I watch YouTube on my TV without ads or Shorts now, and it took one app on a streaming stick
I gained a better YouTube streaming experience with this open-source alternative.
In the quest for a more streamlined YouTube viewing experience, one app on a streaming stick provides the solution. Many individuals, like the author, consume an abundance of content on YouTube, from their favorite channels to diverse topics. However, the platform's algorithm often presents unwanted ads and Shorts, cluttering the user's viewing experience.
The author opted for a free app called SmartTube, installable on Fire TV Sticks running Fire OS or other Android devices. After sideloading the latest stable version on their 2025 Fire TV 4K Plus, they discovered a customizable interface that allowed them to remove ads and Shorts from their YouTube journey.
SmartTube offers a plethora of customization options, including player settings, content display preferences, video streams, and more. Users can customize the app to their liking, from the interface to general options, search functionality, and even playback controls. The author spent considerable time tweaking the settings to create a personalized experience.
Additionally, the app enables users to hide Shorts throughout their video navigation, offering the ability to tailor the interface to their preferences. Although not foolproof, SponsorBlock effectively blocks in-video ad reads, although it relies on community submissions for timestamp accuracy.
Comparatively, the official YouTube app on Fire TV Sticks is inundated with ads and unwanted items, making SmartTube a superior alternative for a clutter-free and enjoyable YouTube viewing experience.
Written by urgent.news from XDA Developers's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
