Do you like watching videos, but not the feeling of being tracked online? Want more privacy while you browse?
Many of us love YouTube, but let’s face it – data tracking can be a concern. Good news! There are awesome YouTube alternatives out there that prioritize your privacy.
This list offers a variety of platforms where you can watch videos without feeling like someone’s watching you. So, ditch the data trackers and get into a world of private video browsing!
The Best YouTube Alternatives
In the age of online video, YouTube reigns supreme. But what if you’re looking for something different? Maybe you prioritize privacy or crave a specific niche. The good news is there’s a whole world of YouTube alternatives waiting to be explored! We’ve narrowed down the list to 10 of the best platforms, each offering a unique experience:
Vimeo – For the Creative Soul
Predominantly known for high-quality, artistic video content, Vimeo caters to creators who value aesthetics and a curated community. It offers robust editing tools, excellent video quality options, and a strong focus on short films, documentaries, and animations.
Pros
- High-quality video hosting
- Focus on artistic and creative content
- Strong community for creators
- Advanced editing tools (paid plans)
Cons
- Smaller user base compared to YouTube
- Limited monetization options for free accounts
Pricing
Free: 500MB weekly upload limit, 10 videos per day, basic privacy controls, limited analytics.
Plus ($7/month): 5GB weekly upload limit, 250GB storage per year, advanced privacy controls, advanced analytics, player customization.
Pro ($25/month): 1TB weekly upload limit, 7TB storage, live streaming tools, advanced marketing tools, professional analytics.
Enterprise (Contact Sales): Unlimited storage and bandwidth, custom integrations, priority support.
DTube
DTube is decentralized platform built on blockchain technology prioritizes user privacy and empowers creators through cryptocurrency rewards.
Pros
No Spying Eyes: DTube keeps your information private, unlike some other video platforms.
Freedom to Watch: DTube lets you watch pretty much anything the community agrees is okay, with fewer restrictions.
Crypto Creator Cash: You can potentially earn cryptocurrency for your videos, which is like special internet money.
Cons
Fewer Fellow Viewers: DTube is still growing, so there might be less variety in videos compared to YouTube.
Quality Check: Video quality can vary a bit on DTube, so you might not always find perfectly polished content.
Pricing of DTube
Free to Watch and Upload: You don’t need to pay anything to watch videos on DTube or upload your own content.
No In-App Purchases or Subscriptions: DTube doesn’t have any hidden fees or subscriptions within the platform
Dailymotion
Dailymotion boasts a vast library of content, from news clips to music videos. Dailymotion draws in 112 million monthly viewers and stands as a significant competitor to YouTube. While some liken it closely to YouTube, others dub it as its “darker and poorer” sibling. Nonetheless, Dailymotion offers a comparable layout, a user-friendly interface, and content categories akin to YouTube.
Users are attracted to Dailymotion primarily for its high-quality videos. Unlike YouTube, Dailymotion allows uploads of up to 4GB in size and with a resolution of 1080p, although there is a limitation of 20 minutes per video.
Pros
- Diverse range of content.
- Resembles YouTube in many aspects.
- Easy-to-navigate interface.
Cons
- Intrusive advertisements.
- Content organization is less refined.
- Limited live streaming capabilities.
Pricing of Dailymotion
Free to Watch: You can enjoy a vast library of content on Dailymotion without any subscription fees.
Limited Uploads: Dailymotion allows for a total of 2 hours of video uploads per day, capped at 96 videos. Individual video length is restricted to 60 minutes.
Basic Monetization: Free accounts have limited monetization options compared to paid plans.
Paid Plans (For Creators):
Dailymotion doesn’t publicly advertise specific pricing for paid plans. However, information suggests they offer custom solutions for creators based on their needs. This might include features like:
Increased Upload Limits: More video storage space and longer video upload durations.
Advanced Monetization Tools: Access to a wider range of advertising and monetization options to generate revenue from your content.
Content Protection: Features to protect your content from unauthorized copying or distribution.
Analytics and Reporting: Detailed data and insights into your audience and video performance.
Vevo
Vevo serves as a secure alternative to YouTube, specializing in music videos. Backed by Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group, Vevo offers a plethora of top-notch music videos, categorized by artist for easy exploration.
Pros
Music Galore: Forget sifting through endless cat videos – Vevo is all about music! From chart-topping hits to hidden gems, you’ll find a vast library of high-quality music videos.
Big Name Backing: Vevo partners with major record labels like Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group, ensuring you have access to a massive collection of music videos from your favorite artists.
Crystal Clear Quality: Immerse yourself in stunning visuals. Vevo boasts a reputation for high-quality music videos, letting you truly appreciate the music and artistry.
Cons
Strictly Music: While fantastic for music lovers, Vevo doesn’t offer other content categories like vlogs or gaming videos.
Less Feature Rich: Compared to YouTube, Vevo might have fewer features like playlists or live streaming.
Pricing of Vevo
Free to Watch: You don’t need to pay any subscription fees to watch music videos on Vevo.
Ad-Supported: Vevo primarily generates revenue through advertisements displayed before, during, or after music videos. These ads might vary depending on your location and the video you’re watching.
