If you’re using a Chromebook and wondering how to install the YouTube app, you’ve come to the right place. While it’s perfectly fine to watch YouTube through the Chrome browser, having the dedicated app offers a cleaner, more streamlined experience, especially if you prefer that native, app-like feel.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to install the YouTube app on your Chromebook as a standalone application.
How to Use YouTube on Chromebook
Before we get into the installation steps, it’s worth mentioning that you can access YouTube without installing anything. Simply open the Google Chrome browser and visit youtube.com to use YouTube on your Chromebook.
In some cases, you might even see a YouTube shortcut already in your app launcher, or you may find one on the Shelf that opens YouTube directly in Chrome.
While that works perfectly fine, let’s be honest, nothing beats the convenience of a standalone app with its own dedicated window. If you’re looking for a more native YouTube experience, you can easily install the app on your Chromebook.
Installing YouTube App on Chromebook
There are two ways to install the YouTube app on a Chromebook: you can either install it from the Chrome browser or use the new App Store (App Mall) for Chromebooks.
However, before installing the YouTube app, make sure your Chromebook is up to date. Keeping your device updated ensures you have access to the latest features and helps everything run more smoothly.
Once you’ve updated your Chromebook, follow the methods below to install the YouTube app:
1. Using the Chrome Browser
Here’s how you can use the Chrome browser to install YouTube on a Chromebook:
1. Open the Google Chrome browser.
2. Go to youtube.com. In the address bar, you’ll see an install icon, click on it.
3. A prompt will appear. Click the Install button, and the YouTube app will be installed on your Chromebook.
2. Using the App Mall
If you are running the latest ChromeOS version, then Chromebooks now have a dedicated app store that includes optimized apps and games, including YouTube. Here’s how you can use the App Mall to install YouTube:
1. Open the App Launcher.
2. Search for and open Apps & Games.
3. Inside the Apps & Games app, type YouTube in the search bar.
4. From the search results, select the official YouTube app.
3. Click Install from Web.
4. A new window will pop up, click Install and wait for the installation to complete.
You’re done! You’ve officially installed the YouTube app on your Chromebook. To open it, simply click the App Launcher and select the YouTube app icon. If you want quicker access next time, right-click the icon and choose Pin to Shelf. This way, YouTube will be just one click away on your shelf, just like any regular app.
