In the world of Android-based smart TVs and streaming devices, the default YouTube app has become a source of frustration for millions. Between unskippable double ads, mid-roll interruptions, and the forced integration of YouTube Shorts, the official experience often feels cluttered and intrusive.
Enter Smart YouTube TV—a third-party, open-source alternative designed to restore the classic, ad-free lean-back experience. This article focuses specifically on version 6.17.740, one of the most stable and feature-rich builds available. We will cover everything you need to know: what it is, why version 6.17.740 matters, how to install it safely, and how to troubleshoot common issues.
Because you are sideloading from a third-party source, you must be cautious. The official source (GitHub) is safe, but random websites may inject malware. Always verify the SHA-1 checksum if available. Version 6.17.740 is open-source, meaning the code has been vetted by the community—there are no known trackers or keyloggers in the official build.
To understand the value of Smart YouTube TV 6.17.740, you must look at what you tolerate daily on the official app:
| Feature | Official YouTube App | Smart YouTube TV 6.17.740 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Ads before video | Yes (2x often unskippable) | None | | Mid-roll ads | Yes (every 3-7 minutes on long content) | None | | Background play | Requires YouTube Premium | Free | | Sponsor segments | Manual skipping | Auto-skip via SponsorBlock | | 4K playback | Yes (but with ads) | Yes (ad-free) | | Cost | Free with ads / $13.99 for Premium | Completely free | | Device support | Official Android TV, Google TV | Any Android 5.0+ device |
Essentially, Smart YouTube TV gives you the equivalent of YouTube Premium for free, plus additional blocking of in-video sponsor spots.
Smart YouTube TV APK 6.17.740 is more than just a piece of software; it’s a statement against the enshittification of streaming platforms. By installing it, you regain control over your viewing experience. smart youtube tv apk 6.17.740
The 6.17.740 version, specifically, represents the peak of stability—no crashing, no missing codecs, and no surprise ads. Whether you have a high-end NVIDIA Shield, a budget ONN 4K box, or an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, this APK will breathe new life into YouTube.
Install it today. Your remote’s “skip ad” button (which you won’t need) will thank you.
Article last updated: April 2026. Based on Smart YouTube TV stable branch commit 6.17.740.
Smart YouTube TV is a legacy open-source YouTube client for Android-based smart TVs and TV boxes, developed by Yuriy Lyskov (yuliskov). While version
is often cited in community archives, it marks one of the final stable releases of this specific project before the developer shifted focus to a successor called (formerly SmartTubeNext). Key Features of the 6.17.x Series Ad-Free Experience
: Built-in blocking for all YouTube advertisements without needing a Premium subscription. SponsorBlock Integration In the world of Android-based smart TVs and
: Automatically skips sponsored segments, intros, and outros within videos. 4K/8K Support
: Supports high-resolution streaming, including 4K and 8K at 60 FPS, even on devices that typically struggle with the official app. No Google Services Required
: Operates independently of Google Play Services, making it ideal for Amazon Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, and generic Android boxes. TV-Optimized UI
: Features a landscape-only interface designed specifically for remote control navigation rather than touchscreens. SmartTube (Official Site) Important Security Alert (November 2025)
Recent reports indicate that the developer's original digital signature key was compromised. Because of this: Google Play Protect
may automatically disable or uninstall older versions like 6.17.740, labeling them as a security risk. The developer has released a new version of the app (under the Because you are sideloading from a third-party source,
name) with a new signature. Users are strongly advised to migrate to the new official SmartTube GitHub releases rather than using older "legacy" versions. Technical Details & Compatibility
Smart YouTube TV 6.17.739 (noarch) (Android 4.2+) - APKMirror
Smart YouTube TV (often abbreviated as SmartTube) is an open-source alternative to the default YouTube client designed specifically for TV-based Android operating systems. Unlike the official app, Smart YouTube TV blocks all video ads, sponsor segments, and even allows background playback.
Version 6.17.740 represents a specific stable release in the app’s history. While the developer (Yuliskov) has moved on to newer "Next" generation versions (SmartTubeNext), many users still seek out version 6.17.740 for its stability, lightweight nature, and compatibility with older Android TV devices (API 21+).
⚠️ Note: Version 6.17.740 is considered a stable release. Newer beta versions (6.19+, 6.20+) introduce Android 14 auto-pip and revamped UI, but also report sporadic subtitle desyncs. For a “set it and forget it” experience, 6.17.740 is the recommended choice.
Built directly into version 6.17.740 is SponsorBlock—a crowdsourced feature that automatically skips sponsored segments, intros, outros, and self-promotion within videos. You can choose to auto-skip or highlight these segments.
Based on public changelogs (typical for this version range):