Twitch
Live streaming takes center stage on Twitch, making it a haven for gamers and esports aficionados. Viewers can interact with streamers in real-time, fostering a strong sense of community.
Pros
Live streaming focus, perfect for gamers and entertainers
Strong community engagement between viewers and streamers
Dedicated tools for esports and gaming content
Cons
Primarily focused on live content, with limited on-demand options
Content can be heavily skewed towards gaming
Pricing of Twitch
Twitch is free to watch live streams, but some perks cost extra:
Viewers: Watch for free, interact with chat, follow streamers.
Twitch Prime (with Amazon Prime): Free monthly channel sub, exclusive emotes, ad-free viewing, bonus game content (extra cost).
Streamers (Free Affiliate Program): Earn from subscriptions, bits (virtual currency for cheering), donations.
Streamers (Invitation-only Partner Program): Higher revenue share, extra tools and support (exclusive access).
For the Learning Seeker: TED
TED Talks, known for their captivating presentations on a wide range of topics, have found a permanent home online. The platform offers informative and inspiring short-form videos from leading experts and thought leaders.
Pros
High-quality educational and informative content
Diverse range of topics and speakers
Short-form videos, ideal for quick learning bursts
Cons
Limited creator options for individual users
Content primarily consists of pre-recorded presentations
Pricing of TED
TED Talks are (mostly) free to access! Here’s the breakdown:
Free Viewing: The vast majority of TED Talks are available to watch completely free on the official TED website (https://www.ted.com/) and their YouTube channel.
TED Unscripted: This is a premium membership program offered by TED that provides access to exclusive content, including:
In-depth interviews with TED speakers.
Early access to upcoming TED Talks.
Ad-free viewing on the TED website.
Crackle (Only in USA)
Crackle is a streaming platform available only in the USA, owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment. It’s a good spot to catch original TV shows and classic Hollywood movies. You’ll find popular titles like Animal House, Paranormal Activity, and Rudy. Plus, Crackle offers videos from big studios like Columbia Pictures and TriStar Pictures.
Pros
Lots of popular movies and TV shows.
Easy to find what you’re looking for.
Ad-supported, but ads aren’t too bothersome.
Cons
Not a lot of original shows.
Limited recent blockbuster movies.
Only available in the USA.
Mostly in standard definition, not high definition.
Choosing the Right Platform:
Pricing of Crackle
Crackle is currently a free video streaming service, but with a caveat: it’s only available in the United States. Here’s a quick summary:
Free Streaming: Enjoy Crackle’s entire library of movies and TV shows without any subscription fees or in-app purchases.
Ad-Supported: Crackle uses advertisements to maintain its free service. You’ll encounter ads before, during, or after your chosen content.
No Hidden Costs: There are no surprises with Crackle. You can simply browse and watch their selection without any financial commitment.
PeerTube
PeerTube is a video-sharing site created by Framasoft, a nonprofit. It’s different from big companies like YouTube because it’s run by many different groups.
On PeerTube, you’ll find all sorts of videos, from educational ones to fun stuff. Unlike YouTube, PeerTube doesn’t use hidden rules to suggest videos or track what you do online, so you won’t get annoying ads.
Pros
Not controlled by big companies.
Focuses on freedom.
Lots of different kinds of videos.
Run by communities, not corporations.
Less commercial than YouTube.
Cons
Not as many users as YouTube.
It can be harder to find videos you like.
Pricing of PeerTube
PeerTube itself is completely free to use!
BitChute
BitChute offers a unique streaming experience, welcoming independent content often barred on mainstream platforms due to strict rules. Using peer-to-peer tech, it shares data without central servers.
Pros
Supports free speech.
Uses peer-to-peer tech.
Welcomes diverse viewpoints.
Less corporate control.
Cons
May host controversial content.
Limited moderation.
Appeals to niche audiences.
Potential for offensive material.
Pricing of BitChute
BitChute is a free-to-use platform for both viewers and creators. There are no subscription fees or premium memberships required to access content or upload videos
LBRY
LBRY is a special streaming site that uses blockchain tech. It’s decentralized and doesn’t censor content, so many people enjoy its diverse and unique videos. It runs on its own digital money, giving rewards to creators and viewers.
LBRY brings together a cool group of creators where big companies can’t control what’s shared. It’s simple to navigate and offers lots of educational and fun stuff.
Pros
Built on blockchain.
Not controlled by one authority.
Gives cryptocurrency rewards.
Offers a wide range of content.
Cons
Can be tricky to get used to.
Depends on cryptocurrency.
Quality of content may vary.
Pricing of LBRY
LBRY is a free-to-use platform for both creators and viewers. There are no subscription fees or upfront costs associated with accessing or publishing content on LBRY
Choosing the Right Platform
The best YouTube alternative depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider these factors:
- Content type: Are you creating short-form videos, live streams, in-depth tutorials, or artistic pieces?
- Target audience: Who are you trying to reach? Gamers, learners, or a general audience?
- Monetization goals: Do you want to earn money from your content?
- Community focus: Do you value interaction and engagement with viewers?
By exploring these alternatives and understanding their strengths, you can venture beyond YouTube and discover a vibrant online video landscape waiting to be explored.