15 best YouTube alternative sites and competitors in 2024

With over 2 billion active users per month, YouTube is the world’s largest video hosting platform, the second most popular social media platform, and the second largest search engine. It dwarfs its closest video streaming competitors by a long stretch, and is quite literally second to none. It shouldn’t surprise you, then, that as a Google subsidiary, there have been several controversies surrounding how YouTube has handled user data in the past.

Besides being the world’s largest video hosting platform, YouTube is also known for its stringent censorship policies that might not appeal to everyone. With issues of freedom of speech and censorship currently dominating world headlines, we take a look at several alternative video sharing platforms and what they have to offer.

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15 best alternatives to YouTube

1. Dtube
2. Dailymotion
3. Vimeo
4. BitChute
5. Rumble
6. PeerTube
7. LBRY
8. Wistia
9. Veoh
10. Utreon
11. Twitch
12. TikTok
13. Ted Talks
14. Odysee
15. Metacafe/Videoshub

BONUS: Privacy-friendly YouTube clients

DTube

Dtube has an interface almost identical to YouTube, making it easy for YouTube fans to transition. However, unlike YouTube, users will need to earn a certain amount of Dtube coins to post videos. To earn coins, users will have to comment, like, and interact with videos. Some reviewers have mentioned that you’ll have to be part of a community of other vloggers to earn more coins. 

Dtube was built on top of the Steem blockchain, allowing users to convert their Dtube coins to USD and other currencies. Unlike other video services, Dtube relies solely on its creators and users to aggregate content and decide whether something is worth censoring or not. 

What data does Dtube collect? 

Dtube might collect data about its users and content creators such as names and contact information. However, as it operates on a decentralized platform, Dtube doesn’t store information in one single place.

How does Dtube fare on privacy?

Excellent. As mentioned above, the decentralized nature of Dtube means that user data are not sitting ducks waiting to be hacked. Plus, as Dtube doesn’t support advertisements or algorithms, unnecessary information about users and content creators won’t be collected and sold to third parties.

Dailymotion

Dailymotion trails YouTube as the world’s second largest video sharing platform. Founded around the same time as YouTube, Dailymotion has carved out a comfortable space among competitors with around 200 million users per month (as of early 2021). Of all the entries on this list, Dailymotion is the most similar to YouTube in its content, but its moderation is more relaxed. 

What data does Dailymotion collect?

Depending on the type of account you register, Dailymotion may collect user information that includes your name, email address, billing details, IP address, device type, and browsing history.

How does Dailymotion fare on privacy?

Not great. Dailymotion sells user (over 16 years of age) data to third parties and engages in ad-tracking. Dailymotion also allows for third-party sign-in options.

Read the Dailymotion privacy policy here.

Vimeo

Founded by filmmakers, for filmmakers, Vimeo can is considered to be a curated and prestigious version of YouTube. Initially founded as a side project to CollegeHumor in 2004, Vimeo has grown to be a notable outlet for up-and-coming filmmakers and ad directors. Unlike YouTube, Vimeo is ad-free.

In 2019, Vimeo was hit with a lawsuit for allegedly collecting and storing biometric data from users’ videos and photos without their permission or knowledge. In 2020, it lost an appeal to have the case moved to arbitration. 

What data does Vimeo collect?

Depending on the type of account you choose to create, Vimeo may collect your email address, payment and billing information, or authentication information from third-party platforms including Google and Facebook.

How does Vimeo fare on privacy?

Not bad. Vimeo doesn’t sell user data and encrypts all user account data. Vimeo content can be viewed anonymously.

Read the Vimeo privacy policy here.

BitChute

BitChute was launched in early 2017 and established in response to the perceived increase in censorship seen on mainstream video sharing platforms. It has been described as a no-holds-barred alternative to YouTube (for better or for worse); a majority of BitChute’s content creators are individuals who have been barred or ousted from platforms like YouTube. Unlike YouTube, BitChute is ad-free and monetization options for content creators are far more flexible. 

