NewPipe v0.29.1 - Lightweight Private Streaming & Background Player
Ultra-lightweight private streaming frontend for YouTube, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp with no Google Play Services, ad-blocking, background playback, and popup...
Technical Specifications & System Requirements
FileCobra Lab Verdict & Editorial Review
★ 4.9/5.0 Verified ReviewWhat We Liked (Pros)
- 100% open source with zero ads, zero telemetry, and no Google Play Services needed.
- Smooth background audio playback and floating popup player.
- Ultra-compact 11.2 MB size with exceptional battery efficiency.
Things to Keep in Mind (Cons)
- Does not support leaving comments on videos as it does not use Google accounts.
How NewPipe Compares to Top Alternatives
Seal specializes in advanced multi-site downloading via yt-dlp with custom format rules, whereas NewPipe is a complete daily streaming frontend player.
YMusic is specifically tailored for audio-only music listening with Jockey equalizer integration, while NewPipe offers both full video and audio streaming.
NewPipe for Android — Lightweight Private Streaming & Background Player
NewPipe is the gold-standard lightweight, privacy-respecting streaming client developed by Team NewPipe. Engineered to liberate your media streaming experience from proprietary Google frameworks, tracking beacons, and battery-draining advertisements, NewPipe provides seamless video streaming, background audio playback, floating popup windows, and high-speed offline downloading in a tiny 11.2 MB package.
Supporting YouTube, PeerTube, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp without requiring a Google account or Google Play Services, NewPipe is the essential open-source privacy client for millions of Android users worldwide.
🌟 Executive Overview & Key Tactical Highlights
NewPipe parses streaming websites directly without using official proprietary APIs or Google Play Services. This design guarantees complete privacy, lightning-fast loading speeds, and zero advertising interruptions.
Key Architectural Strengths:
- 100% Free & Open Source (GPL-3.0): Zero ads, zero tracking SDKs, and zero Google framework dependencies.
- Background Audio & Floating Popup Player: Listen with your screen locked or watch in a resizable picture-in-picture window.
- Direct Video & Audio Downloading: Download 4K UHD, 1080p 60FPS video and high-bitrate Opus/M4A audio directly.
- Multi-Platform Support: Stream content from YouTube, PeerTube, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp seamlessly in one app.
- Local Subscriptions & Playlists: Subscribe to channels, import/export feeds, and manage playlists locally with zero account requirements.
📊 Technical Comparison: NewPipe vs. YMusic vs. Snaptube
| Feature Dimension | NewPipe (FileCobra) | YMusic | Snaptube |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence Model | 100% FOSS (GPL-3.0) | Freeware | Proprietary |
| Google Play Services | Zero Framework Required | Required | Optional |
| Ad-Free Streaming | Built-in Native Ad-Free | Yes | Ad-Supported |
| Background Playback | Yes (Audio & Video Popup) | Yes (Audio Only) | Yes (Floating Window) |
| Package Size | Ultra-Light 11.2 MB | 8.4 MB | 28.7 MB |
📋 System Requirements & Technical Specifications
| Hardware Component | Minimum Requirement | Recommended Spec |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher | Android 10.0 / 12.0 / 13.0 / 14.0+ |
| System RAM | 512 MB RAM | 2 GB RAM or higher |
| Storage Space | 25 MB free internal storage | 2 GB+ for downloaded media |
| Architecture | Universal ARM64, ARMv7, x86 | Universal ARM64-v8a |
🛠️ Step-by-Step Installation & Setup Guide
- Download the authentic
NewPipe_v0.27.2.apkpackage directly from FileCobra's verified mirror. - Enable Install Unknown Apps in your Android Settings.
- Open the APK and tap Install.
- Launch NewPipe, search for any creator, and enjoy ad-free background streaming with complete privacy!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a Google account or Google Play Services to use NewPipe?
No. NewPipe operates completely independently of Google Play Services and does not require a Google account. You can subscribe to channels and save playlists locally on your device.
Does NewPipe have advertisements?
No. NewPipe is 100% open source under GPL-3.0 and contains zero advertisements, sponsored banners, or tracking analytics.
Can I play videos in the background with my screen locked?
Yes. Tap the Background button below any video to continue listening with your screen turned off, saving battery and mobile data.
Key Highlights & Features
- 100% Free & Open Source (GPL-3.0) — Zero Google Framework Required
- Ad-Free Streaming with Background Audio & Floating Popup Player
- Direct Video (4K/1080p) and Audio (Opus/M4A) Downloading
- Local Subscriptions & Playlists without Google Account Login
- Ultra-Compact 11 MB Package with Extreme Battery Optimization
NewPipe UI & Interface Screenshots
NewPipe Version History & Build Numbers
Every NewPipe build FileCobra has mirrored, newest first. Match the build number against the copy you already have to confirm whether you are up to date.
Related Android APK Software & Alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions & Verification Guide
Do I need a Google account or Google Play Services to use NewPipe?
No. NewPipe operates completely independently of Google Play Services and does not require a Google account. You can subscribe to channels and save playlists locally on your device.
Does NewPipe have advertisements?
No. NewPipe is 100% open source under GPL-3.0 and contains zero advertisements, sponsored banners, or tracking analytics.
Can I play videos in the background with my screen locked?
Yes. Tap the Background button below any video to continue listening with your screen turned off, saving battery and mobile data.