14 DAY TRIAL // Like all the other Go-branded apps, YouTube Go was launched specifically for low-end devices, as Google implemented massive optimizations specifically to let them run properly on phones with slower CPUs and less memory.
The app was released in 2016, and for many users out there, it was pretty much the only way to access YouTube from their low-end Android devices.
Now Google is killing off the applications, as the company claims it’s no longer needed.
This is because the main YouTube app has been significantly improved specifically to run properly on all Android devices out there, regardless of their technical specs.
“YouTube has invested in improvements to the main YouTube app that make it perform better in these environments, while also delivering a better user experience which is inclusive of our entire community. Specifically, we have improved performance for entry-level devices or those that watch YouTube on slower networks. We’re also building out additional user controls that help to decrease mobile data usage for viewers with limited data,” Google explains.
August to witness the removal of the app
The existing YouTube Go app will be killed off in August this year, and the Mountain View-based search giant tells users to either install the full YouTube app or to switch to the mobile version of the service in the browser.
“To access YouTube, we recommend that YouTube Go users install the main YouTube app or visit youtube.com in their browsers. In comparison with YouTube Go, the main YouTube app provides a better overall user experience as well as offers features that aren’t available on YouTube Go that many have asked for - such as the ability to comment, post, create content, and use dark theme,” Google says.
Until August, YouTube Go will continue to run properly, though you obviously shouldn’t expect any new major updates in the meantime.