Some YouTube users are reporting that third-party clients like ReVanced and uYou are facing playback problems. There are claims that accounts using these clients are being blocked, with videos showing as unavailable across all platforms, including browsers, TVs, and mobile apps. Some users even state that YouTube might be blocking IP addresses, though it’s hard to verify this.
One post on Reddit discussed an account facing playback issues after downloading over 100 videos back-to-back using a third-party app. This user suspected their IP or account was flagged due to the activity. Others chimed in with similar experiences, pointing out that excessive downloads or spoofing settings in apps like ReVanced could trigger YouTube’s detection systems. However, some users report that after waiting a few days, their accounts returned to normal.
These issues come as YouTube continues to crack down on ad blockers. Recently, there’s been a surge in complaints about the platform bombarding viewers with ads. This follows YouTube’s aggressive push to block ad-blocking tools, as detailed in our earlier coverage, which you can read here.
Not everyone agrees that YouTube is targeting third-party clients outright. Some users argue that account bans and playback issues are more likely due to specific behaviors, like using spoofing features or downloading excessive content. There’s also debate over whether YouTube is monitoring for third-party app usage in general or just reacting to unusual activity.
I’d have to side with the possibility of YouTube simply detecting unusual activity. At the time of this writing, there aren’t any widespread reports about third-party clients falling victim to a major shake-up by YouTube. However, the chances of this being an intentional attack against users using third-party clients aren’t zero.
Whether this signals a broader crackdown or not, it’s clear that YouTube’s stance on third-party tools and ad blockers is only getting tougher.
Dwayne Cubbins
599 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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