Free streaming app
NewPipe is a free lightweight alternative streaming client for YouTube. Created by an indie developer named Christian Schabesberger, it aims to be a substitute for mobile users as many experience YouTube issues on their smartphones and tablets. This app is a free and open-source utility tool that does not use either Google framework libraries or the YouTube API. What it only does is to construe the website to gain the information it needs.
Instead, NewPipe parses websites to fetch the required information, meaning you can use the app on devices without Google services installed. Plus, you don’t need a YouTube account to enjoy its features.
What is NewPipe Legacy?
You shouldn’t be confused with NewPipe and NewPipe Legacy as it’s precisely the same and offers the exact functions, as well as features. The only difference between them is device support. Ever since the launch of the v0.15.0 of the app, it dropped support for Android 4.1 to 4.3—thus, NewPipe Legacy caters the older devices.
As mentioned, it doesn’t utilize any Google framework libraries. This allows you to use the app on various Android device versions even without any Google services installed. More than that, its other features enable you to listen to videos while they play in the background. You also have the option to download either the video or audio.
There are also settings available for you to configure. Its default resolution is 360p, but there are still more video quality options that you can set. It is also possible to link up an external video or audio player in order to play your videos. In regard to your downloaded video and audio files, you can freely choose the directory where you want to save all of it. Bear in mind that this tool is only compatible with Android devices, and you cannot sign into an account—which means your viewing history is not saved. This means it displays little to no advertising, though.
Some new features
The app has received plenty of updates after it was released, and the most recent one introduces channel tabs. Such a feature replicates an actual YouTube channel’s home page, showing different categories like playlists, live streams, shorts, and more, allowing for better navigation and putting a stop to endless scrolling down lots of videos until you find the one you’re looking for. Besides that, the app has also integrated high-resolution images and thumbnails.
Lightweight, efficient alternative
If you are one of those mobile users who are already fed up with constant issues and glitches on your YouTube app, NewPipe will be a great substitute for you. It can offer you the same content in a more efficient, smooth, and lightweight interface. Although it contains some limitations, it is not enough to hinder the app's progress to be an impressive YouTube alternative.
