SmartTube APK: Ad-Free YouTube Client for Android TV and Streaming Devices (2026 Updated)
Ad-Free YouTube for Android TV
Streaming on YouTube has become a daily habit for many, but ads, sponsor segments, and forced interruptions can make even the best videos frustrating. SmartTube — also widely known as SmartTubeNext or STN — changes that by offering a cleaner, more focused way to watch YouTube content on big screens. Developed as an open-source alternative by Yuriy L (yuliskov), this app targets Android TV boxes, Smart TVs, FireStick, Google TV, and similar streaming devices where traditional YouTube access might be limited or cluttered.
SmartTube 31.73 Stable Now Available
- Base package
org.smarttube.stableupdated to v31.73 - All builds now scanned with VirusTotal before release
- Improved HDR10+ compatibility on select Android TV devices
- "Add to Watch Later" context menu restored in Settings > General
Security Verification Post-Incident
Following the January 2026 development environment compromise, maintainer yuliskov has completed a full migration to clean signing certificates. New releases use refreshed public keys. Users who installed versions between late 2025 and January 2026 should verify their install and revoke old Google account connections as a precaution.
Note: The app uses one-time connection codes with limited permissions, but revoking old third-party connections is recommended for full peace of mind.
→ View official GitHub →What Changed This Month
All new builds post-May 2026 are compiled from the restored clean environment with verified signatures.
Improved compatibility on Samsung and Sony Android TVs after community reports on v31.72.
Fake "SmartTube" APKs spotted on third-party blogs. Only use kutt.to/stn_stable or GitHub releases.
Streaming on YouTube has become a daily habit for many, but ads, sponsor segments, and forced interruptions can make even the best videos frustrating. SmartTube — also widely known as SmartTubeNext or STN — changes that by offering a cleaner, more focused way to watch YouTube content on big screens. Developed as an open-source alternative by Yuriy L (yuliskov), this app targets Android TV boxes, Smart TVs, FireStick, Google TV, and similar streaming devices where traditional YouTube access might be limited or cluttered.
Unlike the official YouTube app, SmartTube does not require Google Play Services to run. You can browse videos anonymously or sign in optionally to sync subscriptions, playlists, watch history, and liked videos. It is not built for smartphones or tablets — it is strictly optimized for TV interfaces with remote navigation.
SmartTube APK Info
What Is SmartTube?
SmartTube is a powerful, open-source alternative to the official YouTube app, designed specifically for Android TVs and TV boxes. It provides an ad-free viewing experience while maintaining all the core functionalities of YouTube. SmartTube goes beyond by offering additional features such as SponsorBlock integration, adjustable playback speeds from 0.25x to 2.0x, and support for high-quality video formats including 8K, 60fps, and HDR.
With its user-friendly interface and deep customization options, SmartTube aims to deliver a superior YouTube experience on large screens without the need for Google Services. The app is particularly valuable for users of Fire TV, FireStick, Google TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Nvidia Shield, and Xiaomi Mi Box devices who want full control over their viewing experience.
Main Features of SmartTube
- Ad-free YouTube experience — No pre-roll, mid-roll, banner, or overlay ads
- SponsorBlock integration — Automatically skips sponsored segments, intros, outros, and subscription reminders via crowdsourced data
- Adjustable playback speed — From 0.25x to 2.0x, remembered across videos
- 8K, 60fps, and HDR playback — Including HDR10+ support on compatible hardware (hardware-dependent)
- Live chat reading — View live stream chat directly on the TV interface
- Customizable video player buttons — Add or remove controls like AFR, speed, and more
- No Google Services required — Runs entirely without GMS; ideal for de-Googled devices
- International community support — Multi-language UI and region switching
- Background playback & PiP — Audio-only or picture-in-picture while browsing
- Casting support — Link your phone via TV code to cast videos manually
- Regular updates — Active development with stable and beta channels
"SmartTube on Android TV. Brilliant, makes YouTube usable, Sponsorblock baked in. Completely removing all 'shorts' is the reason I switched to it. And the UI is very customizable, where the Youtube app is not customizable at all."
