How do you make Safari open YouTube links directly in the YouTube app? I had this fixed before somehow.
Edit: Force touch a YouTube link and choose "Open in YouTube". Then Safari remembers this choice.
I don't have any comment on your actual issue, but just wanted to say I appreciate you asking a question and after resolving it, actually posting your resolution.
Thanks for that.
so many people post a problem then come back "never mind, fixed it". At that point you may as well post your solution as it may help someone else.