In 2025, mobile users are increasingly turning to alternatives that enhance their streaming experiences without breaking the bank. For iPhone users,YouTube’s restrictions, such as ads, no background play, and limited downloads,—often drive them toward paid Premium subscriptions. But what if you could get all those features for free, legally, andwithout havingg tojailbreakg your device? Meet uYouPlus. This in-depth review explores the ins and outs of uYouPlus, a modified YouTube client for iOS, offering a free and enhanced YouTube experience.
What is uYouPlus? uYouPlus is a forked and enhanced version of the open-source uYou app. Developed initially by qnblackcat and expanded by other community developers, it brings YouTube Premium-like features to iOS devices without requiring a jailbreak. Built on the same core as the official YouTube app, uYouPlus maintains a native user interface while integrating powerful tools like ad-blocking, background play, SponsorBlock, PiP (Picture-in-Picture), and video downloads.
Unlike browser-based alternatives or shady apps, uYouPlus is safe, open-source, and reliable. It is installed via sideloading methods like TrollStore, AltStore, or Sideloadly.
The History Behind uYouPlus
uYouPlus was born out of the need to enhance the user experience of iOS users without relying on jailbreak. The original app, uYou, was open-sourced by qnblackcat, who actively maintained the project until mid-2023. Due to increasing obligations and potential legal scrutiny, the original repository was archived. However, the project didn’t die. Developers from the community, such as mlclmtan and others, continued improving the code under new forks, keeping the project alive and compatible with newer iOS versions and devices.
Key Features of uYouPlus
- Ad-Free Experience One of the standout features is complete ad removal. With uYouPlus, users can watch YouTube videos without any ads—no interruptions before, during, or after playback.
- Background Audio Playback YouTube restricts background play to Premium users, but uYouPlus enables it for free. You can switch apps or lock your screen while the audio continues to play.
- Picture-in-Picture (PiP) With PiP support, you can watch videos in a small floating window while multitasking across your device.
- Video Downloads uYouPlus allows you to download any video directly to your device. You can choose resolution, format, and save location. This includes YouTube Shorts and long-form content.
- SponsorBlock Integration Automatically skip sponsored segments, intros, and outros based on community reports. You can even customize what types of segments to skip.
- YTUHD Support Unlock higher resolution playback (2K, 4K) even on devices that usually don’t support such quality via the YouTube app.
- Dislike Count Restoration Ever since YouTube removed public dislike counts, many users have felt in the dark. uYouPlus restores this feature, allowing you to see real-time dislike numbers.
- Video Quality Defaults Set default quality preferences for both Wi-Fi and cellular connections.
- Full Native UI The app feels identical to YouTube’s official client. You won’t face any learning curve using it.
In-Depth Installation Guide
Using TrollStore (Best Option)
TrollStore is a powerful sideloading method that works by exploiting a vulnerability in the way iOS signs system apps. It supports iOS 14–17 and allows permanent installation of uYouPlus without expiration.
Steps:
- Install TrollStore (check TrollStore GitHub for compatible devices).
- Download the latest uYouPlus
.ipafile. - Use TrollStore to install the file.
- Open uYouPlus and enjoy.
Using AltStore
AltStore requires you to install the AltServer application on your computer and connect your iPhone via Wi-Fi or cable. Once set up, you can sideload the .ipa file and refresh it every 7 days.
Steps:
- Install AltServer on your computer.
- Trust your Apple ID and connect your device.
- Download the
.ipafile. - Drag the file into AltStore.
- Re-sign weekly unless you have a developer account.
Using Sideloadly
Sideloadly is another desktop tool similar to AltStore but allows more flexibility with free developer accounts.
Is uYouPlus Safe? Yes, uYouPlus is considered safe. It is built from open-source code and does not request dangerous permissions. However, to minimize risk, always download the IPA file from trusted GitHub repositories. Avoid third-party stores or modified versions unless you’re sure about the source.
Legal Considerations Using uYouPlus may violate YouTube’s Terms of Service, especially features like downloading videos or skipping ads. However, it doesn’t expose you to legal threats if used personally. Still, users should understand the implications and use it responsibly.
Who Should Use uYouPlus?
- Students who need offline access to educational videos.
- Commuters who want background music playback.
- Users tired of seeing ads every few minutes.
- Creators who want to analyze their content from a clean viewing perspective.
- iOS users who don’t want to jailbreak their devices.
