In 2021, Google changed the default thumbnail server URL scheme. Sometimes, version 5.9.0.13 will show blank gray squares instead of video thumbnails. Refreshing usually fixes it, but it is annoying.
If you search "YouTube 5.9.0.13 APK" today, you’ll find forums like XDA-Developers and Reddit’s r/androidafterlife buzzing with activity. Here’s why: youtube version 5.9.0.13
Open your file manager, tap the downloaded APK, and click "Install." In 2021, Google changed the default thumbnail server
Modern YouTube forces the VP9 video codec on high-resolution videos, which older CPUs cannot decode in hardware. Version 5.9.0.13 primarily used H.264, which any GPU from 2010 onward could accelerate. Result? Buttery smooth 720p and 1080p playback on old hardware. tap the downloaded APK