This is a patched version of YouTube that removes ads and enables background play for free. You need to download the and patch the v17.39.46 APK yourself. Note: This violates YouTube’s Terms of Service, so use a secondary account.
Using an older version of YouTube (v17.x) on Android 8.1 is perfectly functional, but you will not have the "bleeding edge" features. Here is what you lose compared to a modern Android 13/14 phone: download youtube for android 8.1
To understand how to fix the problem, it is important to understand why it happens in the first place. This is a patched version of YouTube that
If you have 2GB of RAM or more, the sideloaded YouTube app on Android 8.1 feels 90% as fast as a modern phone. You will keep your device out of the landfill for another two years. Using an older version of YouTube (v17
Your old phone still has life left. Now go enjoy your favorite creators without the frustrating "incompatible" error.