Google has announced that it is shutting down YouTube Go this year. The lightweight version of the online video sharing and social media platform was launched in September 2017 in Nigeria after its launch in India the same year.
YouTube Go is designed to help users manage their data in such a way that they can control the amount of data usage while downloading or browsing online. The app was specifically designed for countries that fall into the emerging markets categories where connectivity, data prices, and low-end devices affected the delivery of optimal performance on the main YouTube App.
based on the investments in improvements to the main YouTube app, the improved performance for entry-level devices or those that watch YouTube on slower networks, Google felt it was time to kill YouTube Go.
Google recommends that YouTube Go users install the main YouTube app or visit youtube.com in their browsers to access YouTube. It suggests that “the main YouTube app provides a better overall user experience as well as offers features that aren’t available on YouTube Go that many have asked for – such as the ability to comment, post, create content, and use dark theme.”
It adds that “using the main YouTube app, YouTube Go users will be able to participate in creation and community and have access to an overall improved user experience.”
Google says it is also building out additional user controls that help to decrease mobile data usage for viewers with limited data
With the improvement in the low-end smartphones getting in terms of hardware and software over the years, it makes sense for the company to let go of the lightweight product.
With the sunset of YouTube Go, Google is expected to increase the promotion of the new products, YouTube Music and YouTube Premium in the product line which it launched in 2020 in Nigeria.
YouTube Music platform offers access to ad-supported and free access to personalized playlists, albums, and artiste radio, and live performances from around the globe while the Premium, on the other hand, is dedicated to providing a paid membership that gives access to background listening, downloads, and an ad-free experience for N900 a month.
As per Alphabet’s report, YouTube generated $8.6 billion in ad revenue in Q4 2021, while for the full year, YouTube brought in $28.8 billion in advertising income. That figure was up 25% compared to Q4 2020, when the platform generated revenues of $6.89 billion from ads.