"It removes all the crap from YouTube such as ads and sponsors. It also unlocks the luxurious ability of using the app while in background... SmartTube has unlocked so much potential that the Youtube app just doesn't offer."
How to Download and Install SmartTube APK
SmartTube is not published on Google Play or any official app store. Sideloading is required. Always use official links from GitHub or the kutt.to shortlinks maintained by yuliskov. Third-party APK sites may host malware-infected or ad-injected builds.
Stable vs. Beta Versions
- Stable (recommended for most users): Thoroughly tested, fewer bugs, auto-updates with confirmation. Use Downloader code 28544 or URL
kutt.to/stn_stable. - Beta: More frequent updates, newer features, but possible issues. Suited for advanced users who want to contribute feedback. Use Downloader code 79015 or URL
kutt.to/stn_beta.
Both channels come in ARMv8 (arm64_v8a), ARMv7 (armeabi_v7a), and x86 builds. Select the architecture matching your device.
Installation Methods
Method 1: Downloader by AFTVnews (Easiest)
<- Install Downloader by AFTVnews from Google Play Store or Amazon AppStore.
- Open Downloader and enter
kutt.to/stn_stable(stable) orkutt.to/stn_beta(beta). - Alternatively, enter numeric codes 28544 (stable) or 79015 (beta).
- Read, understand, and confirm the security prompts.
- Install the APK and launch SmartTube.
Method 2: Send Files to TV
<- Install Send Files to TV on your Android TV and phone from the Google Play Store / Amazon AppStore.
- Download the APK on your phone or computer from GitHub Releases.
- Transfer the file to your TV and install.
Method 3: USB Drive + File Manager
<- Download the APK onto a USB stick from GitHub.
- Insert the USB stick into your TV.
- Use a file manager like FX File Explorer or X-plore to locate and install the APK.
- Warning: Android's preinstalled file manager does not work. Do not use FileCommander (ad-infested).
Method 4: ADB (Advanced Users)
Device Compatibility Matrix
📱 Device Compatibility Matrix
Community-reported status — results vary by device firmware, patch version, and setup.
Voice Search Setup (Bridge App)
To enable system-wide voice search on your TV, a bridge app is required. This is a major differentiator for SmartTube compared to stock YouTube.
- Amazon Fire TV: Uninstall official YouTube, then install the Amazon Bridge APK via
kutt.to/stn_bridge_amazon - Google Chromecast with Google TV: Uninstall official YouTube, then install the ATV Bridge APK via
kutt.to/stn_bridge_atv - Other Android devices: Root required. Uninstall
com.google.android.youtube.tvvia ADB, then install ATV Bridge.
Note: The bridge app will not appear in your launcher. It works internally to redirect voice search queries to SmartTube.
Security Notice: Fake APKs & Certificate Incident
Multiple fake "SmartTube" APKs have been found on third-party sites containing adware. Additionally, yuliskov's development certificates were potentially compromised in January 2026. Only download from kutt.to/stn_stable, kutt.to/stn_beta, or the official GitHub releases. If you installed SmartTube between late 2025 and January 2026, revoke old Google connections at myaccount.google.com/security and reinstall the latest signed build.
Pro Tip: Use a Secondary Google Account + Revoke Old Connections
After the January 2026 certificate incident, we recommend testing SmartTube with a backup Google account first. If anything looks off, your main account stays safe. Go to myaccount.google.com → Security → Third-party apps, locate "YouTube TV" or "Google Drive" connections from old SmartTube installs, and remove access. The app uses one-time codes with limited permissions, but cleaning up old connections is good hygiene.
SmartTube Older Versions
If the latest version causes issues on your device, verified older builds are available below. All files are sourced from the official GitHub releases archive.
