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. how to get old version of youtube
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.
Restoring the "old" YouTube experience depends on whether you want to change the visual layout on your computer or downgrade the actual application on your mobile device. Because YouTube is a server-side service, simply installing an old app often results in a "Please Update" screen, so specific workarounds are required. Restoring the Old Layout on Desktop To get an old version of YouTube in
On a web browser, you cannot natively roll back the website's code, but you can use extensions to "re-skin" the site to look like previous versions (e.g., the 2016 or 2010 layouts). YouTube Redux
: This is the most popular extension for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. It allows you to restore the classic look, change the number of thumbnails per row, and even bring back the old green and red like/dislike bars. Custom Tube
: This extension offers a wider range of historical themes, allowing you to select layouts specifically from years like 2008, 2013, or 2021. Stylus User Styles : For advanced users, installing the Stylus extension
allows you to apply specific "CSS skins" that can revert very recent changes to the player UI. Downgrading the YouTube App on Android Don’t use shady downloads or grant excessive permissions
To use an older version of the mobile app, you must first bypass the system's "latest version" lock.
This is not possible on iPhone (iOS does not allow downgrading or installing old .ipa files easily without jailbreaking).
Note: YouTube’s interface and features change frequently. Officially reverting to a past, server-side UI isn’t supported and may be restricted by YouTube’s terms. Below are safe, legal approaches to approximate older behavior or appearance for desktop and mobile.
Note: YouTube’s interface and features change over time; older versions may no longer be supported, can lack security fixes, and might violate terms of service. Proceed carefully and at your own risk.
If you just want to see videos from a specific year (not the app design):
01/01/2010 to 12/31/2010.