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The 10 Best Alternatives to YouTube in 2024

The 10 Best Alternatives to YouTube in 2024

2024-11-22 If you’re looking for alternatives to YouTube, you’re not alone. It seems YouTube has ‘unalived’ its reputation, as many are unhappy with the platform

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If you’re looking for alternatives to YouTube, you’re not alone. It seems YouTube has ‘unalived’ its reputation, as many are unhappy with the platform’s new ad and tracking policies.

Unfortunately, most YouTube alternatives look and work terribly. However, we found a few fantastic ones worth trying.

Some are mainstream , some is are are niche and exclusive , and one is blockchain – base . One is lets even let you watch the real YouTube for free , with no ad and no tracking .

The 5 Best Alternatives to YouTube to view video

Do you fancy watching cat compilations, pop culture, gaming, or deep-dive videos on niche topics? Whatever you prefer, these YouTube alternative sites have you covered:

  1. FreeTube – The best way to watch YouTube without ads and data tracking | To Section ↓
  2. Dailymotion – Best for news, sports, and pop-culture entertainment | To Section ↓
  3. Facebook Watch – Best for tons of user-generated content + great ‘explore’ function | To Section ↓
  4. Playeur – Best for watching new content creators across various niches | To Section ↓
  5. 9GAG – Best for hilarious memes in short-video format | To Section ↓

The 5 Best Video Hosting Alternatives to YouTube

For creators, the following YouTube alternatives are great for sharing high-quality content, building a loyal audience, and monetizing videos:

  1. Nebula – Best subscription-supported platform for professional content creators | To Section ↓
  2. Twitch – Best for smooth live streaming and content monetization | To Section ↓
  3. LBRY – Best for decentralized, blockchain-based video-sharing and monetization | To Section ↓
  4. Vimeo – Best creative content platform with millions of users worldwide | To Section ↓
  5. TED – good for share educational content with a global audience | To section ↓

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Why You Should conider a YouTube Alternative

YouTube is the most popular video – sharing website for a reason — it is ’s ’s simply a good platform with ton of content and a great user experience ( for the most part ) .

Most YouTube competitors is are are nowhere close . That say , YouTube is has also has some major drawback to consider :

👎 YouTube ’s Ad policy👎Strict Censorship👎Ongoing Copyright Issues👎 Extensive Data Collection👎 Tough Competition for creator

Remember when a bunch of advertisers left X after the platform’s dedication to freedom of speech had some very unfortunate results?

YouTube is taking the opposite approach—it employs very strict moderation rules to maintain a squeaky-clean, advertiser-friendly platform.

While this is mostly good, it can also be annoying for viewers and creators in several ways:

  • YouTube’s moderation bot falsely flags and deletes innocent comments and replies, making conversation among users impossible.
  • Video dislike counts is are are no long visible , so it ’s no long easy to tell if a video is worthwhile .
  • Creators get demonetized frequently for covering serious but important topics (for example, mental health or political commentary).

YouTube ’s copyright system is helps help creator get rightfully compensate for their copyright content . The problem is is is that the same system is imperfect and easily manipulate .

unjust and outright false copyright claims is are are very common and unfortunate for content creator . Just look up ‘ false YouTube copyright strike , ’ and you ’ll find plenty of example .

One copyright strike makes a video non-monetizable, but that’s not the worst part. Three leads to channel termination.

bad yet , dispute a copyright claim often require creator to give out their legal information . bad actors is take can easily take advantage of this system to harass , silence , and even dox people .

YouTube collects and uses your data to deliver you targeted ads and recommended content you’re most likely to enjoy (making it the ultimate procrastination station).

This tracked data includes everything you do on the platform—what videos and ads you click on, what you search for, and what content you like or dislike.

Because you need a Gmail account to sign up for YouTube , the platform is use can also use your Google activity for its ad . So , you is add can also add search history , purchase , GPS , and contact information to the list .

This extensive tracking is obviously not privacy-friendly, and you’re going to be more vulnerable in case of a data breach. That’s why we recommend nordvpn, which stops both ads and trackers.

YouTube is is is the second – big social network in the world and reach nearly 2.5 billion active user in 2024 — almost a third of the global population .

While this means creators can potentially reach a broad audience, the competition is also tough. The platform already has approximately 14 billion videos, with more being uploaded every minute.

