Sustainable Substitutes for Big Tech Video Sharing Platforms

Alternatives to YouTube, TikTok and Twitch with better privacy and curation.

PeerTube

PeerTube is a decentralised, open-source video platform and alternative to YouTube.

PeerTube is self-hostable, giving users full control over their video content.
PeerTube is decentralized, meaning no single entity controls the platform, reducing the risk of data exploitation and monopolistic practices.
PeerTube does not track users for ads or data mining, and instances can enforce strict privacy policies.
PeerTube is open-source, with its code publicly available for transparency and community collaboration.
PeerTube is ad-free, ensuring a cleaner and more private user experience.
PeerTube supports open data standards and protocols like ActivityPub, enabling seamless communication with other federated platforms.
Mainly developed by Framasoft, a French non-profit organisation.
Users can view content without creating an account, though uploading may require instance registration.
PeerTube is free to use and host, with no mandatory fees
Website
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PipePipe

An Android app that acts as a privacy preserving, ad-blocking proxy to YouTube.

As a fork of NewPipe, it removes all advertisements from YouTube content.
The app is open-source, following NewPipe’s model of transparency and community contributions.
PipePipe supports offline viewing by allowing users to download YouTube videos directly to their device.
Does not track users or store data centrally, with all data kept locally on the device.
Users can access YouTube content without logging in or creating an account.
PipePipe is free to use, with no premium features or costs.
Website

Loops

Loops is an open-source short-form video platform tuned by the Fediverse.

Loops offers short-form videos without ads.
Following the principles of the Fediverse, Loops is decentralised with multiple instances around the globe.
Loops does not track users for ads or data mining.
Loops is fully open-source, everyone can host their own instances.
Loops supports open data standards and protocols like Activity Pub, enabling seamless communication with other federated platforms.
Loops is free to use, with no subscription or hidden costs
Website
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Jellyfin

Jellyfin is an open-source media streaming platform emphasising privacy and self-hosting.

Jellyfin is ad-free, ensuring a cleaner and more private user experience.
Jellyfin is fully self-hostable, allowing users to manage their media libraries on their own servers, ensuring complete control and privacy.
Jellyfin is free and open-source software, allowing anyone to use, modify, and contribute to its development.
Jellyfin is completely free to use, with no subscription fees or hidden costs.
For self-hosted instances, users can access media without mandatory registration.
Supports plugins and third-party repositories, allowing users to extend functionality as needed
Media can be streamed locally within a user’s network, even without internet access.
Website

Freetube

A desktop application that acts as an anonymising, ad-blocking proxy to YouTube.

Blocks all YouTube advertisements, providing an ad-free experience.
The application is open-source, with public repositories and community development.
Prevents Google from tracking users via Cookies or JavaScript, and stores all user data locally.
Does not require a user account to browse or watch videos.
FreeTube is free to download and use, with no hidden costs.
Website

Twire

Open-source, ad-free and anonymising Android app for Twitch streams.

Twire removes all Twitch advertisements, providing an ad-free streaming experience
The app is open-source, with its code available on GitHub.
Twire focuses on privacy by avoiding unnecessary data collection, though it uses Twitch login for account features
Twire is free to download and use, with no hidden costs.
Twire does not require registration to be used as a basic Twitch browser and stream player.
Website

How to move away from Big Tech Video Sharing Platforms

Here's a guide on how to easily get away from TikTok, Twitch and YouTube.

To move away from Big Tech video sharing platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok, users can first explore decentralised and community-driven alternatives such as PeerTube, Loops, or Owncast. While these platforms prioritise privacy, user control, and ethical practices, their content libraries are often smaller than those of mainstream services. A practical approach is to check if the desired content is available on the alternative platform before defaulting to the mainstream site. This habit helps support independent creators and reduces reliance on centralised platforms over time.

For those who still need access to content exclusive to Big Tech platforms, a second option is to use privacy-focused proxies like FreeTube, PipePipe, or Twire. These applications allow users to access YouTube or Twitch content without ads, tracking, or the need for a Google/Twitch account, providing a more private and user-controlled experience. They act as intermediaries, fetching content while minimising data exposure.

As a third option, users can install the progressive web apps (PWAs) of these platforms in a privacy-preserving, ad-blocking browser. This method combines the convenience of a native app experience with the control of browser-based privacy tools, such as uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger, to further reduce tracking and ads. While not a complete alternative, this approach offers a middle ground for users transitioning away from Big Tech ecosystems.

Content creators who cannot afford to lose their following on mainstream platforms are encouraged to cross-post their content on federated alternatives such as PeerTube or Loops. This allows them to reach privacy-conscious audiences and support decentralised platforms while maintaining their existing community on YouTube, Twitch, or TikTok. Over time, this strategy can help grow the federated ecosystem and reduce dependence on centralised services, which might start to shadow-ban or block creators who post content that goes against Big Tech's best interest.