Look for projects like "YouTube Patcher" or "uYou" which sometimes provide legacy support. How to Install IPAs on iOS 12

This specific version is often archived for compatibility with older chips. While it lacks modern "Shorts" or 4K support, it is one of the most stable for iOS 12.

If sideloading proves too difficult, remember that iOS 12’s Safari can still handle YouTube.com. For a better experience: Open YouTube in Safari. Tap the icon.

Because you cannot install these via the official App Store, you must use sideloading tools: YouTube - App Store - Apple Requires iOS 16.0 or later. Requires iPadOS 16.0 or later. Apple

Let’s be blunt. Searching YouTube IPA download iOS 12 puts you in the crosshairs of cybercriminals.

Since YouTube often blocks older app versions server-side, a standard iOS 12 IPA might show a "tap to update" error. : Use Chimera or Checkra1n to jailbreak iOS 12.