Changelog Timeline
Before & After: Stock YouTube vs SmartTube
Ads every 2-5 minutes
Hidden dislikes
Sponsor segments unskippable
No background play without Premium
Shorts forced in feed
Requires Google Services
Zero ads + SponsorBlock
Dislikes visible
Sponsors auto-skipped
Background + PiP free
Shorts fully removable
No GMS required
Key Terms
Stable vs Beta: Quick Comparison
⚖️ Release Channel Comparison
✓ Thoroughly user-tested
✓ Auto-updates with confirmation
✓ Minimum bugs and crashes
✓ Best for everyday TV viewing
✗ Updates less frequently than beta
✓ Latest features and fixes first
✓ Preferred for advanced users
✓ Helps test upcoming changes
✗ Possible instability or new bugs
✗ Not recommended for primary family TV
Pros and Cons of SmartTube
Pros
- Fully ad-free with built-in sponsor skipping via SponsorBlock
- Premium-like features at no cost (background play, PiP, 8K)
- Works without Google Play Services — ideal for privacy and de-Googled devices
- High-resolution support up to 8K, 60fps, and HDR10+
- Deep UI customization (color schemes, card styles, scaling, sorting)
- Background playback and audio-only modes for multitasking
- Clean, TV-optimized interface with remote-friendly navigation
- Optional Google sign-in for sync without mandatory tracking
- Active development with stable and beta channels
Cons
- Not available on Google Play — requires sideloading
- Manual updates if auto-updater is disabled
- Optional login needed for subscriptions, history, and playlists
- Potential bugs in beta builds
- Not optimized for phones or tablets — TV only
- Comment functionality is unstable
- Voice search and casting may be inferior to official apps depending on device
Alternatives to SmartTube
If SmartTube doesn't fit your setup, consider these open-source alternatives:
- NewPipe: Lightweight, privacy-focused YouTube client with downloads. No Google login required. Best for phones, not TVs.
- SkyTube / SkyTube Extra: Clean interface, ad-free, offline saves, background play. Limited TV optimization.
- LibreTube: Privacy-oriented, ad-free, customizable. Uses Piped instances. Phone-focused.
- ReVanced / ReVanced Extended: Patched YouTube for Android phones. Not for TV use.
🔗 Related Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SmartTube APK safe?
Yes, when downloaded from the official GitHub or kutt.to/stn_stable. Scan files if unsure, and avoid random sites — fake versions exist. Due to the January 2026 security incident, always verify you are on v31.73 or newer with the refreshed certificate.
Does it support YouTube login?
Optional — sign in for subscriptions, history, and playlists, or use anonymously without any Google account.
Can I use it on a Smart TV?
Perfect for Android TV, Google TV, FireStick, Fire TV, and Android TV boxes. Not for Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, Roku, or iOS. If your TV is not Android-based, connect a FireStick or Android TV box to use SmartTube.
Does SmartTube show ads?
No — it's designed to block all ads and sponsored content via SponsorBlock integration.
Is SmartTube free?
100% free, open-source under GPLv3, no subscriptions or hidden costs.
Can I install this on a smartphone?
No. SmartTube is strictly for TVs and TV boxes. It does not support portrait mode or touch scrolling. For phones, use NewPipe, ReVanced, or LibreTube instead.
Why does it skip video segments?
That is SponsorBlock working. You can choose which categories to skip (sponsors, intros, outros, non-music) in Settings. You cannot submit new segments from the TV app due to remote control limitations.
Conclusion
SmartTube APK delivers a refreshing take on YouTube viewing, especially on TVs where ads and interruptions feel more intrusive. By combining ad removal, sponsor skipping, high-quality playback up to 8K HDR, and deep customization without requiring Google Services, it gives users full control without monthly fees.
Download only from trusted sources — the official GitHub releases or kutt.to/stn_stable — install carefully using Downloader or ADB, and enjoy cleaner streaming. If you're tired of interruptions on your Android TV, FireStick, or Google TV, this open-source SmartTubeNext client is worth trying. Just stick to official links, keep the app updated, and revoke any old Google connections from pre-January 2026 installs for maximum security.
Article Maintained by yTvAnced
Last verified: June 02, 2026 · Testing on FireStick 4K Max & Chromecast with Google TV