• 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.

    • @RookiMA
      link
      41 year ago

      Revanced is sometimes only available for rooted phones!

      • @off_apparition
        link
        21 year ago

        I have an unrooted phone and I’m using revanced

        • @RookiMA
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          11 year ago

          Can you tell me what phone you use? Old or new? It could be that i use a pixel phone too ;(

          • @off_apparition
            link
            21 year ago

            I have a Samsung Galaxy S9. It’s not really the newest phone out there. There might be issues with the youtube apk version that you’re trying to patch. On the Revanced Github it says that most patches are only available for version 18.19.35

            • @RookiMA
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              11 year ago

              Yeah i got that but i think pixel just simply does not allow that.

      • Tiritibambix
        link
        fedilink
        11 year ago

        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.

    • @RookiMA
      link
      21 year ago

      I tried to patch youtube today again. Even patching a new apk of youtube. Still says i cant do it without root perms

  • @august_senpai
    link
    81 year ago

    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.

  • @[email protected]
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    fedilink
    31 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.

    • zlatiahOP
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      fedilink
      21 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…

  • Alpagu
    link
    21 year ago

    I tried now. Newpipe is excellent.

  • SparkIT
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    fedilink
    21 year ago

    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.

  • decadentrebel
    link
    11 year ago

    Is there a Teddit equivalent for YouTube?

  • decadentrebel
    link
    11 year ago

    Is there a Teddit equivalent for YouTube?

    • @NextWave
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      11 year ago

      Is there a Teddit equivalent for YouTube?