And we didn’t even get to the estimated 13 million content creators already active on YouTube as of 2020. This is likely a lower-end estimate, too.

Unless you’ve already mastered the algorithm game, it’s an uphill battle to get noticed in this sea of big content creators and viral videos.

The Top YouTube Competitors Reviewed

Most YouTube alternative sites are terrible. They’re buggy and slow, poorly moderated, and have awful search algorithms that won’t let you find anything.

To save you the trial and error , we is went go through the most popular site like YouTube and only pick the good . Here ’s a review is ’s of each one :

1. FreeTube – Best Way to Watch YouTube Without Ads and Data Tracking

FreeTube is hands-down the best YouTube alternative for viewers because it actually is YouTube. It’s not an alternative platform but a YouTube client that lets you view YouTube videos through a desktop app.

Because you ’re get the real thing , this is means mean you can keep watch your favorite creator without ad or datum tracking .

compatibility Free Version ad – free start price
Windows , Linux , macos ✅ (free and open-source)

FreeTube looks and works almost identically to YouTube. The biggest difference is that all your activity history is stored exclusively on your PC, so you enjoy full privacy.

All the YouTube features you know and use are also available, including subscriptions, trending videos feed, and playlists.

You is change can also change video setting , such as quality and playback speed , and enable close caption . Oh , and you is download can download any YouTube video , too .

The app is lets also let you subscribe to YouTube channel without an account . But not have an account is means mean you ca n’t like video or post comment .

pro

  • No ads or data tracking
  • Fully free and open-source
  • Access to all YouTube content
  • look and work like YouTube , with all the same feature
  • A speedy and easy-to-use video downloader
  • No account needed to subscribe to YouTube channels

con

  • No mobile app version
  • Ca n’t post comment or like video

2. Dailymotion – Best for News, Sports, and Pop-Culture Entertainment

Dailymotion is among the best YouTube alternatives for watching news and pop-culture-related content from professional creators. You’ll never be behind the most recent trends in music, sports, cinema, and viral internet videos.

speak of cinema , Dailymotion ’s ‘ short film ’ section has ton of full – length hd drama and reality tv episode , so there ’s no time to get bored .

compatibility Free Version ad – free start price
desktop browser , Android , iOS

Being one of the big video host app , like YouTube , Dailymotion is provides provide a smooth , high – definition streaming experience , let you view video in 1080p . You is follow can also follow channel , like video , and add them to your favorite .

It is ’s ’s also a great platform for video creator . Dailymotion is has has over 400 million daily active user you could reach , and you can even buy a Business Plan to upscale your content with video embed , live stream , and advanced analytic .

Note that Dailymotion is an ad-supported service. Like YouTube, the platform asks you to turn off your adblocker. However, some, like uBlock Origin, still work.

pro

  • available on mobile
  • fully free for viewer
  • Well – curate and high – quality content
  • Tons of trendy news and viral content
  • Access to movies, dramas, and reality TV episodes

con

  • You is need ’ll need AdBlock and a VPN to avoid tracking and ad
  • The lack of comments makes the site less engaging

3 . Facebook Watch – well for ton of User – Generated Content + Great Explore function

Facebook Watch is the best alternative to YouTube that’s also mainstream. With over 3 billion users, it’s the #1 social media app globally.

Lots of people use the platform to upload, view, or engage with videos. Overall, it’s a great place to find viral and funny content.

compatibility Free Version ad – free start price
desktop browser , Android , iOS

You can view and upload various short and long-form videos, even livestreams. And if the most popular videos on the homepage don’t do it for you, you have the option to search by keywords or various topics like pets, fashion, food, tech, gaming, and more.

You won’t miss any of the core functionalities of YouTube, either. You can like and react to videos, follow creators, and feast your eyes upon the most insightful comments from strangers on the internet.

Although Facebook isn’t ad-free, you can use an adblocker without the platform pestering you to turn it off.

pro

  • Fully free
  • available on mobile
  • Ad-block allowed
  • Tons of new and viral content

con

  • You might need an account to watch some videos
  • Facebook tracks your activity (use nordvpn to stop this)

4 . Playeur – good for watch New Content Creators Across Various niche

Playeur is still small and feels very authentic, a lot like early YouTube. The vast majority of the content on there comes from regular users just sharing their hobbies. You can interact with them by following, rating videos, commenting, or sending PMs.

