The Best Open Source YouTube AlternativesTop Video Sharing Tools & Video Streaming Apps like YouTube

The best open source alternative to YouTube is PeerTube. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to YouTube and loads of them is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to YouTube are NewPipe, LBRY, Invidious and Odysee.

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YouTube alternatives are mainly YouTube Clients, but if you're looking for Video Streaming Apps or YouTube Downloaders you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Online, iPhone, Mac, iPad, YouTube Clients, Android + YouTube Clients and Privacy focused. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to YouTube.
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Alternatives list

  1. PeerTube icon
     519 likes
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    A free, decentralized and federated video platform that allows peer-to-peer video streaming. Supports interoperability via ActivityPub, customizable user interface, video embedding, and follows channels from across the Fediverse without data mining or ads.

    74 PeerTube alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
     
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    38
    712
    Comments about PeerTube as an Alternative to YouTube
    Comment summary: PeerTube is appreciated as an open-source, decentralized alternative to YouTube, offering privacy control and ad-free viewing. Positive comments highlight its federated nature, allowing individual hosting and linking with other instances. Users appreciate its potential for content creators and as a self-hostable video-sharing option. However, criticisms include limited content, performance issues, and a more complicated user experience compared to YouTube.
    Top Positive Comment
    Douze
    10

    PeerTube is the open-source technology that links together independent instances on which people freely host and post videos. Find an instance that suits you or create your own, and join the federated PeerTube community !

    artiman
    Positive
    0

    It's decentralized and made by a non-profit, and it has a way better search than YouTube and as seen in the name it has torrenting, so users can share the load of the server some of the biggest advantages of YouTube is the insane load the server can take and host so many videos peertube instances may not have big datacenters, but it clearly has good software

    Festo
    Positive
    1

    Ad-free, decentralized alternative to share videos.

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    3 of 38 comments
    YouTube Icon
    PeerTube icon
    • Almost everyone thinks PeerTube is a great YouTube alternative.

    • PeerTube is the most popular Web-based, Android, iPhone & Self-Hosted alternative to YouTube.

    • PeerTube is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to YouTube.

    • PeerTube is Free and Open SourceYouTube is Freemium and Proprietary
    • PeerTube is Privacy focusedYouTube is not according to our users
  2. NewPipe icon
     653 likes
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    Discover and stream videos with a lightweight open-source front-end supporting YouTube, PeerTube, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and more. Enjoy seamless 4K playback, audio in background, and video downloads without the need for Google Services or an account. Perfect for avid streamers.

    149 NewPipe alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Android
    • SoundCloud
    • YouTube Music
    • Flathub
    • Bandcamp
    • YouTube
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    • PeerTube
     
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    39
    332
    Comments about NewPipe as an Alternative to YouTube
    Comment summary: NewPipe is often praised as a privacy-focused, ad-free alternative to the YouTube app, allowing users to download videos and play them in the background. However, it remains a YouTube client rather than an independent video platform. Several users emphasize that while it offers a de-Googled experience, it still relies on YouTube for content. Consequently, it is not considered a full alternative to YouTube itself, but rather a different interface for accessing YouTube's services.
    Top Positive Comment
    Danilo Venom
    12

    NewPipe is an alternative to the Youtube app for Android: it supports background playing of Youtube videos in order to listen the audio only, allows to reduce mobile data usage and to download videos

    Top Negative Comment
    Alexandre ZANNI
    10

    NewPipe is not a video platform but a front-end client for Youtube.

    vishwamitra
    Positive
    0

    One of the best youtube client.

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    3 of 39 comments
    YouTube Icon
    NewPipe icon
    • Most users think NewPipe is a great YouTube alternative.

    • NewPipe is Free and Open SourceYouTube is Freemium and Proprietary
    • NewPipe is Privacy focused and LightweightYouTube is not according to our users
  3. LBRY icon
     155 likes
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    LBRY is the first digital marketplace to be controlled by the market's participants rather than a corporation or other 3rd-party.

