Why Brave's browser beats the YouTube app for this Premium subscriber
The writer prefers watching YouTube through Brave instead of the official Android app because Brave allows extensive interface customization. Even with a YouTube Premium subscription, the browser's ability to hide clutter makes the viewing experience better. The article notes that YouTube's app has become increasingly crowded with Shorts, community posts, and other elements.
Brave is an open-source browser known for ad blocking and lower resource use. Its media settings let users adjust how YouTube’s web player appears, including options to hide Shorts and recommended videos. The writer also made Brave handle YouTube links and stopped the Android YouTube app from opening supported links by default.
Despite paying for YouTube Premium, the writer still chose Brave for viewing. The official app has grown busier with Shorts, community posts, and Gemini additions, while the browser version can be stripped down. The writer found the customized experience more enjoyable and does not plan to return to the app.
This preference could affect Android users who want cleaner video interfaces, as browser tools may offer more control than native apps. If more viewers adopt this approach, YouTube’s app engagement and ad exposure may shift, potentially influencing how Google designs future interfaces. Creators could also see different discovery patterns if Shorts and recommendations are hidden, though many users may still prefer the convenience of the official app. Overall, it highlights growing demand for customizable digital experiences.