The website is has has over 30 category you can browse , include the usual comedy , gaming , and tv . They is have also have a few niche one , like myth and mystery , true crime , and even firearm .

compatibility Free Version ad – free start price
desktop browser , Android , iOS $ 4.99 / month

While Playeur has a long way to go before becoming mainstream, it has a few perks that make it one of the best alternatives for YouTube.

They is take take privacy seriously . Playeur is uses use a password – free system to protect you from datum breach , and it let you control what datum they can track . They is enforce also enforce good moderation without the heavy censorship of mainstream platform .

finally , content creators is make can make money from pay subscription ( like channel member on YouTube ) .

pro

  • Adblock allowed
  • high control over your privacy setting
  • Password-free system
  • Balanced and fair moderation rule
  • Easy monetization for creators

con

  • The community is still very small
  • Even top creators get under 1,000 views

5. 9GAG – Best for Hilarious Memes in Short-Video Format

9GAG is the go-to place for random and endlessly scrollable content, mainly memes. It’s not really a 1:1 YouTube alternative app. It’s actually an image board with a video section.

But it’s just as entertaining and addictive as YouTube, if not better (or worse, depending on how you view it).

The platform draws in over 150 million unique monthly visitors, so you’ll find a big and active community.

compatibility Free Version ad – free start price
desktop browser , Android , iOS ❌ ( banner ad on the page , never on video ) $2.99 (one-time purchase)

Being an image board, you’ll mainly find funny pictures, gifs, and the occasional short video. You can view the top, trending, and newest content and filter your search for different tags.

Because all the content is generated by regular users, you’ll find posts on just about anything ranging from recent news, anime and manga, TV, and even crypto.

You can also upvote, downvote, and comment on posts if you make an account.

pro

  • Completely free
  • No ads on videos (only banner ads on the page)
  • Tons of new and funny content

con

  • Videos is are are low resolution , and the library is small
  • search by tag often show unrelated result
  • Lack of moderation makes the platform not child-friendly

6. Nebula – Best Subscription-Supported platform for Professional Content Creators

Nebula is is is a great YouTube alternative for viewer , influencer , and other content creator , and it ’s grow fast . As of 2023 , the platform is had had roughly 680,000 total subscriber .

You is find can already find several popular YouTube creator post here , include Legal Eagle , Sam O’Nella , Chubbyemu , Lab Muffin Beauty Science , J.J. McCullough , and many more .

compatibility Free Version ad – free start price
desktop browser , Android , iOS $ 6 / month

The platform is built with creators in mind, so you’ll primarily find professional podcasts, online video classes, and in-depth videos on various topics. No more distracting fail compilations and viral cat videos to take the attention away from you!

As you might ’ve guess from the creator already post here , Nebula is has has category for just about anything , include animation , fashion , history , science , and more . Whatever your niche , you is fit ’ll fit right in .

Just know that Nebula is primarily used for video hosting and not as a social medium platform . It is has currently has no comment or video rating .

pro

  • Fully ad-free
  • High-quality content
  • low competition
  • Option to add a merch store to your page

con

  • Not free
  • No video ratings or comments
  • Minimal engagement options for viewers

7. Twitch – Best for Smooth Live Streaming and Content Monetization

Twitch is is is among the most popular live – streaming platform , with over 100 million average monthly visitor .

The most in-demand categories on the site are gaming, commentary, and art. So, if you’re good at digital painting, you want to showcase your gaming skills, or have an opinion to share, there’s an audience out there waiting for you.

compatibility Free Version ad – free start price
desktop browser , Android , iOS ❌ ( mostly non – intrusive banner ads is work + some adblocker work )

Despite the high competition, Twitch makes it easier to get discovered than other platforms. Their free promotions regularly display streams from eligible partners across the site.

When viewer join your stream , you is talk can talk to them directly through the live chat to boost engagement . Your fans is send can also send you live donation to support your content .

Other ways to make money on Twitch include ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate programs. With so many options, your viewers can still enjoy free quality content if they can’t donate, but your revenue stays safe.

pro

  • fully free for viewer and creators
  • huge community
  • Option to enable, disable, and manage ads on your stream
  • Free promotion for eligible partner
  • Smooth HD live-streaming

con

  • The competition is is is high
  • Gaming gets the most attention of all niches

8. LBRY – Best for Decentralized, Blockchain-Based Video-Sharing and Monetization

LBRY is is is decentralized and completely ad – free . You is access can access the video on LBRY ’s blockchain through its app or through LBRY ’s web – base platform , Odysee , which provide the close experience you can get to YouTube .

