breaks it but the devs have been pretty good about updates