- Budget-conscious users who want YouTube Premium features without paying monthly.
Drawbacks of uYouPlus
- Not available on the App Store; requires sideloading.
- TrollStore installation can be complex for some users.
- AltStore users need to re-sign the app weekly.
- Original development was archived, though forks are actively maintained.
- Potential compatibility issues with major future iOS updates.
Best Forks and Alternatives to uYouPlus
- YTLitePlus A minimalist version with high speed and reliability, ideal for older devices. It strips down the interface for even faster loading and fewer bugs.
- uYou Enhanced An advanced fork with additional settings and customizations, actively maintained by contributors. Offers more control over SponsorBlock, interface tweaks, and gesture controls.
- Cercube (Jailbreak only) An alternative for those with jailbroken devices offering similar premium features, including enhanced download manager and audio extraction.
Privacy and Security Tips
- Always use a reputable Apple ID (not your main one) when sideloading apps.
- Enable 2FA on your Apple account.
- Use a VPN if downloading from unofficial sources.
- Regularly check for updates via GitHub or Telegram groups.
Comparison Table
| Feature | YouTube Official | YouTube Premium | uYouPlus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ads Removed | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Background Playback | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Video Downloads | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Picture-in-Picture (PiP) | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| SponsorBlock | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| UHD Video Support | ✘ | Limited | ✔ |
| App Store Installation | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ (Sideload) |
uYouPlus and Affiliate Marketing Opportunities Powered by AI Tools
In today’s digital marketing landscape, apps like uYou Plus present a unique opportunity for affiliate marketers targeting users looking for free and effective ways to enhance their YouTube experience on iOS devices. By leveraging AI-powered tools to analyze audience data and create personalized marketing content, affiliates can design highly targeted campaigns focused on YouTube enhancement apps like uYouPlus.
For instance, AI writing tools can generate detailed reviews, how-to guides, and installation tutorials tailored for specific user segments, while AI social media analytics tools help identify the best platforms and audience behaviors to optimize ad spend. Additionally, AI video creation tools enable marketers to produce engaging explainer videos that showcase uYouPlus’s features, increasing conversions from visitors to active users or buyers.
Combining uYou Plus with AI-driven affiliate marketing strategies offers a smart approach to maximize revenue and efficiently build a loyal, targeted audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is uYouPlus free?
A: Yes, it is completely free and open-source.
Q: Can I use it without jailbreaking?
A: Yes. TrollStore, AltStore, and Sideloadly allow installation without jailbreak.
Q: Can I sign in with my Google account?
A: Yes, you can log into your YouTube account and sync history, playlists, and subscriptions.
Q: Does it support all YouTube features?
A: It supports most features but may have limitations on comments or notifications in some versions.
Q: Is using uYouPlus legal?
A: It’s legal to install and use, but downloading copyrighted content may violate YouTube’s TOS.
Q: How do I update the app?
A: You’ll need to re-download and reinstall the latest IPA manually from a trusted source.
Q: Are updates still being released?
A: While the original developer archived the project, community forks like mlclmtan/uYouPlus are active.
Q: Where can I download uYouPlus?
A: Use reputable sources like GitHub forks or uyouplus.com.
Q: Can I install uYouPlus on iPad?
A: Yes, it works on both iPhones and iPads, provided they support TrollStore or sideloading.
Conclusion: In a world where digital content is increasingly monetized, uYouPlus stands out as a beacon of freedom for iOS users. It combines the best features of YouTube Premium without the subscription cost. With support from an active developer community and a range of features like ad-blocking, video downloads, and background playback, uYouPlus is a must-have in 2025 for anyone seeking more from their YouTube experience.
While not officially endorsed or supported by Google, the app remains a popular choice among savvy users who want to make the most of their devices without compromising usability or security. Just be sure to install it responsibly from trusted sources and enjoy YouTube the way it was meant to be.
Final Verdict
If you’re comfortable sideloading apps and want to reclaim control over your viewing experience, uYouPlus is worth every second of the setup. With no recurring fees, strong community support, and a suite of premium-grade features, it’s a powerful tool for any serious YouTube user on iOS.
- YouTube to MP3: The Safest and Smartest Ways to Convert in 2025
- 10 Best AI Video YouTube Generators to Create Stunning Content Effortlessly in 2025
- Buy YouTube Views: Top Sites and Safe Buying Guide for 2025
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. Respect creators’ rights and YouTube’s terms of service when using third-party tools.
