YouTube Go is shutting down beginning in August this year. The popular video-sharing platform is a lightweight application, especially when compared to the regular YouTube app for Android users. It offers easy video downloading, phone-number sign-in, effortless searching, and more effective ways to control data use.

The app which was first uneviled in India and later became available in more than 130 countries worldwide in 2016 for low-end devices. The target users which are low-end devices and people in areas with poor or pricey connectivity.

Meaghan, TeamYouTube in an official statement has announced on its website said, “When we launched YouTube Go in 2016, it was designed for viewers in locations where connectivity, data prices, and low-end devices prevented us from delivering the best experience in the main YouTube app. Since then, YouTube has invested in improvements to the main YouTube app that make it perform better in these environments, while also delivering a better user experience which is inclusive of our entire community. Specifically, we have improved performance for entry-level devices or those that watch YouTube on slower networks. We’re also building out additional user controls that help to decrease mobile data usage for viewers with limited data – so stay tuned for more updates!”

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What you should know about YouTube Go

• It allows users the ability to watch or download videos for offline viewing later, which was meant to make it easier for users who may not have internet access at all times to still be able to access videos on the platform
• Considering that the data consumption is low, the videos can only be watched or downloaded at 144p and 480p
• Downloaded videos can also be shared with friends that are nearby without using data and other users via WiFi Direct
• It is designed for limited or slow data connections
• It is a part of Google’s larger scheme of getting more people to use Android on cheap smartphones or for low-end devices via a lighter version of all of Android, named Android Go.
• It also features a home screen that shows both personalized recommendations as well as trending and popular videos nearby, allowing users to see the latest content that the people around are watching, upfront.
• It offers a ‘preview video’ function to make it easier to decide what to watch or download

Which is the Next Best Alternative

Google is directing users to the main YouTube app instead. YouTube recommends that YouTube Go users install the main YouTube or visit youtube.com in their browsers. In comparison with the lightweight application, the main YouTube app provides a better overall user experience as well as offers features that aren’t available on the video-sharing platform that many have asked for – such as the ability to comment, post, create content, and use dark theme. 

Using the main YouTube app, users will be able to participate in creation and community and have access to an overall improved user experience. Google is excited to welcome you into the main YouTube app community!