Smart YouTube TV is a free and open source unofficial YouTube app for Android TV and Android TV Box. The application gives access to a huge amount of content from popular video hosting in excellent quality and without advertising. There is text and voice search.
The application is designed to correct the shortcomings of official YouTube clients, in which it is not always possible to watch videos without problems. Smart YouTube TV works stably, which is why it is rightfully called the best YouTube client for media set-top boxes and TV.
Smart YouTube TV contains 4 launchers: 1080 Main, 1080 Secondary, 4K Main and 4K Secondary. Launchers differ in performance on a specific device. You can try everything and determine the one that suits you best.
The application has a multilingual user interface, including Russian, Ukrainian and English. On the left there is a navigation panel with all available sections.
What is youtube smart tv?
Youtube tv is an official free open source application for gadgets with Smart TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV. The service allows you to view a large number of media products from popular video hosting in good quality.
Benefits of the application:
- there is a voice and text search system;
- The developed program allows you to correct errors on official Youtube sites that occur when viewing;
- The operation of Youtube smart TV is stable, which is why it is usually called the best Youtube client for TV and media set-top boxes;
- the program is equipped with a multilingual interface (English, Russian, Ukrainian, etc.);
- has a convenient navigation panel with access to sections.
Youtube smart TV contains 4 system applications (launchers) to change the appearance of the desktop, size and style of windows, as well as the ability to add widgets.
What to do with Smart TV 2012 and earlier
Since June 26, 2017, users of television devices manufactured in 2012 and older have encountered the problem of the application stopping working. Google has developed a more modern version of the utility, which is much more functional. The old application is no longer fully supported.
Official news: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7379403?hl=ru.
Google offers to continue using the service by connecting an external SMART TV set-top box or purchasing a new TV. These options work, but require financial costs. The method of downloading ForkPlayer has become widely used. Inside the browser, you can not only return to viewing the video platform, but also take advantage of a number of other useful functions.
Application features
The Youtube app for smart TV completely replaces your cable connection with free access to watch channels (no service charges). The program is compatible with many operating systems (IOS, Android, Tizen, etc.) and is available for use:
- on smartphones;
- iPhone (operating systems below version 9 will require an update);
- TVs (for models younger than 2012, additional equipment (set-top box) is required);
- PC;
- game consoles, etc.
YouTube application features:
- video is played in 4K (approximately 4000 pixels horizontally);
- selecting the required screen resolution;
- does not depend on Google servers;
- the presence of a search localized keyboard and playback history;
- the ability to use a mobile device as a remote control to control windows on the TV;
- HDR support;
- high frame rate (frame rate) up to 60 fps.
Every day the YouTube TV channel connects new users, uploads hundreds of new videos every minute, and opens access to subscriptions and comments.
YouTube on Smart TV - what opportunities does it provide?
YouTube TV completely replaces cable television, and at the same time, watching your favorite channels and movies becomes available without paying for services. Video viewing is possible when connected to the Internet. Today, YouTube remains the main method of broadcasting live broadcasts, the basis of which is Internet television. It can be connected to iOS, Android and TV.
Smart YouTube allows people to view not only news or movies, but also watch videos shot by real people:
- ordinary users;
- bloggers.
In addition, here you can subscribe to your favorite channels and leave comments.
Every day a large number of users connect to the YouTube channel. The channel posts at least 100 hours of video every few minutes. In addition to television, private videos and other content, YouTube practices the use of artificial intelligence.
Thanks to this program, users are offered videos with preferred topics, which are determined by navigation. When searching for specific content, the system recommends popular materials that suit individual preferences.
YouTube easily connects to several gadgets simultaneously:
- smartphone;
- tablet;
- computer.
This allows you to view content on one of your devices and then easily display it on a large TV screen. This opportunity will create an intimate atmosphere when two lovers meet. A romantic evening by candlelight can be diluted with a beautiful clip of the appropriate theme.
We can talk endlessly about the possibilities of YouTube for Smart TV. To try out the convenience of this application, you need to download it to your gadget and connect it correctly.
Features of the service
The platform is constantly being improved, releasing new applications. It has become possible to watch videos without pop-up ads. And the presence of some specific functions allows Youtube smart TV to lead relative to traditional cable television.
What is YouTube Red and how is it different from Smart Youtube TV?
YouTube Red is an improved version of video hosting for PCs and mobile devices. Use on TVs is only permissible through smartphones and tablets with smart capabilities.
The manufacturer has equipped the service with the following functions:
- unlimited access to YouTube content (including exclusive English-language YouTube Red Originals);
- the ability to watch videos offline (without an Internet connection, downloading to a mobile device);
- watch videos without ads;
- listening to media content in the background (“on top” of other programs being played);
- unlimited connection to Google Play Music.
Disadvantage of the application:
- ban on watching live broadcasts or cable television (for this you need a Smart Youtube TV);
- subscription fee (almost $10).
Install the “red” version via an apk file when creating your own account.
Differences from traditional cable television
With powerful equipment and high-speed Internet, the service surpasses regular television in speed and quality of downloaded content. The price of a cable provider subscription exceeds the cost of Google's Internet platform services.