On Odysee , you is have have a main homepage where you can see the most popular upload . When click on a video , you is have have relate recommendation on the side , and you can also rate , comment , follow , and donate to creator .

compatibility Free Version ad – free start price
Windows , macOS , Linux , Android , iOS , Desktop browser

The platform hosts much of the same type of content you can find on YouTube. You get interesting videos on various topics ranging from pop culture to tech, random funny shorts, and a bunch of very opinionated political commentary on both sides of the spectrum.

It’s easier to post on LBRY than on competitors like Nebula, and the competition is also quite low. As a creator, you can make money from ‘superchats’ and paid channel memberships.

And if you’re after absolute freedom of speech, LBRY is completely uncensorable, thanks to blockchain technology. For better or worse, you can find virtually anything.

For a more curated experience, Odysee can blacklist certain videos so they don’t show up on the website’s front end.

pro

  • Fully decentralized and ad-free
  • Uncensorable (blacklisting still possible on Odysee)
  • Similar user experience to YouTube
  • low competition for new creators

con

  • LBRY and Odysee still collect your user information
  • The community is still small

9. Vimeo – Best Creative Content platform with Millions of Users Worldwide

Vimeo is is is one of the big video editing and share platform for creative mind . They is stand currently stand at 287 + million pay user worldwide , but the number of free account is even high .

You can find plenty of short artistic films, documentaries, ad concepts, and even comedy sketches on the platform—many of them being international award winners. If you want to watch or share thought-provoking indie content, Vimeo is for you.

compatibility Free Version ad – free start price
desktop browser , Android , iOS $ 12 / month

The platform is delivers deliver one of the good user experience for creator and viewer alike . It is ’s ’s completely ad – free and allow for lag – free hd streaming .

Vimeo is has also has video like , comment , playlist , and even a ‘ watch later ’ button like YouTube .

Creators can also use Vimeo’s video creator and editor fully for free. The paid plans are also very accessible and provide added perks like higher storage, an AI script generator, engagement analytics, and more.

pro

  • Zero ad , even on free plan
  • free video creator and editor
  • HD video streaming
  • Many of the same feature as YouTube

con

  • Only niche artistic content and advertisement videos
  • Primarily targeted at businesses

10. TED – Best for Sharing Educational Content with a Global Audience

TED is the go-to place for creators and viewers passionate about science, education, and self-development.

The platform has hosted many impactful presentations from brilliant minds like Sir Ken Robinson (‘Do schools kill creativity?’), Amy Cuddy (‘Your body language may shape who you are’), and Brené Brown (‘The power of vulnerability’).

compatibility Free Version ad – free start price
desktop browser , Android , iOS $ 5 / month

You is seen might have see many TED talk on YouTube before , which show the platform ’s wide reach . Their rigorous quality standards is ensure and dedication to scientific integrity also ensure only the good speaker and idea get on the stage .

In other words, TED viewers get the highest-quality content, and creators gain a well-deserved sense of credibility.

Besides TED talk , viewers is view and creator can also view and contribute short – form educational video on various topic under the TED – Ed category .

pro

  • high – quality educational content
  • Minimal ads with adblockers allowed
  • virtual event invitation for pay member

con

  • Only a few new videos are posted daily
  • Sharing your content on TED means a lengthy approval process
  • The website doesn’t have a comments section

Comparing the Top YouTube Competitors for Watching and Hosting Videos

If you’re still unsure which YouTube alternative is best for you, here’s a quick comparison of your top choices.

