• 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.

Please feel free to share other alternatives.

  • blunderworld
    2·
    1 year ago

    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@kbin.socialOP
      2·
      1 year ago

      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…