The core reason your official YouTube app is broken is that it's been deprecated and blocked by Google's servers. This is a server-side lockout. A shortened link, which only redirects a user's browser to a web address, cannot alter the fundamental code of an installed app or override a server-side block.
This guide explores why this happens on Android 6.0 and provides actionable solutions to fix linking issues. Why Bit.ly Links Fail on Android 6.0
Apps like Better Open With or Linkalyzer sit between your browser and your apps. When you click a bit.ly link, these utilities instantly unzip the true destination ( youtube.com ) and hand it directly to the YouTube app before your browser can make a mistake. Summary Checklist for Android 6 Users bit.ly youtube android 6
If your Android 6 device refuses to process the Bit.ly link altogether, you can use a middleman service to reveal the destination URL before you click it. This protects your security and bypasses the glitchy redirect script. Copy the problematic Bit.ly link.
If the link still does not open in the app, try these workarounds: The core reason your official YouTube app is
The string could be part of a developer’s debug log or a command to download a specific build of an open-source YouTube client (e.g., NewPipe or Vanced) for Android 6, shared via a shortened link on a forum.
Browsers have dedicated, robust redirect engines built into their code that handle Bit.ly scripts much better than the native Android 6 system intent layers. Once the browser unpacks the Bit.ly link into a standard YouTube URL, it will usually trigger a prompt asking if you want to open it via the YouTube app. Method 4: Use a URL "Unshortener" Tool This guide explores why this happens on Android 6
Tap and ensure it is set to Open in this app or Ask every time .