12 YouTube Chrome Extensions You Can’t Watch Without

by
Spread the love

Are you a Google Chrome user and frequently watch YouTube videos in your browser? If yes, you don’t want to miss out on this list of YouTube Chrome extensions. They’re designed to give you the best viewing experience on a desktop, laptop or tablet PC. We’ve tested them all to work flawlessly on the Google Chrome browser.

Content

1. Improve YouTube

If you’re looking for a single Chrome extension to boost your YouTube experience, consider using Improve YouTube (also known as “ImprovedTube” on its website). With just a click, you can customize your YouTube interface, manage ads, adjust volume, and even switch to night mode.

ImprovedTube is a user-friendly Chrome extension. It includes a Shortcuts button that lets you rewind or forward a video, activate full screen, capture screenshots, and rotate the video. However, keep in mind that some features, like the Like/Dislike button, might not work as expected due to its general-purpose design. If you have specific needs, we have other recommendations.

2. Enhancer for YouTube

Next in our list is a handy Chrome extension called Enhancer for YouTube. What makes it special is that it adds a feature-rich control panel right below any YouTube video you’re watching. The panel lets you do things like watch in cinema mode, loop the video, or use keyboard shortcuts – all conveniently in one place!

There are more settings to explore in Enhancer. It offers different dark themes, supports standard video formats like 24, 25, and 30 frames per second (FPS), and lets you adjust playback speeds. You can even hide comments and chats automatically. Plus, it transforms annoying “shorts” in YouTube videos into a more pleasant format for viewing.

Also read: enable dark mode in YouTube for multiple platforms.

3. Magic Actions for YouTube

Let’s add a touch of personalization to your YouTube viewing experience. That’s what Magic Actions for YouTube achieves. The magic wand is in its Settings -you can customize effects based on mouse actions. For instance, control video volume instantly by scrolling the mouse wheel near the window edge. Or, if you’re using an iPad or tablet, drag your fingers horizontally for the same effect.

The extension offers several customizable features. You can convert videos to auto-HD up to 5k quality, display in-video ads below the player, and automatically resize the video based on your preferred settings. Once you install this app, it quietly works in the background – you won’t need to do anything manually.

4. Clickbait Remover for YouTube

Many YouTubers use clickbait images to attract more viewers. This can be misleading and waste your time. YouTube doesn’t effectively tackle this dishonest marketing trick. The responsibility falls on users to avoid clicking such content in the first place.

Luckily, there’s a handy Chrome extension called Clickbait Remover for YouTube. Once installed, you can adjust the settings so that YouTube captures thumbnail images from the middle of videos. Even if some YouTubers try to outsmart this method by placing clickbait in the middle of their videos, the extension still ensures you get an accurate video preview.

5. Turn Off the Lights

If you want an amazing night mode experience on YouTube, try the Turn Off the Lights extension. It goes beyond the basics, offering features like screen dimming, opacity controls, dynamic backgrounds, and atmospheric lighting. Just adjust the settings, and the theatre-like experience unfolds in front of you.

Apart from the above, there are some advanced features in the extension. For instance, it has shortcut keys to toggle lighting on and off. There’s also an eye protection feature that automatically dims the lighting on web pages or specific sites. This extension works with game controllers too.

6. YouTube Auto Pause

While watching a YouTube video, we may often need to switch to other tabs and browsers. However, the video keeps playing in the meantime, and you have to manually pause it, which can be distracting and annoying at times. Luckily, there’s an extension called YouTube Auto Pause to save the day.

Open the extension’s settings and enable most of the options. These settings let you avoid distractions while watching YouTube videos. For example, the sound and video will pause when you switch tabs, lock your computer, or switch to another video. There are also advanced settings for more pause effects.

Also read: while watching videos is passive entertainment. It’s more useful to read more often. With Prime Reading, you can read a ton of amazing books.

