It indicates that Youtube can be installed as Progressive Web App:
PWAs are like desktop shortcuts to websites that run in their own separate app window. They don’t take up much space and load faster than navigating to the website in Chrome or Edge. PWAs also get their own icons on the taskbar and won’t add to your swamp of open browser tabs.
The install button appear in Chrome since Chrome 76 if a site meets progressive web app installability criteria:
In Chrome 76 (beta mid-June 2019), we're making it easier for users to install Progressive Web Apps on the desktop by adding an install button to the address bar (omnibox). If a site meets the Progressive Web App installability criteria, Chrome will automatically show an install icon in the address bar. Clicking the button prompts the user to install the PWA.
Youtube can be installed as a Progressive Web App since end of January 2021.
Answer from Reddy Lutonadio on Stack ExchangeYouTube
youtube.com › supported_browsers
Youtube
Your browser is up to date · You can use YouTube's latest features · Mozilla Firefox · Opera · Microsoft Edge · Google Chrome · Browse YouTube · About · Contact us · Terms
YouTube
youtube.com › user › googlechrome
Google Chrome - YouTube
The official YouTube channel for the Chrome browser, OS, Web Store, and Chromebooks.
Videos
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Stop Using Unsafe Browsers in 2025… Do This Instead - YouTube
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I Just Made Google Chrome Better - YouTube
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Best Alternative Android Browsers to Google Chrome! - YouTube
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Top 10 Google Chrome Features for Better Browsing - YouTube
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How to Download Google Chrome on Windows 10/11 Laptop and PC 2025 ...
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How To Download Google Chrome on Windows (FAST & EASY) - Laptop ...
Can I remove the vidIQ extension later?
Yes, you can remove vidIQ at any time. In Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, go to 'More tools' > 'Extensions', find vidIQ, then click 'Remove' and confirm.
vidiq.com
vidiq.com › home › extension
vidIQ's Extension for YouTube Chrome, Firefox and Edge
How does vidIQ work on YouTube?
Once installed, vidIQ integrates directly with YouTube. You'll see additional data like video performance metrics, keyword suggestions, SEO scores, and competitor insights right on video pages and in your dashboard.
vidiq.com
vidiq.com › home › extension
vidIQ's Extension for YouTube Chrome, Firefox and Edge
What is the vidIQ extension?
VidIQ is a browser extension that enhances your YouTube experience by providing advanced analytics, SEO tools, tag suggestions, and insights to help grow your channel. It's designed for creators who want to optimize content and better understand their audience.
vidiq.com
vidiq.com › home › extension
vidIQ's Extension for YouTube Chrome, Firefox and Edge
Reddit
reddit.com › r/chrome › youtube is now available as a progressive web app.
r/chrome on Reddit: YouTube is now available as a Progressive Web App.
December 1, 2020 -
Until today it was possible to create a shortcut from the three dots menu, but now, when entering the YouTube site, you will see the "install" prompt in the omnibox.
Install YouTube.Three dots menu.
Google Support
support.google.com › chrome › thread › 307778158 › i-want-the-youtube-app-to-open-in-chrome-on-my-pc
I want the Youtube app to open in Chrome on my pc - Google Chrome Community
Community · Google Chrome · false · Search · Clear search · Close search · Google apps · Main menu · 15909870727354477472 · true · Search Help Center · false · true · true · true · true · true · 237 · false ·
vidIQ
vidiq.com › home › extension
vidIQ's Extension for YouTube Chrome, Firefox and Edge
It's designed for creators who want to optimize content and better understand their audience. To install vidIQ, go to the Chrome Web Store, search for 'VidIQ Vision', and click 'Add to Chrome'. Follow the instructions to complete the setup.
Windows 10 Forums
tenforums.com › browsers-email › 173020-do-i-need-install-youtube-app-google-chrome.html
Do i need to install YouTube app in Google Chrome? - Windows 10 Help Forums
Google Chrome not responding, freezes & green video on Youtube. in Browsers and Email Source Google Chrome Summary Stopped responding and was closed Date 16-Mar-17 5:12 PM · How to change install location for program such as Google Chrome? in Software and Apps Hi everyone, I just joined this forum and love it thus far.
YouTube
help.youtube.com › chrome › browser-tools
Browser Features and Tools - Google Chrome
With Google Lens in Chrome, you can search and ask questions about anything you see — whether it’s a photo you take, an item in an image or text in a video, all without having to open a new tab.
