YouTube URI Scheme: Open YouTube Links Directly in the App
If you save YouTube links in a bookmark app—especially on a Fire TV, Android TV, or iPhone—you've probably noticed that tapping the link opens a browser instead of the YouTube app. That's frustrating when you just want to watch the video on the big screen.
The fix is simple: use a URI scheme instead of a regular web link. This guide explains what URI schemes are, how they work, and the exact YouTube URI formats to use on each platform.
What Is a URI Scheme?
A URI scheme is the prefix at the start of a link that tells your device what to do with it. It identifies a resource or triggers a specific action. You've used them before without thinking about it:
- http: and https: — open a web page
- mailto: — open your email app with a new message
- tel: — start a phone call
These are standardized, registered URI schemes. Beyond them, there are custom URI schemes designed for specific apps—such as whatsapp:, fb:, and youtube:. These tell your device to hand the link directly to that app instead of a browser.
Why Use a YouTube URI Scheme?
Regular YouTube links look like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dly6p4Fu5TE
On a phone or TV, this often opens a browser tab or an in-app webview—not the YouTube app itself. Switching to a URI scheme solves that by forcing the link to launch the official YouTube app.
YouTube URI Scheme Formats by Platform
Use the correct format for your device:
- Fire TV and iPhone: youtube://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dly6p4Fu5TE
- Android and Android TV: vnd.youtube://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dly6p4Fu5TE
To use these, save the URI version of the link in your bookmark app (like a browser bookmark, a notes app, or a smart home shortcut) instead of the standard https:// version. When you tap it, the YouTube app opens and plays the video directly.
How to Test the Scheme
- Copy the appropriate URI from the list above.
- Paste it into your bookmark app or a shortcut tool.
- Tap the saved link on your Fire TV, iPhone, Android, or Android TV device.
- If YouTube opens and plays the video, the scheme is working correctly.
Note: The URI scheme only works if the YouTube app is already installed on the device. If it isn't, the link will fail silently or fall back to the browser.
Example Video: Jennifer Lopez – Jenny from the Block
As a working example, here's the same video using both schemes. Tap either to test how your device handles it:
- Fire TV / iPhone: youtube://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dly6p4Fu5TE
- Android / Android TV: vnd.youtube://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dly6p4Fu5TE
- Standard web link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dly6p4Fu5TE
Frequently Asked Questions
What does vnd.youtube:// mean?
"vnd" stands for "vendor." It's the Android convention for app-specific URI schemes, telling the system which app should handle the link.
Does youtube:// work on Android?
Not reliably. Android expects vnd.youtube://. Use the correct format for your platform.
Will this work on Roku or Apple TV?
Roku and tvOS don't accept custom YouTube URI schemes the same way Fire TV and Android TV do. You'd typically use deep links or the YouTube "cast" feature instead.
Does this still work in 2024?
Yes. Both youtube:// and vnd.youtube:// remain functional on supported platforms as of 2024, though app updates can occasionally change behavior.
Summary
URI schemes are a simple but powerful way to make bookmark links open directly in the YouTube app instead of a browser. Use youtube:// for Fire TV and iPhone, and vnd.youtube:// for Android and Android TV. Save those instead of standard https:// links, and your videos will play where you actually want them.
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