7. YTBlock

I’m not usually a fan of blocking or censorship, but this case is different. YTBlock is an excellent Chrome extension that lets you control YouTube content you don’t want to see. For instance, if a certain politician’s updates tire you out or a celebrity’s antics are not worth your time, just add their names to YTBlock’s blacklist. You’ll avoid their videos, comments, posts, and playlists.

YTBlock lives up to its name – it lets you block any content on YouTube. It even filters using negative keywords. So, if you’re searching for a positive video on your favorite topic, you won’t be bothered by other distractions. The extension works right away, keeping your YouTube feed free from topics you dislike.

8. Ratings Preview for YouTube

Often, we decide which YouTube videos to watch based on the number of views and likes displayed next to the thumbnail. But what about dislikes? They’re rarely shown. Some creators use attention-grabbing tactics, but that doesn’t always mean their content is valuable.

Enter Ratings Preview for YouTube, one of the best YouTube Chrome extensions in my book. It gives you a clear summary of the Likes/Dislikes ratio, helping you assess videos more objectively. I am not saying you should rule out heavily disliked videos. Perhaps you like a certain politician, and the haters are going to dislike this person no matter what they say.

Also read: want to watch deleted YouTube videos? Now you can.

9. GIFit!

Want to use a certain portion of a video to be shared as a GIF? Now you can do it every easily with a Chrome extension called GIFit! After installing it, go to the video of your choice and look for an icon spelling the text “GIFit!” which is usually next to the subtitles in the YouTube toolbar.

After you click the icon, you’ll get options such as the start time and end time of the GIF, and the desired frame width and height you need. After this, click a big red button with the same “GIFit!” text, and the GIF image is ready which you can now save on your computer.

Related: share a specific part of a YouTube video with others.

10. uBlock Origin

Tired of watching too many advertisements on YouTube? Now you can catch a break with uBlock Origin. It instantly blocks many of the annoying in-video ads and forwards you to the next frame element. However, it does nothing in blocking the advertisements that the content creators themselves have placed.

There’s one disadvantage of uBlock Origin and other similar ad blockers. While the advertisements stop, it also leads to a choppy viewing experience, which can be difficult to watch. Truly, the best way to remove advertising from your YouTube views is to sign up for a YouTube Premium subscription.

11. Glarity

Many YouTubers make extra-long videos and force you to spend more time watching it. Some might hide the key thing you’re looking for towards the end or somewhere in the middle of the video, forcing you to watch a large portion. In the age of ChatGPT, that thing may have become a bit redundant.

Glarity, a useful YouTube Chrome extension, uses its GPT-4 capabilities to understand what the video creator is saying, and brings you a neat summary of the video. If you want to focus on the important bits, you will have the exact timelines to watch. What’s more, it can also summarize web pages.

Check this out: do you want to prank your friends? Here are some of the best Chrome extensions for some harmless practical jokes.

12. Screenshot YouTube Video

While your Windows or Mac may have several tools to capture video screenshots, it always involves opening a software. A YouTube Chrome extension called Screenshot YouTube Video does the same thing even better. You don’t have to crop any video frames – just a mouse click captures your screenshot for any moments of the video.

In this guide, we saw several different YouTube Chrome extensions which augment your viewing experience. If you’re looking for YouTube alternatives, you can check out tools like Twitch, Vimeo, or Dailymotion.

Image Credit: Back view of man using laptop with youtube website on screen by DepositPhotos. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox

Sign up for all newsletters.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and European users agree to the data transfer policy. We will not share your data and you can unsubscribe at any time. Subscribe


Sayak Boral –
Staff Writer

Sayak Boral is a technology writer with over eleven years of experience working in different industries including semiconductors, IoT, enterprise IT, telecommunications OSS/BSS, and network security. He has been writing for MakeTechEasier on a wide range of technical topics including Windows, Android, Internet, Hardware Guides, Browsers, Software Tools, and Product Reviews.

Leave a comment