Do you have a SmartTV or an Android TV Box but for privacy reasons, or for whatever reason, you don't want to link it to Google Services? Don't you want to give up YouTube, which is the most comprehensive online video portal? Then you can download Smart YouTube TV, an unofficial client for these devices.
Unofficial YouTube App for Android TV devices
On smartphones and tablets we have numerous alternatives to the official YouTube application, but there is not as much on offer when it comes to Android TV. This app tries to cover that space by also solving many of the problems that some users have with the official app.
These are the main features you'll find:
- Support for 4K video systems.
- It works without Google Services.
- Designed for TV screens.
- Support for multilingual search.
The application works, if you want, on mobile devices, but is optimized for TV systems with Internet access. However, its installation requires the download of additional software for its proper functioning
Requirements and additional information:
- Requires the installation of Crosswalk Project.
- The installation of the app by means of the APK file requires the activation of the "Unknown sources" option within Settings>Applications.
With a degree in History, and later, in Documentation, I have over a decade of experience testing and writing about apps: reviews, guides, articles, news, tricks, and more. They have been countless, especially on Android, an operating system...
See what the world is watching -- from the hottest music videos to what’s popular in gaming, fitness, movies, shows, news, learning and more. Subscribe to channels you love, browse personal recommendations, and enjoy the largest library of 4K content.
See what the world is watching -- from the hottest music videos to what’s popular in gaming, fitness, movies, shows, news, learning and more. Subscribe to channels you love, browse personal recommendations, and enjoy the largest library of 4K content.See what the world is watching -- from the hottest music videos to what’s popular in gaming, fitness, movies, shows, news, learning and more. Subscribe to channels you love, browse personal recommendations, and enjoy the largest library of 4K content.
Better YouTube streaming on your smart TV
Smart YouTube TV is a free and open-source application that was created by an independent developer named Yuriy Lyskov. This multimedia app lets users install and use a customized YouTube client on their smart TVs that run on the Android TV operating system and those that support side-loading an APK file onto them.
Smart YouTube TV functions similarly to the standard YouTube application that runs on various mobile devices. The main difference is that the former has been optimized to provide a better experience for streaming videos on larger-screened smart TVs that operate on Android TV or various set-top boxes. Smart YouTube TV will help you follow your favorite topics online like the best moments of the Fifa World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
How do I use Smart YouTube TV?
Before installing Smart YouTube TV, go to your system settings, look for security settings, then enable the "Install apps from unknown sources" option to allow you to install an app from external sources. Then, transfer your downloaded APK file to any external USB flash drive, plug it on to your smart TV, and install it like you would any mobile app on your smartphone.
When you first open the app, you can choose from four devices/resolutions options: 1080 Main, 1080 Alt, 4K Main, and 4K Alt. Choose the one that works for you, and you can tick the "remember" checkbox to apply it the next time you open the app. It also allows you to log in to your YouTube account without the need for Google Services.
Additionally, Smart YouTube TV supports remote controllers, is fully localized, and doesn't need root permission to work. Just some things to take note of, though. For one, it's not officially supported by YouTube or Google. Another is that it's not actively maintained anymore. You can still try it out with your specific TV model and still use all of its features, though.
A good YouTube client for smart TVs
Overall, Smart YouTube TV is a good YouTube client that was made to work better with larger screens and smart TVs. It supports up to 4K resolution, does not rely on Google Services, and works with your remote control. While it's no longer being actively developed, if your TV is still compatible, it works quite well and is worth checking out.