Years ago I used NewPipe but when I wanted a little more from my app I switched the ReVanced until it started giving me more and more issues. For the past 3 months or so I’ve been using a cracked Youtube Premium app, but now it’s dropping every video after about a minute. So what’s everyone using these days to avoid all of Google’s bullshit but still watch Youtube content?
As of now, Revanced manager recommends v 18.23.35.
ApkMirror is arguably the best source to download APKs. It checks that signature matches expected one so you know package is safe and not tampered with. You need to use no DPI version for Revanced, linked correct version above
I would suggest to also go through all patches manually, I remember recommended option had some very strange suggestions at least in the past.
For Google account to work you also need microG. This is a newer version / fork of original microG. inotia00 was one of the original Vanced devs I believe.