Every few months, it happens. You open YouTube, and something is different. The buttons have moved, the thumbnails look sleeker (or stranger), and a feature you liked has vanished. The platform is in a constant state of flux, optimized for engagement, advertising, and mobile compatibility.
For many users, the "new" YouTube feels cluttered, slower, or simply unfamiliar. If you find yourself longing for the days of discrete dislike counts, a cleaner homepage, or just a layout that didn't take up half your screen with "Shorts," you aren't alone.
Here is your comprehensive guide to rolling back the clock and getting an older YouTube experience.
Best for: Getting a specific app version from years ago.
Android allows you to install software packages (APKs) from outside the official Google Play Store. This is the only way to get a literal old version of the app.
Step 1: Uninstall Current Updates Go to Settings > Apps > YouTube. If it was pre-installed, you cannot fully uninstall it, but you can tap "Uninstall Updates." This will revert the app to the "factory" version (which could be from 2018 or 2019 depending on your phone).
Step 2: Download an APK Visit a reputable APK repository like APKMirror or APKPure. how to get old version of youtube
Step 3: Install and Block Updates Download the file and install it. Crucial Step: You must go to the Google Play Store, search for YouTube, and tap the three dots in the top right to **
To get an old version of YouTube in 2026, you can use browser extensions like YouTube Redux to restore vintage layouts on your desktop, or download specific APK files from sites like Uptodown for Android devices. While YouTube occasionally updates its interface, these community-driven tools allow you to bypass modern designs in favor of classic looks from 2008 to 2021. Method 1: Desktop Browser Extensions (Easiest)
Using a browser extension is the most reliable way to revert the YouTube interface without breaking site functionality.
YouTube Redux: This is one of the most popular tools for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It mimics old layouts within the modern "Poly" design to prevent breaking when YouTube updates.
Customization: You can set the number of videos per row (up to 10), restore the old logo, and even bring back the green/red like and dislike bars.
CustomTube: Available on the Chrome Web Store, this extension provides a one-click selector to choose any YouTube layout from 2008 to 2021. The Quest for the Classic Interface: How to
V3 (VorAPIs): Recommended by users on Reddit for its ability to adapt to 2026 redesigns, this script works through a user-script manager like Tampermonkey.
Classic YT Layout: A lightweight extension that specifically targets and reverses the UI reorganizations of 2025 and 2026. Method 2: Android Downgrading (APK)
Android users can install specific versions of the YouTube app, though you must first disable the current version and auto-updates.
On a desktop browser, you generally cannot force YouTube to serve you a 2012 version of its website. The HTML code is served dynamically from Google’s servers. However, you can radically alter how the site looks and functions using third-party tools. This is the safest and most effective method for PC users.
If you simply miss the classic YouTube look on your computer, install the YouTube Redux browser extension.
If you’re on Android, grab an APK from APKMirror (version 14.x to 16.x for the 2018–2020 feel).
Avoid any site asking for your Google password or offering “YouTube Old Version Installer.exe” – those are malware.
Pro tip: For nostalgia without risk, visit youtube.com/?disable_polymer=1 – though Google removed this flag in 2020, some third-party tools still emulate it. Option 1: iMazing (If you previously saved the IPA)
Reverting to older YouTube layouts is achievable on desktop via browser extensions like YouTube Redux and CustomTube, which allow users to restore classic interfaces
. Android users can downgrade the app by uninstalling updates or sideloading specific APK files, while iOS users are restricted to advanced techniques like sideloading older IPA files . For more details, watch the guide at youtube.com
Option A: The App Store Loophole (Requires a purchased history)
Option B: Use a Web Wrapper
Verdict: If you are on an iPhone 13 or newer running iOS 16+, you cannot get a truly old native app without jailbreaking. Your best bet is Android or desktop.