The advantages of YouTube are:
- the built-in Cloud DVR function allows you to “merge” video into cloud storage;
- there is no need to connect other equipment;
- there is bluetooth transmission;
- free access to channels;
- Playback is performed in 1080p resolution.
Available channels
Using YouTube TV provides viewing of children's, scientific, educational, music, sports (including live broadcast) channels, culinary videos, documentaries and feature films. The platform opens the door to content from the US and other countries.
There are playback features for certain types of content. They are described below.
Sports channels
Previously, there were not many freely available sports channels in the Youtube smart TV application. To remedy the situation, the developers created a program for free viewing. It is built into the express panel.
To watch free sports channels, do the following:
- In the main application window, select the “DLNA – PLUGIN`S” section.
- Go to “AceTorrentPlay CS”.
- When the “Torrent TV” service tab appears, click on the window.
Sometimes there are problems with the transmission of HD channels. It is advisable to switch to a standard network.
Premium Offers
You won’t be able to watch premium versions on TV, since playback of exclusive content is available on PS3, 4, 5, Xbox One consoles, and on PCs running MacOs and Windows. If you have such equipment, it is possible to open the way to premium channels through it.
The channels included in this category are:
- Showtime;
- Fox Soccer+;
- MTV;
- Nick Jr.
The platform does not have access to Cinemax. Offline viewing of HBO broadcast video is possible.
Educational programs
In the YouTube TV application for smart equipment, scientific programs played live are available for display. The most popular channels are National Geographic and Nat Geo Wild.
When you create an account, you have access to watch the following videos:
- Fox Life HD;
- Viasat Nature;
- Da Vinci Learning;
- Discovery.
Content on art and creativity is open (Museum HD, Music Box, Mezzo, etc.). There are also news videos from the USA, Italy, Germany, France, etc.
Streaming Youtube from a computer
- Install the Google Chrome browser on your laptop or desktop computer.
- Connect to the World Wide Web. The PC must be connected to the same network as the TV receiver.
- Go to the service website - https://youtube.com.
- To test the functionality of the method, play any video offered by the service. Under the rewind line on the right there is a monitor icon (for broadcasting). Click on the icon and select a display device in the pop-up window at the top.
- The picture will immediately “throw” to a larger diagonal. And the message “Playing on [TV name]” will appear on the built-in Youtube player.
The button to enable broadcasting is also located on the quick access panel to browser extensions.
But this icon duplicates not only Youtube, but also any Internet browser tab.
Compatible Equipment
Viewing Internet TV from Google Corporation is available through web browsers and applications on any hardware device that supports the smart TV function. The speed of the downloaded file depends on the connection parameter, performance and hardware software version.
Smart TVs from the following brands are suitable for playing online videos:
- Samsung;
- LG;
- Philips;
- Toshiba;
- Panasonic;
- Funai;
- Hisense;
- Pioneer;
- Sharp;
- Skyworth;
- Sony;
- TCL;
- TPV;
- Vestel;
- Vizio.
Logging into your account is easy with the advanced Nvidia Shield TV-4K HDR media player.
If desired, you can control the content on the TV via your phone (smartphone, iPhone, iPad) or tablet. You will need to link the devices using a special code. Support for devices based on the Apple AirPlay data protocol is now open.
You can stream from a video host to your TV using streaming devices:
- Amazon Fire TV;
- Android TV;
- Apple TV (fourth generation and above);
- Chromecast;
- Roku;
- TiVo.
It has become possible to use game consoles to play video products from the service. Compatible consoles:
- PlayStation 3, 4, 4 Pro, 5;
- Xbox One;
- Xbox One X;
- Xbox One S;
- Xbox 360;
- Xbox Series X|S;
- Nintendo Switch;
- Nintendo Wii U
How to download and install the application?
Downloading and installing the application is done using the built-in activate function and the code generated by the application. Each device has its own applications - Sony has Select, Samsung has the Apps page, LG has Smart World. Each program provides an activation key.
When connecting, errors often occur that affect playback (the signal turns off, the video stops, etc.). Problems are caused by:
- poor internet connection;
- using connection instructions intended for another device.
You can clearly see how to install YouTube TV on your TV from the video clip:
On Samsung TV
YouTube has stopped using the Flash player application. It allowed you to view video channels on any gadget. Many Samsung TVs that support smart TV were left without broadcasting.
To connect to video hosting, you need to connect the Apps player:
- Go to Smart HUB.
- Click the red button marked A and log in to your account.
- In the pop-up window, enter the login Develop, the password from the combination of numbers 123456 and press Enter.
- Select settings using the letter D or use the control panel - Tools key.
- The server IP address configuration window will open. Enter the numbers 46.36.222.114.
- Go back a step and sync the user's application.
- The Apps Player program window will pop up. Open the app and start browsing.
At first glance, the installation may seem complicated. But, if you follow all the instructions, any user can do it.
On LG TV
The YouTube program is installed on almost all TV models of this brand. The following steps should be followed:
- Connect the Internet to the TV and press the Smart button. The device will go to the main page.