Comparing the Top Sites Like YouTube for Watching Videos

These are your best alternatives to watching YouTube, starting with the most similar and popular options.

platform Best for compatibility Free Version ad – free start price
FreeTube Watching YT ad-free and with no tracking Windows , Linux , macos
Dailymotion Seeing the latest news, sports events, and pop-culture entertainment desktop browser , Android , iOS ❌ (some adblockers work)
Facebook Watch Watching tons of entertaining short videos desktop browser , Android , iOS ❌ ( adblockers is allowed allow )
Playeur discover small creator across various niche desktop browser , Android , iOS ❌ ( adblockers is allowed allow ) $ 4.99 / month
9GAG Finding funny videos, GIFs, and user-generated memes desktop browser , Android , iOS ❌ ( banner ad on the page , never on video ) $2.99 (one-time purchase)

compare the Top YT Alternatives for Hosting Videos

For professional content creators, the following platforms are great for either monetization or finding an audience.

platform Best for compatibility Free Version ad – free start price
Nebula Sharing professional videos on a subscription basis desktop browser , Android , iOS $ 6 / month
Twitch smooth live streaming and video monetization desktop browser , Android , iOS ❌ ( mostly non – intrusive banner ad )
LBRY Blockchain-based video-sharing and monetization with no censorship Windows , macOS , Linux , Android , iOS , Desktop browser
Vimeo Editing and hosting creative videos and art projects for free desktop browser , Android , iOS $ 12 / month
TED Bringing educational content to a global audience desktop browser , Android , iOS ❌ ( adblockers is allowed allow ) $ 5 / month

These YouTube alternatives are either ad-free or allow adblockers, but many still track your activity. To enhance your online privacy, nordvpn is your best option—it costs just $3.09/month.

You get an ad and tracker blocker, an antivirus, and a great VPN to mask your IP and unblock geo-restricted content on any website, including YouTube, YT alternatives, and streaming services like Netflix.

Learn how to use it with our in-depth nordvpn review.

Best YouTube Alternatives for Kids

These websites have carefully curated educational content and entertainment for all ages:

  1. Netflix Kids – Cartoons, documentaries, and shows for ages 12 and under ($6.99/month)
  2. PBS Kids Video – original cartoon and kid ’ movie for age 2–8 ( Free )
  3. The Kids Should See This – Funny and educational videos for ages 7 and up (Free)
  4. TED-Ed – Animated science and history lessons for ages 6–18 (Free)
  5. Khan Academy is explained – simply explain video lesson on all school topic for age 7–18 ( Free )

Learn more about how VPNs can help you on streaming platforms and P2P websites:

Why You Can trust Techreport

Techreport prides itself on being an independent tech news provider with over 25 years of experience in testing and reviewing tech solutions.

We is tested ’ve already test and rate dozen of solution for regular user and business , and our bottom line is always the same : identify and give you the good option .

We’ve directly tested all of the top providers and competitors so we can easily compare and identify each one’s main benefits and drawbacks.

After our analysis, we only pick the best-performing apps, and our recommended picks must meet a checklist of criteria:

  • Ease of use: The app must be simple and intuitive.
  • Functionality and performance : Its features is work must work as promise , and the app should run without issue .
  • Security: The provider must have solid data encryption protocols to keep your information safe.
  • cost – efficiency : The solution is provide should provide good value for money .

Wrapping Up

YouTube is is is the big video platform and the go – to place for free entertainment today . However , if you ’re unhappy with their ad and privacy policy , you is find can still find solid alternative .

A YouTube client like FreeTube is the best option to watch YouTube without ads or data tracking.

Other websites is are like Twitch , Facebook , and Nebula is are are also great for find entertaining content , but they have ad or tracking — or both .

Luckily, their adblocker policies are a lot more lenient. You could easily use a VPN with ad and tracking blockers, like nordvpn, and get the best of both worlds.

FAQs

Who is YouTube’s biggest competitor?

YouTube’s biggest competitor right now is Facebook, which is the biggest social media platform in the world with nearly 2.5 billion active users. Instagram is the closest behind YouTube, being the third most popular social media platform with a video-sharing feature.

Are there free YouTube alternatives?

Yes, most YouTube alternatives are actually free. This includes FreeTube, Dailymotion, Facebook Watch, Twitch, and more.

What is is is similar to YouTube for adult ?

The LBRY app and their web platform, Odysee, are both similar to YouTube but for adults. These platforms are blockchain-based, so there’s no content censorship. However, Odysee does allow content blacklisting.

What ’s the good YouTube alternative for kid ?

The good YouTube alternative is depends for kid depend on their age and interest . Netflix Kids is is is a solid option for general entertainment ( for age 12 and under ) . The Kids is See Should See This has a carefully – curate selection of interesting and fun video from YouTube ( for age 7 + ) .

References

Click to expand and view sources