FreeTube
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FreeTube is an open source desktop YouTube player that lets you watch videos without ads and protects privacy by preventing Google tracking through cookies and JavaScript. Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, it stores data locally, recommends VPN/Tor for anonymity, and supports feature-rich viewing.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source (AGPL-3.0)
Application typeApplication types
Platforms
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
- Flathub
- Flatpak
- AppImage
Features
FreeTube News & Activities
Highlights All activities
Recent News
- Ian Dorfman published news article about FreeTube
Recent activities
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Featured in Lists
Europe’s Open-Source Solutions: Your Guide to Transparent, Independent and GDPR-Aligned Software.
This guide is designed for anyone looking to take greater control of their digital life by choosing open-source solutions developed and maintained within Europe. It highlights projects that promote transparency, reduce reliance on non-European tech ecosystems, and align with Europe’s strong commitment to privacy and data protection. The goal is to support digital autonomy in Europe while uplifting the local developers and communities who build trustworthy, user-centric software.
Anything but Gooble
Just say no to Google >> resources and precautions >> https://fuckoffgoogle.de/
Thanks to all the folks who've left info in the comments 🤍🩶🖤
Open Source YouTube Frontends
A list of open source YouTube frontends - both websites and apps. It is separated into categories based on device type and is aimed to be as comprehensive as possible.
What is FreeTube?
FreeTube Videos
FreeTube information
Developed by
PrestonNLicensing
Open Source (AGPL-3.0) and Free product.Written in
Rating
Average rating of 4.5Alternatives
97 alternatives listedBadge
Get an embeddable badge for FreeTubeSupported Languages
AlternativeTo Categories
Video & Movies, Audio & MusicGitHub repository
- 22,010 Stars
- 1,529 Forks
- 300 Open Issues
- Updated
Comments and Reviews
MiniTube isn't working for me on Linux Mint regardless of installing from the software center or the deb file, even though I installed libmpv1 from the package manager. Therefor, I'm using FreeTube instead. It works for the most part. I can subscribe to channels, view comments, download videos, enable dark mode, etc.
EDIT: I forgot a few other great features it has. It offers import/export functionality in FreeTube, NewPipe, or OPML formats. It can also connect with Tor.
However, one problem I have is it appears to only play HD at 720p and not 1080p. Another is it doesn't seem to be getting recognized by my screensaver. My screensaver starts up after 1 minute of playing a video on FreeTube as if there's no activity going on.
[Edited by CapR, August 11]
It sucks. IDK why FreeTube has so many positive comments? First of all, only 1080p video is available. Why? Devs stayed something about YouTube streams, available only in 1080p with audio, so higher resolutions are inaccessible. What? And what with all those YouTube downloaders and video players like MPC-HC, which easily generate streams in 1440p or 4K, you need only copy the link to the video. What is the problem for FreeTube?
Second thing - subscriptions. You cannot import your subscriptions from Youtube into FreeTube. There is a FAQ that lists steps to doing so, but it does not work. You only get a bunch of API errors. I also tried some methods mentioned on the internet, but nothing works. Just the same list of API errors. Hell, even podcast apps easily import my subs from YT, why is so problematic with FreeTube?
After all, without those 2 features: high bitrate/resolution videos and accessing my subs, FreeTube is almost useless for me.
Most people don't enjoy tediously copying links to MPC for every video they want to watch.
And how many people enjoy watching videos in low ress with low bitrate?
You can watch 4k videos.
It is relevant because it shows errors all the time, mostly "API" type errors and "403" errors all the time, if you are lucky, there is an update and it works for a month or so, then it's back to what it was before with errors and all
Without Google's skill & financial base (ads), therefore:
Excellent application. Best beyond my expectations.
Desktop app on Ubuntu works great. A few errors here and there, but compared to YouTube's own interface and their ridiculous amount of ads, FreeTube runs as smooth as silk. Highly recommend.
Good so far. FreeTube has a YouTube sort of front end and stores user info. It requires an app installation vs Invidious which doesn't require an app, but doesn't store user info (favorites etc according to my understanding)
I hope to find something in website vs app for my system with limited resources.
It's fantastic and adds basic features that youtube has done their best to strip away from desktop for years - theatre mode by default, playback settings that pop up on hover, sorting options on channels and searches that aren't dumbed down, no disgusting delay in pausing video. Can import/export subscriptions from youtube or comparable YT clients like Newpipe. Best of all you don't have to have a google account.
There are a bunch of bugs with the miniplayer. No tabs doesn't bother me that much. Wish it had a streamlined queue feature like Newpipe, the playlists are still a bit unwieldy. IF you have an intermittent connection videos won't automatically start replaying, you have to refresh manually.