As an Indian, unfortunately I don't have much hope. Even if this is true and somehow got implemented, it has even far reaching worse outcome for the country. I hope that i am wrong but see my other comment. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=33278016

You want so badly to change an app default that it's the "bane of your existence", but you can't be jazzed to install LineageOS or whatever? That doesn't track.

There are legitimate arguments about product bundling and antitrust to be made, but the simple truth is that expert users with particular application tastes are very well served in the Android ecosystem as it stands.

You actually can have Vanced be the default! Set an app timer for 0hr 0 min on YouTube, and go into the app link behavior in settings to default to Vanced. After that, links should open in Vanced. In apps that have browsers, view the link in the internal browser if it brings you to YouTube.com, and it should redirect.

That is a great work around. Thanks for sharing!

Any detailed instructions for lay people please. I would like to use this, but don't know how to set the app timer you mentioned. Thanks.

It’s under the new “digital well-being” menu in settings. Quickest way to get there is to tap and hold YouTube’s app icon, then click the little (I) or gear, which will take you to YouTube’s individual settings. One of them should be the app timer.

I believe that's a Samsung-specifc feature, no?

It’s available on stock android as well (I use a Pixel). Not sure about general availability.