YSK: a few ways to watch YouTube videos without using youtube.com

  • Invidious: an alternative front-end that is open-source and privacy-respecting. Here are a list of open instances. If you are reasonably familiar with docker/self-hosting you can also host it yourself, but be aware it's somewhat resource- and maintenance-heavy.

  • yt-dlp: this is a nice command-line program that allows you to download YouTube videos by link; also works with Peertube links. For Windows/Mac users apparently the program is available as well, but please follow their instructions. If you also have mpv installed, you can call mpv <http://youtube.link> to directly stream a video.

  • NewPipe: this app on F-droid.org allows you to watch YouTube videos (and Soundcloud/Bandcamp but somewhat glitchy) with an experience very much akin to the YouTube app itself.

  • (edit) As suggested, things that I missed: Piped, LibreTube (Android)

Please feel free to share other alternatives.

flat,
@flat@reddthat.com avatar

poketubefreetubeinvuedious

CapgrasDelusion,

but be aware it's somewhat resource- and maintenance-heavy

It's not TOO horrible if it's a private instance. I run mine on Google's free tier e2-micro (partly because I think it's funny to have Google host my ad-free YouTube; it also hosts Beatbump for YouTube music).

That VM is 2 cores and 1 gig of ram. I know they recommend 2 gigs, and it definitely struggles with 2160p, but it does up to 1440p. I set it to restart every night and haven't had any problems.

Invidious is definitely on Google's radar now though, so not sure how long it will last.

Alpagu,

I tried now. Newpipe is excellent.

SparkIT,
SparkIT avatar

I'm using SmartTube on my TvBox and live in fear it will stop working xD

There's also a component for foobar2000 (yes, I'm GenX) called Youtube Source. You can search content, add results to foobar playlists and see the video (embedded in the skin or on a different window). Sometimes the video doesn't load but restarting foobar it's usually enough.

blunderworld,

Good list, but just want to add my 2 cents about invidious. Ive been having a hard time with their instances lately… May be related to Google trying to shut them down, but I dont know for sure. The video player refuses to load, no matter which instance I select.

Could just be a me problem, but worth keeping in mind if others face similar issues. Ive been having much better luck with Peertube instances lately.

zlatiah,
zlatiah avatar

It's definitely not a you problem. Invidious, yt-dlp, and Piped all had some serious issues just a few weeks back, I wouldn't be surprised if YouTube is secretly planning something... hence the more options the merrier. Obviously some creators are on Peertube which seems like will last longer at this rate...

Tiritibambix,
@Tiritibambix@lemmy.ml avatar

Desktop : Freetube

Android : Revanced

Rooki,
@Rooki@lemmy.world avatar

Revanced is sometimes only available for rooted phones!

Tiritibambix,
@Tiritibambix@lemmy.ml avatar

Considering you have to patch yourself the app with their tool and the tool doesn’t need root access, I’ve never had this problem.

august_senpai,

There is also Piped, which is like Invidious. On Android you can use LibreTube which uses Piped as its backend, so you never connect directly to YouTube.

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