    32 LBRY alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • AppImageHub
     
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    20
    125
    Comments about LBRY as an Alternative to YouTube
    Comment summary: LBRY is praised as a decentralized, privacy-focused alternative to YouTube that offers open-source features, unlimited video uploads, privacy, and monetization through cryptocurrency rewards. Some users find the platform's interface confusing and express concerns about video visibility and the transition to Odysee. The transition has garnered mixed reactions, with some noting improvements and others highlighting limitations like unclear payment models.
    Top Positive Comment
    Rodney42
    2

    It allows you to upload unlimited amounts of video.

    Top Negative Comment
    takitzis
    -1

    LBRY video interface has moved to Odyssee, so no more is a Youtube alternative

    hfVgd_
    Positive
    0

    Open source and ad-free but the main website Odysee is centralized and uses tracking cookies.

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    3 of 20 comments
    YouTube Icon
    LBRY icon
    • Almost everyone thinks LBRY is a great YouTube alternative.

    • LBRY is the most popular Windows, Mac, Linux, iPad & Android Tablet alternative to YouTube.

    • LBRY is Free and Open SourceYouTube is Freemium and Proprietary
    • LBRY is Privacy focusedYouTube is not according to our users
  4. Invidious icon
     198 likes
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    Open-source YouTube alternative offers ad-free browsing with no registration or JS needed. Features video download, audio mode, subscription tools, and multi-language support. Export/import data, manage playlists without Google account, and access embedded support.

    57 Invidious alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    • Cloudron
     
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    14
    114
    Comments about Invidious as an Alternative to YouTube
    Comment summary: Invidious is highlighted as a privacy-focused, ad-free frontend to YouTube, praised for its lack of ads, trackers, and need for JavaScript. Users value its ability to let them download videos and avoid traditional YouTube's data collection. While it serves well as an alternative for viewers wanting a lighter and private experience, it doesn't offer features beneficial for content creators.
    Top Positive Comment
    TerrifiedTyphlosion
    10

    As the description states, it is merely a frontend for YouTube. However, it comes with a lighter interface and blocks YouTube trackers and ads.

    Top Negative Comment
    Alexandre ZANNI
    6

    Invidious is not a video platform but a Youtube frontend.

    OnlyOpenSource
    Negative
    0

    Invidious is a YouTube privacy frontend not a video hosting site like YouTube.

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    3 of 14 comments
    YouTube Icon
    Invidious icon
    • Most users think Invidious is a great YouTube alternative.

    • Invidious is Free and Open SourceYouTube is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Invidious is Privacy focused and LightweightYouTube is not according to our users
  5. Odysee icon
     145 likes
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    Launch your own channel | Watch and share videos.

    117 Odysee alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
     
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    6
    65
    Comments about Odysee as an Alternative to YouTube
    Top Positive Comment
    bchpls
    4

    At this point in time odysee seems to be the most attractive alternative for youtube. Many content creator (especially those who value freedom) switch every day.

    Shaz Shah
    2

    I'm actually on the fence with Odysee. Yes, it's a functional alternative to YouTube. But it also is built upon a blockchain protocol (LIBRY). So you will get all sorts of material without moderation, censorship or take-downs. While it sounds cool, you are at risk of seeing dangerous as well as potentially false content.

    RemovedUser
    Positive
    4

    It sucks, but man is it way better than Youtube.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 6 comments
    YouTube Icon
    Odysee icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Odysee is a great YouTube alternative.

    • Odysee is Freemium and Open SourceYouTube is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Odysee is Privacy focusedYouTube is not according to our users
  6. FreeTube icon
     266 likes
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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.

    81 FreeTube alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • AppImageHub
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
     
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    7
    36
    Comments about FreeTube as an Alternative to YouTube
    Top Positive Comment
    BorisF
    0

    Best YouTube third party client.

    Top Negative Comment
    energy1
    0

    FreeTube is a Youtube player. It directly relies on YouTube and so is not an alternative.

    Antimon
    Positive
    0

    Detailed customizability, ad and distraction blocking.

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    3 of 7 comments
    YouTube Icon
    FreeTube icon
    • Most users think FreeTube is a great YouTube alternative.

    • FreeTube is Free and Open SourceYouTube is Freemium and Proprietary
    • FreeTube is Privacy focused and LightweightYouTube is not according to our users
  7. DTube icon
     64 likes
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    DTube is the first crypto-decentralized video platform, built on top of the Steemit and the IPFS peer-to-peer network.

