cross-posted from: https://beehaw.org/post/14909762
It seems YT started another attempt at blocking alternative clients. They changed something in their API and both SmartTube and Tubular (NewPipe fork) are completely broken. Apparently it started happening this past week, but we personally just felt it today.
Edit: SmartTube already has an update but still not working for 4K videos it seems. Tubular still not working but it might be due to the upstream (NewPipe) is still working on a fix.
Tubular and NewPipe both barely working all day for me. Maybe 1 out of 10 vids loads. Downloading fails too.
I find it useful changing instances in invidious, there is usually at least one up and running. You could use Clipious or Materialious apps on Android for easy access. Btw I once had Tubular, Newpipe, Libretube(piped.video) and Clipious installed all at the same time because of the same issues with Youtube attacking privacy front ends.
i recommend the freetube android beta. its working well for me at the moment.