- Go to the LG Store menu.
- Click the “Store” section.
- Find the YouTube application using a search engine.
- Install it on your device following the prompts and display it on the home screen.
After the work is done, you should restart the Internet. This way there will be no interference when launching channels.
To Philips TV
For this type of TV, installing Youtube smart TV will be a little problematic. Here you need to completely remove the application installed by the manufacturer and then completely replace it.
Restart the application strictly according to the instructions:
- Connect your device to the network.
- Enter the main menu.
- Open the My Apps function and find the YouTube TV application.
- Uninstall the old program.
- Find the latest version of Youtube for Google TV and download it to your device.
- Open the installed program and update the application.
- Turn off the TV and Internet for a few minutes.
On consoles, PC
Installing and activating the program on game consoles and PCs is not difficult; you need to go through several registrations at supporting sites.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to the Google Play Store app.
- Click on the search bar and enter Youtube TV.
- Go through the installation process and launch the application.
- In the interface window, click the “Login” button.
- Complete the activation and go to the account login window.
- Enter activation key.
After complete installation, restart the system. Log in with your username and enjoy watching.
On Apple TV
To install YouTube TV on devices running on the Apple TV platform with smart support, you will need to find the application in the Apple Store.
Load according to the following steps:
- Go to the App Store.
- Go to the “Store” section and find the link you need.
- Click on download permission, after which the system will ask for your Apple ID password.
- Enter the required characters and start downloading.
- After installation, launch the application.
After opening a media service on your iPhone, you should synchronize the Apple platform with your mobile device to quickly search and discover gadgets.
Launch the application and start watching
All models of modern TVs have the application installed by default from the factory. Therefore, there is no need to install anything. All that remains is to open Youtube and select a video to play.
On new Samsung and LG Smart TV models, YouTube is displayed as the main application and is located on the main screen.
Press the Home button on your remote control and find the application you want in the list. Youtube on Samsung Smart TV
Youtube on LG Smart TV
The location of the application icon may vary depending on the brand and model range of the TV. On some television receivers, instead of the bottom panel, a full-screen menu opens, where you then need to find and turn on Youtube.
For example, television equipment on new versions of Android OS opens a full-screen menu, which is divided into categories. You need to find the “Applications” submenu, highlight “Youtube” and press the central confirmation button to enter the service.
Youtube on Android TV
Application update
Smart TVs released after 2012 have built-in automatic updates, so there is no need to download applications from the Internet. For older versions of Youtube you will have to update manually.
You need to do the following:
- Log in to Google Play Store.
- Find the application you need.
- Click the “Update” button.
Once the download is complete, restart the system. If the channel doesn't work, find a program with a lower resolution.
How to update YouTube on Samsung TV
You can update YouTube on both a Samsung TV and other brands of TV. Therefore, the instructions are suitable for almost any TV with Smart technology.
Most often, the problem with the update is manifested by the application refusing to open. You can return to watching videos by updating the software:
- Go to the official Samsung app store.
- Enter "YouTube" in the search bar.
- Next to the application, click on the “Update” button.
There is another way to get YouTube back up:
- Go to your TV settings.
- Open the application manager, through which you can remove any program from the TV.
- Once you find YouTube, click on “Update”.
Alternative version
The YouTube application has created the YouTube Vanced program for watching videos without pop-up ads. It is not official, but is considered a third-party client. In terms of content and content, the platform is identical to the original version.
However, the service has several significant disadvantages:
- there is no way to log into your Google account and Play Market;
- no access to update;
- the program may not function;
- In frequent cases, the program does not pass the antivirus scan.
YouTube for smartphones
As mentioned above, just open the “play market” and enter “youtube” into the search or just follow this link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.youtube&hl=ru
Click install and activate the application.
Option 2. If for some reason the Play Market does not work for you and you need to download the application elsewhere, you can do this on 4pda:
https://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=195226
Attention! You can download from 4PDA only by a registered user, otherwise you will see “The application is blocked or deleted.” So please log in first.
Option 3. It is likely that your application does not work correctly, is slow or does not install, then you can use the mobile version of the site. Open your browser and follow the link:
https://m.youtube.com/
Option 4. OG YouTube (Similar to the standard application). Works quickly (even on weak devices). Download:
https://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=522135
Reviews about the service
The Internet space is filled with comments about the work of YouTube TV for smart devices. There are both positive and negative opinions.
Maxim, 32 years old, Rostov-on-Don: Installed the application 3 years ago. Initially, everything worked without problems, but then the movies started playing incorrectly. I reinstalled it several times, but nothing changed. I give it a negative rating.
Anastasia, 21 years old, Perm: I connected YouTube smart to my TV via the Xiaomi Mi Box S. The video plays perfectly, no advertising appears. The picture quality and sound work smoothly. I recommend it to everyone.
YouTube TV for equipment with the smart function broadcasts dozens of interesting programs live, streams video, and makes it possible to download content and store it in the cloud. The platform is supported by various devices with appropriate software and an Internet connection. Ease of installation, configuration, synchronization and user-friendly interface make the application popular among users.