    77 DTube alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
     
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    6
    78
    Comments about DTube as an Alternative to YouTube
    Top Positive Comment
    OAKSIF0
    2

    Love it looks like youtube but its not. And I didn't know it was completly decentralized and open source! What a bonus!

    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    No censors, so you can listen to mrbeast swear all the time!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    -5

    Censor free, easy to use, and fun. Would recommend.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 6 comments
    YouTube Icon
    DTube icon
    • Most users think DTube is a great YouTube alternative.

    • DTube is Free and Open SourceYouTube is Freemium and Proprietary
  8. MediaGoblin icon
     99 likes
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    MediaGoblin is a free software media publishing platform that anyone can run. You can think of it as a decentralized alternative to Flickr, YouTube, SoundCloud, etc.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    • Sandstorm
     
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    5
    55
    Comments about MediaGoblin as an Alternative to YouTube
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    12

    It is a free/libre software that respects your freedom and the freedom of your personal data.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    -1

    Poor in content, unused, not immediately clear, important structural difference that are not obvious.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    -10

    Clueless how it works and it would not upload my video when I tried the demo so there was no way to figure it out.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 5 comments
    YouTube Icon
    MediaGoblin icon
    • Most users think MediaGoblin is a great YouTube alternative.

    • MediaGoblin is Free and Open SourceYouTube is Freemium and Proprietary
  9. ReVanced icon
     94 likes
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    Unofficial extended YouTube client featuring ad-free playback, SponsorBlock for skipping segments, background and minimized play, auto-repeat, original dislike counts, offline downloads, customizable patches, amoled theme, microG, and enhanced navigation.

    51 ReVanced alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Android
     
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    18
  10. LibreTube icon
     83 likes
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    Open-source YouTube frontend for Android offering ad-free playback, SponsorBlock, synchronization across devices, video and audio downloads, user accounts, subscription management, playlists, channel grouping, search filters, gestures, comments, captions, and dark mode.

    89 LibreTube alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
     
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    13
  11. Piped icon
     77 likes
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    Ad-free frontend to YouTube offering channel subscriptions without an account, multiple playlist import/export formats, SponsorBlock integration, picture-in-picture, and privacy features. No Google connection, supports dark mode, is open-source, and requires no email.

    65 Piped alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
     
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    2
    15
    Comments about Piped as an Alternative to YouTube
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    It's much nicer than Invidious. Piped is not a full YouTube alternative like LBRY, but rather a frontend that allows you to watch YouTube and only connecting to googleapis.com (not googlevideo.com like Invidious). It also has the craziest ad blocker ever. When you watch a video and they say, now it's time for a word from our sponsor or something like that, it fast forwards to the end of that part. It's insane, I have no idea how they pull that off!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    RemovedUser
    Positive
    0

    If you want to watch YouTube content but don't like ads and Google's invasive data collection, you should definitely try Piped. It's super fast (faster than Invidious in my experience) and the Preferences allow users to enable SponsorBlock, an open-source crowdsourced platform that skips sponsored segments automatically, so that you never have to hear "this video is sponsored by RandomVPN" ever again. It's highly customizable, very similar to NewPipe.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    YouTube Icon
    Piped icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Piped is a great YouTube alternative.

    • Piped is Free and Open SourceYouTube is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Piped is Privacy focused and LightweightYouTube is not according to our users
  12. SmartTube icon
     61 likes
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    Advanced player for Android TVs and TV boxes offering 8K video, 60fps, HDR, adjustable playback speed, SponsorBlock, ad-free viewing, customizable buttons, live chat reading, account login, casting support, no reliance on Google Services, and open source.

    35 SmartTube alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Android TV
    • Fire TV
     
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    1
    6
    Comments about SmartTube as an Alternative to YouTube
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    no ads, no censorship, no algo.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    YouTube Icon
    SmartTube icon
    • Almost everyone thinks SmartTube is a great YouTube alternative.

    • SmartTube is Free and Open SourceYouTube is Freemium and Proprietary
    • SmartTube is Privacy focused and LightweightYouTube is not according to our users
12 of 58 YouTube alternatives