How to Fix and Use Bit.ly YouTube Links on Android 6 (Marshmallow)

Android 6.0 Marshmallow introduced a fundamental change in how the operating system handles web links through a feature called . This guide addresses the common issue where shortened links, specifically Bit.ly URLs pointing to YouTube , fail to redirect correctly or open in the browser instead of the native app on legacy Android 6 devices . 1. Understanding the Core Mechanism: App Links

Here is a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and fixing bit.ly YouTube link issues on Android 6.0. 1. Why Bit.ly YouTube Links Fail on Android 6.0

Similar to YouTube, older versions of the Bitly app are available that support Android 6.0 (API level 23).

If you’re using Android 6.0 Marshmallow, you might have hit some hurdles. As of 2025, YouTube no longer supports devices running Android 6.0. Google requires newer OS versions for the YouTube app, leaving these devices behind. What does this mean?

If the links are broken or the method does not work, you can try:

LineageOS 14.1 is based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat, which supports modern YouTube APKs. It also includes updated WebView components that handle Bit.ly redirects flawlessly.

Are you a trying to optimize links for your audience?

Standard Bit.ly links often hurt conversion rates on mobile devices because they break the user journey. To prevent this, use deep-linking strategies. Use Mobile Deep Link Generators

To understand the situation, we need to look at the timeline. Official support for the YouTube app on Android 6.0 and 7.1 (Marshmallow and Nougat) was dropped after version 17.34.36. Even before the app's official demise, a workaround existed that involved clearing the app's data to temporarily bypass an update prompt that appeared for users on these older operating systems.