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With YouTube's growing advertising revenue (8.1 billion U.S. dollars in the first quarter of 2024), so grows the consensus that the platform has sold out its values and mission in return for profits and its bottom line. Not to mention that being owned by Google comes with its own string.
For these exact reasons, a growing number of video content creators and their audience members are looking outward for the best alternatives to YouTube and what it now represents. Whether you're looking for a fresh new option or you want to completely replace YouTube, we're here to help.
Let's get down to business and learn about the best alternatives to YouTube.
YouTube’s History and Relationship with Google
Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim, former PayPal workers, built YouTube in February 2005 with the goal of making online video sharing easier. Thanks to its user-friendly layout and viral content, YouTube got 100 million views every day by 2006.
Google bought YouTube in November 2006 for $1.65 billion in stock after grasping its potential. The goals of this purchase were to increase Google's visibility in video searches, take advantage of ad revenue potential, and incorporate YouTube into its network.
Post-acquisition, YouTube evolved rapidly:
- Monetization: Ads and the YouTube Partner Program allowed creators to earn revenue.
- Global expansion: It introduced mobile support, HD video, and live streaming.
- Content ecosystem: It became home to both influencers and professional media.
YouTube genuinely thrived under Google's infrastructure in spite of hardships like copyright concerns, censorship, and sponsorship pullouts.
With more than a staggering 2 billion subscribers and various revenue streams, including YouTube Premium and YouTube Music, YouTube is now a major puzzle piece of Google's ongoing success.
Vimeo
This online video platform is best known for its ad-free browsing and user-focused website, which caters its video sharing to creative professionals.
Although it's a YouTube alternative, Video nonetheless focuses on video quality over quantity when it comes to video sharing, making this streaming platform a great choice for more high-brow audiences.
Key Features
- HD videos and up to 8K support;
- Advanced video management tools;
- Interactive features like video chapters;
- Options for ad revenue through subscriptions.
With its focus on exclusive content and monetization options, Vimeo is a strong contender for those who would value a video hosting platform that doubles as a creative hub.
Dailymotion
Dailymotion is a French online video hosting platform owned by Canal+. Prior to 2024, the company was owned by Vivendi. It's currently available worldwide in 183 languages and 43 localized versions featuring local home pages and local content.
While it’s not the flashiest YouTube alternative, it still offers solid features for those looking to share video content and access trending videos without the clutter of fake ads or "off-brand YouTube" vibes.
Key Features
- Easy-to-use search bar for finding video clips;
- Options to upload videos with fewer restrictions;
- Support for live streaming and embedding videos.
We know that Dailymotion's average monthly visits definitely don't stand a chance against YouTube’s massive user base, but Dailymotion videos are an ideal contender to replace YouTube for casual creators.
Twitch
You've definitely heard of Twitch before. You may have even used YouTube to watch recorded Twitch sessions on some random YouTube channel. Ironic, right?
We're here to tell you that you should consider Twitch as a fantastic video platform and a YouTube alternative. This streaming platform isn't exactly "like YouTube," but for user-generated videos and real-time interaction, it’s hard to beat.
If live video is your jam, Twitch is the go-to online video platform. Initially built for gamers, Twitch has expanded to include categories like music videos, art, and even cooking.
Key Features
- Dedicated tools for live streaming;
- High user engagement through chat and emotes;
- Options to create and share videos from streams.
The broad audience and strong monetization options of this streaming platform make it a perfect YouTube alternative for creators who thrive on interaction and community building.
Facebook Watch
Facebook Watch (rebranding to Facebook Video) is a video-sharing service operated by the American company Meta Platforms (previously named Facebook, Inc.).
Similar to other video platforms, this one offers personalized video recommendations and organizes content into categories based on metrics like popularity and user engagement. The platform hosts both short and long-form entertainment.
Key Features
- Integration with Facebook’s interactive features;
- Support for full-length movies and shorter video clips;
- Personalized recommendations based on how they collect aggregated data.
Like YouTube, the company generates revenue from mid-roll ads and pre-roll ads. So while it's not ad-free, this alternative to YouTube still draws people in because of direct access through Facebook and its user friendly interface.
TikTok
This next online video platform, TikTok, definitely doesn't need any introductions. It's a safe bet that you already spend many hours watching video content, and you might even think about trying to create videos of your own there.
Key Features
- Short, snappy online video clips;
- Advanced analytics for video marketing;
- Options to upload content and cross-post to multiple platforms.
If you're looking for the best YouTube alternatives, it's impossible to skip TikTok.
Internet Archive
The Internet Archive isn't a super popular online video platform, but it’s a treasure trove of educational material, full-length movies, historical content, and other high-quality videos.
For creators who want to post videos with a timeless appeal, this platform is a hidden gem.
Key Features
- Ad-free access to a wide range of high-quality content;
- Support for embedding videos on other websites;
- No ads or intrusive tracking.
Though it’s not too similar to YouTube in the traditional sense, this option offers a unique value for niche creators and their target audience.
PeerTube
For those looking for a truly decentralized video platform, PeerTube is an excellent choice. Unlike YouTube, it’s powered by open-source technology and a community-driven ethos.
Key Features
- No central authority ensures free speech;
- Peer-to-peer hosting for ad-free browsing;
- Customizable video hosting options.
Because PeerTube focuses so heavily on engaging its users and fostering community, it's now one of the many fantastic alternatives to YouTube.
Odysee
This is an American decentralized video hosting platform. It's an alternative to mainstream video streaming services like YouTube, focused on free speech and decentralization.
The platform enables users to upload, share, and monetize videos through crypto currency while maintaining content persistence through a peer-to-peer network. It’s one of the most innovative video websites, and it's similar to YouTube.
Key Features
- Cryptocurrency-based monetization options;
- High video quality and decentralized hosting;
- Tools for video management, digital marketing, and analytics.
If you’re looking to experiment with cutting-edge tech, Odysee is a perfect YouTube alternative to explore.
YouTube TV Alternatives
While platforms like YouTube TV focus on live television, some niche video websites cater to specific interests. For example:
- Skillshare and Udemy offer video content as online courses;
- Vevo for music videos;
- CuriosityStream is a great online video platform for documentaries and educational material.
These alternatives to YouTube offer specialized content for target audiences, ensuring your niche is well-served.
Video Streaming Safety
Here are five tips to stay safe when watching videos online on platforms like YouTube or its competitors:
- Use a VPN: Committing to a virtual private network (VPN) like Mysterium (hint hint, just saying...) helps encrypt your internet connection, protecting your data from potential hackers and ensuring your online activities stay private.
- Look out for phishing links: Be aware and alert of links in video descriptions or comments that lead to external sites. Those can turn out to be phishing attempts, curated to rob you of your personal information.
- Don't click on weird ads: Some advertisements might contain harmful software or automatically reroute you to unsafe websites. You should consider using an ad blocker and avoid clicking on ads.
- Adjust your privacy settings: Limit who can see your activity, and be mindful of the personal information you share in comments or profiles.
Final Thoughts
If you're bored with the video content on YouTube, or sick of the overwhelming number of advertisements on every corner, now's your time to venture out and choose the best YouTube alternatives for yourself.
Whether you choose Twitch for your live streaming needs, TikTok (YouTube's biggest competitor), Facebook Watch for video hosting, or any other platforms on this list, each is a great YouTube alternative
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