Connecting third-party apps to your YouTube account can be rewarding, with free in-game loot, subscription trials, and more up for grabs. However, you may wonder what these connections entail regarding data sharing and potential risks.
This guide will explore connected apps more closely, then walk you through connecting new services as well as removing existing links whenever you please. I‘ll be with you every step of the way!
What are connected apps, exactly?
Connected apps allow third-party partners like gaming and streaming platforms to integrate directly with YouTube accounts. Developers can then reward users for watching certain videos.
Some major companies with connected YouTube apps include:
- Epic Games (Fortnite)
- Activision Blizzard (Call of Duty, Overwatch)
- Riot Games (League of Legends)
- Ubisoft (Assassin‘s Creed)
By authorizing an app, you agree to share Google account data to confirm eligibility for rewards. Information shared varies by app but often includes:
- Basic profile info (name, email)
- YouTube viewing history
- In-game progress
In return, connecting an app makes you eligible for free loot, skins, currency, characters and other digital content offered to YouTube viewers.
Below we‘ll explore the process of connecting and disconnecting apps in more detail. First, let‘s weigh the potential pros and cons.
The Benefits and Risks of Connected Apps
Potential Benefits
- Free in-game content and currencies
- Access to exclusive promotions and trials
- Unlockable characters/skins for watching videos
- Support favorite games and streamers
Potential Risks
- Oversharing sensitive personal data
- Account security vulnerabilities
- Difficulty tracking what data each app collects
- Forfeiting eligibility for certain rewards if disconnect
As you can see, there are great perks available but linking a third-party app does require sharing account details in exchange.
Next up, let‘s dive into actually connecting YouTube with a new app, starting on desktop.
How to Connect or Disconnect an App on Desktop
Here‘s a simple walkthrough to manage your connected apps in YouTube desktop settings:
Step 1) Access YouTube Account Settings
- Sign in and click your profile picture => Settings
Step 2) Go to the Connected Apps Section
- On left sidebar under Settings, choose Connected apps
Step 3) Connect a New App or Remove an Existing One
- Click "Connect" to authorize a new third-party app integration
- Or "Disconnect" to remove access for linked apps
And voila! The connected app can now access your Google account details to provide rewards.
Easy enough, right? Now let‘s tackle connecting apps via mobile.
Managing Connected Apps in YouTube‘s Mobile App
The process for connecting services is similar on Android and iOS devices:
- Open YouTube app and tap on your profile icon
- Select "Settings" option
- Scroll down and choose "Connected apps"
- Tap "Connect" or "Disconnect" buttons to manage third-party apps
As mentioned earlier, authorizing a new app will prompt additional permissions – be sure to review access details closely on that next screen.
Okay, you‘re now a master at connecting and disconnecting third-party integrations! 😎
But what happens when you remove an connected app? Let‘s dig in…
What Happens When You Disconnect an Integration?
Disconnecting an app stops any further data access and sharing between services. However, it likely won‘t erase info previously collected about your account.
Here are some key effects of removing a connected app from YouTube:
- No longer eligible for associated rewards programs
- Could lose access to special in-game content unlocked through YouTube
- Have to login again if reconnecting the app down the road
For example, if you disconnect from Epic Games, you‘d stop being eligible for free V-Bucks by watching Fortnite streams.
However, you wouldn‘t lose skins or currency previously earned. That stuff stays in your game account (phew!)
I‘ve summarized types of data shared and effects of disconnecting for a few sample apps below:
| Connected App | Data Shared | Impact of Disconnecting |
|---|---|---|
| Epic Games | Profile info, viewing history, Fortnite progress | No more free V-Bucks or skins from YouTube. Existing items kept. |
| Activision | Call of Duty progress, YouTube watch history | Lose access to operator unlocks from YouTube. Stats remain. |
| Ubisoft | Assassin‘s Creed builds/stats, account details | No more gifts or in-game content from videos. Don‘t lose existing inventory/progress. |
So in most cases, disconnecting an authorized app only forfeits you any future benefits – not what you‘ve already earned.
Let‘s Recap…
We covered a lot of ground on connected YouTube apps here!
To quickly recap connecting and disconnecting apps:
- Connecting third-party apps enables reward systems for watching videos
- However, you must share account data like viewing history in return
- You can easily manage connected apps by tapping your profile => settings
- Disconnect if you wish to stop sharing info with an app
- This forfeits eligibility for future rewards, but doesn‘t delete existing loot
So in closing, take full advantage of the perks connected apps offer, but manage permissions closely for privacy. Reach out anytime if you have other questions!