Softonic
youtube-pgf.en.softonic.com › home › web browsers › browsers › google chrome
YouTube for Google Chrome - Extension Download
June 21, 2023 - YouTube for Chrome, free and safe download. YouTube latest version: The Official YouTube Website. The Official YouTube website is a platform that allo
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
How To Open YouTube In Chrome Browser Not The App - YouTube
Here's how to open up YouTube directly in a Chrome web browser and not in the app on your iPhone or Android. -----------I grew up on Kauai, Hawaii with kumus...
Published June 26, 2025
Chrome Web Store
chromewebstore.google.com › detail › enhancer-for-youtube › ponfpcnoihfmfllpaingbgckeeldkhle
Enhancer for YouTube™ - Chrome Web Store
Replaces thumbnails and modifies titles of videos on youtube.com ... Average rating 4.0 out of 5 stars. Learn more about results and reviews. Group Youtube playlist Sort and filter Youtube playlists Bulk move and delete YouTube Playlist Duration Multiselect for YouTube ... Average rating 4.4 out of 5 stars. Learn more about results and reviews. Clears the chrome browser history automatically on browser start.
Android Central
forums.androidcentral.com › home › samsung android phones › more samsung phones › samsung galaxy s5
How do I get a Chrome to open up the YouTube app when I click on a YouTube link? | Android Central Forum
September 23, 2015 - I was going to say look at your Default Apps and clear them - but sounds like that was done... ... Does this happen for all sites? Or maybe one in particular? A test - search for one of your favorite youtube videos in chrome - and click on the preview...where does it play? ... Click to expand... I bookmarked a YouTube link as a test and it plays it in Chrome. And then I went to YouTube.com in Chrome and played a video and it still just plays it in Chrome.
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
Open YouTube Website on Chrome Android Instead of App #QuickAndroidTutorial - YouTube
how to open YouTube in Chrome Android instead of app. This tutorial is using a realme device and can be applied on several Oppo smartphones.#android #tips #h...
Published July 25, 2024
YouTube
youtube.com › user › ChromeDevelopers
Chrome for Developers - YouTube
The official Chrome for Developers YouTube account from Google. We want to help you build beautiful, accessible, fast, & secure websites that work for everyo...
Reddit
reddit.com › r/relayforreddit › youtube links only open in chrome instead of the in app player.
r/RelayForReddit on Reddit: Youtube links only open in Chrome instead of the in app player.
December 30, 2021 -
Whenever I open a youtube link it just takes me to chrome rather than playing in the in app player like it used to. Been happening for a few weeks now. Can't remember if it was an app update or system update that broke it.
Edit: Well apparently after trying to figure this out for weeks, all I had to do was finally make a post, and I would figure it out myself within minutes.
To fix it, I went to my default app settings, youtube app, turned off "open supported links" then turned it back on, then opened the actual youtube app. I think simply opening the actual youtube app is what did it. Weird.
Top answer 1 of 5
6
Are you using android 12? This is unfortunately a new intended behaviour. See: https://www.reviewgeek.com/102557/android-12-keeps-resetting-users-default-app-permissions/ https://old.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/qrqwya/android_12_will_always_open_nonverified_links_in/ Supposedly this app can help but I haven't tried it myself.
2 of 5
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"after trying to figure this out for weeks, all I had to do was finally make a post, and I would figure it out myself within minutes" You were absolutely right. I just shut all my background apps, went and turned the "open by default" setting for youtube links off, went out of the menu, went back into the menu, turned the setting back on, closed it all, opened youtube app, shut youtube app, opened Reddit app, went to load a youtube link and now it works. Who knew, the destination app must need a chance to go get the updated setting. That has been the solution all along. Thank you.
Google Support
support.google.com › youtube › answer › 175292
Update your browser for the best viewing experience - YouTube Help
YouTube no longer supports Internet Explorer. To continue using YouTube, update your browser to Chrome. How can we improve it? YesNo · Post to the help community Get answers from community members · true · Search · Clear search · Close search · Google apps ·
Google Support
support.google.com › youtube › answer › 3008060
Use YouTube on mobile browsers - YouTube Help
Editing and uploading aren’t possible on mobile browsers. But, you can download the YouTube app and learn how to upload and edit there.
Android Central
forums.androidcentral.com › home › android apps, browsers, games & more › android apps
How to disable the in-app browser in the YouTube app? | Android Central Forum
August 3, 2021 - Click to expand... I found a solution for this very problem. If you select a default browser that ISN'T Chrome, YouTube in-app browser will not open the links to web sites in the comments or description section. It will open in the default browser. Google is integrating these controls to keep ...