Google periodically changes its front-end code or adds bot-detection (e.g., requiring cookies, adding signature ciphers, or requiring PoW challenges). Invidious maintainers must constantly reverse-engineer these changes. Some instances die; others adapt.
Invidious is open-source software. You don't just visit "Invidious.com" (the main site has been legally targeted and shut down in the past); you visit instances (e.g., yewtu.be , vid.puffyan.us , etc.). invidious site
Because it strips away the heavy JavaScript and tracking scripts of the standard YouTube site, Invidious loads significantly faster and uses much less RAM. It is excellent for older computers or mobile devices where the official YouTube app causes lag. Google periodically changes its front-end code or adds