YouTube

CNET Editors' review

by: Ben Markton on May 13, 2013

The original iPhone shipped with a YouTube app. That has since been upgraded by Google with a more robust App Store-downloaded YouTube app that can be upgraded more frequently and that allows deeper sharing integration. Designed to be intuitive and easy to use for both the iPhone and iPad, the official YouTube app is all you'll need to surf and share videos on the popular video site.

You are not required to log in or register for YouTube when you use this app, though it can certainly enhance your experience, making it easier to share videos, like or comment on them, or upload your own. However, with integration of sharing so common among video apps, it is unlikely you'll ever need to upload directly from within the YouTube app. The real beauty of this app is in its viewing platform. Open the app and you're shown the most popular videos on YouTube. Swipe the tab at the top and you unlock the menu where you can log in, or choose from one of the many categories on the site. Search works well, as does voice search, and when you are watching a video, you have access to all of the options you will find on the Web site--liking or disliking, sharing, subscribing, and suggested videos.

In some ways, the mobile YouTube experience is better than the desktop-based interface. There are fewer ads, the videos are streamlined with no distractions onscreen, and you can choose when you want to be logged in. If you are looking for a sleeker, easier way to watch videos on your iOS device, download the YouTube app today.