If a YouTube video requires you to verify your age in order to view it, you will need to log in with your account and provide your age. However, there are many ways to get around this restriction, including using websites like NSFWYouTube and Listen on Repeat, which allow you to watch as many videos as you want without having to log into YouTube. Unfortunately, in early 2021, YouTube made changes to prevent third-party sites from playing this type of video outside of Google's platform. However, there are some applications that can be used to circumvent this type of limitation. This article explains how to view any YouTube video on a computer, smartphone or tablet without having to provide your age.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using FreeTube on Computer
Step 1. Install FreeTube on PC or Mac
FreeTube is a free app that allows you to view any content on YouTube without having to log in with your account and pass the age check. Follow these instructions:
- Visit the URL https://freetubeapp.io/#download with the internet browser;
- Click on the link .zip if you are using a PC or on the link .dmg if you are using a Mac. Save the installation file to your computer when prompted.
- If you are using Windows, click on the ZIP file with the right mouse button, select the option Extract everything and click on the button Extract. At this point, double-click on the EXE file whose name begins with the word "freetube", then follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to complete the installation of the program on your computer.
- If you are using a Mac, double click on the DMG file and follow the instructions that will appear on the screen.
Step 2. Launch FreeTube
Click on the red and blue icon representing the letter "F" that you will find inside the Windows "Start" menu or the "Applications" folder on Mac.
Step 3. Search for the video you want to watch
Type the words to search for in the bar located at the top of the program window. If you know the full URL of the video, you can paste it into the search bar. When the video is imported, you will not be asked to verify your age or to log in with your YouTube account.
FreeTube also allows you to subscribe to as many YouTube channels as you want. The channels you subscribe to will be stored in your profile
Method 2 of 3: Using NewPipe on Android Devices
Step 1. Install the NewPipe app on your Android device
This is a free application for Android that allows you to view YouTube videos subject to verification of the user's age on tablets and smartphones Since the NewPipe app is not available on the Play Store, you will need to install it on the device different than how you install other apps:
- If you are using Android 7 (Nougat) or an earlier version, launch the app Settings, select the item Safety or Lock screen and security, then activate the "Unknown Sources" or "Unknown Sources" slider by moving it to the right.
- Start the internet browser you normally use on your Android device and use it to visit this URL
- Select the link that begins with the inscription NewPipe_v and ends with the extension .apk. In the latest version of the site it was located at the top of the page in the "Assets" section. If the download does not start automatically, follow the instructions that will appear on the screen.
- Access the folder Download of the device. Launch the named app File or Archive, then select the card or folder Download. If you don't find the applications listed, you will most likely have a program called Download which will allow you to access the folder of the same name on the device.
- Select the APK file you just downloaded and follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to complete the installation of NewPipe on your device. At the end of the installation the app icon will appear in the "Applications" panel.
Step 2. Start the NewPipe program
It features a red circular icon with a white right-facing triangle inside.
Step 3. Tap the magnifying glass icon
It is located in the upper right corner of the screen. A search bar will appear.
Step 4. Search for the video you want to watch
At this point you can use the program to view any YouTube video, including those that require the verification of the user's age.
Step 5. Tap the video preview icon to start playing it
NewPipe will not ask you to log in to YouTube, much less verify your age.
Method 3 of 3: Use VLC Media Player on Mobile Device
Step 1. Install VLC on your Android, iPhone or iPad device
If you have an Android device, search the Play Store using the keywords "VLC for Android", then press the button Install to download and install VLC on your device. If you are using an iPhone or iPad, search the App Store using the keywords "VLC for Mobile" and press the button Get to install it.
- Many users reported on Reddit that when streaming YouTube videos using VLC Media Player, there is no need to perform an age check. However, this solution does not work in all cases and may not be effective in all countries of the world.
- It should be noted that it is no longer possible to use VLC Media Player on a computer to circumvent YouTube's restrictions on the age required to view certain content.
Step 2. Copy the URL of the video you want to watch
Launch the browser you normally use, visit the YouTube website and search for the video you want to watch. Even if the video in question will not play without logging in with your account, you will still be able to copy the corresponding URL:
- Tap the URL displayed in the address bar located at the top of the browser window to select it. It will appear highlighted.
- Press and hold the URL you selected, then choose the option Copy from the menu that will appear.
Step 3. Launch the VLC Media Player app on your device
It features an orange icon with a white traffic cone inside.
The first time you open the app, you will have to follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to carry out the initial configuration and grant the program all the access permissions necessary for it to work properly
Step 4. Open a new network stream
The procedure to follow varies depending on the device in use:
-
Android:
select the item Other located in the upper right corner of the screen, then select the option + New flow located at the top left of the page.
-
iPhone / iPad:
access the tab Net displayed at the bottom of the screen and choose the option Open Network Stream.
Step 5. Paste the URL you copied earlier into the address bar that appeared at the top of the page
Keep your finger pressed on the bar and choose the option Paste from the menu that will appear.
Step 6. Press the "Send" button (on Android) or Open Network Stream (on iPhone / iPad)
The video will play automatically.
Some of the restricted videos may not play within VLC
Warnings
- Do not adopt these solutions when you are in school or at work, as there is a possibility that your teacher or supervisor may find out which videos you have watched. You could run into serious problems that could lead to disciplinary action against you.
- Make sure you delete your browser history or use incognito mode if you want no other computer users to be able to trace the videos you've watched.
- Do not try to use the solutions described in the article if you are a minor or to view content reserved for an adult audience, if it is an illegal action.