BitChute is considered to be part of a group of platforms and providers known as “alt-tech,” which are geared towards offering alternatives to mainstream voices. Be warned, with a specific focus on conservative political and fringe content, BitChute videos may be a bit extreme for some.

What data does BitChute collect?

BitChute collects personal identification information which may include your name, age, residential address, phone number, and/or payment card details. This information will only be collected from registered users who have provided consent to do so. Non-personal information that may be collected includes your device type, operating system, and browser type.

How does BitChute fare on privacy?

Not bad. Content on BitChute can be viewed anonymously. Account registration is only required if you want to upload videos, post comments, subscribe to channels, or vote on content. Any user information gathered by Bit Chute Limited is encrypted and protected with digital signatures. No information is sold or traded.

Read the BitChute privacy policy here.

Rumble

Launched in 2013, Rumble is a Canadian video platform that originally focused on videos of users’ friends, family, and pets. In late 2020, the Republican California Congressman Devin Nunes drew attention to the platform when he and other conservative content creators migrated to Rumble following YouTube’s increased censorship of conservative subject matter. 

Like BitChute, Rumble seems to be taking a more hands-off approach to moderating content on its platform.

What data does Rumble collect?

Depending on the type of account you register, Rumble may collect personal information that includes your name, gender, profile photo, location, website, and email address. Along with this, Rumble may collect “non-identifying” user information that can include device and browser type.

How does Rumble fare on privacy?

Not bad. Content on Rumble can be viewed anonymously. Data logs can be collected and kept regarding device and browser type, in relation to the service’s operation. Rumble does, however, allow for users to register to its service through third party sign-on options (Facebook, Google, etc.), which isn’t always a great idea.

Read the Rumble privacy policy here.

PeerTube

Founded in 2018 by Framasoft, a French non-profit, PeerTube is an open-source, ad-free, and decentralized video sharing platform. Being decentralized means users and creators can create their own platform (or “instance”). In other words, you can create your very own YouTube alternative! Instances can vary across subject matter and community rules.

What data does PeerTube collect?

This can vary as registration or sign-up options come down to the discretion of an instance’s creator. 

How does PeerTube fare on privacy?

Great! As an open-source and free software, PeerTube’s source code is readily available for anybody to scrutinize—and therefore quite transparent. 

Read the FramaSoft’s legal notices here.

LBRY

LBRY is a protocol that provides creators with a platform to publish video content without censorship, risk of demonetization, barriers to entry, or meddling. LBRY is open-source, free, and aims to do for publishing what “Bitcoin did to money.” In fact, the same blockchain technology developed by Bitcoin’s creator also powers LBRY.

A fun feature that LBRY has implemented is syncing your YouTube channel to the LBRY network. This means that any time you upload new content to YouTube, it will also be automatically uploaded to your LBRY channel. The caveat is that you must have over 300 YouTube subscribers and be consistent with your uploads.

In addition to video content, LBRY also allows for the sharing of music and documents.

What data does LBRY collect?

LBRY collects user data that may include your email address, user preferences, system information, identity verification, analytics, and IP address. Some of this information is largely dependent on if you decide to register and provide an email address. LBRY also provides the option of viewing content anonymously.

How does LBRY fare on privacy?

Great! Identifiable user data is neither sold nor transferred to any external party. Content on LBRY can be viewed anonymously. No tracking is implemented across the service, nor is third-party behavioral tracking, and there are multiple options to change any instance of your personal information used on the site.

Read the LBRY privacy policy here.

Wistia

Founded by Brown University graduates, Wistia makes video marketing software with the aim of helping enterprises grow their business and brand. Besides being a video and live events hosting platform, Wistia recently implemented podcast functions that allow businesses to create podcast series and videos, and manage them all in one place. The platform also provides analytic features so businesses can track which videos do the best. 

Unlike YouTube though, Wistia isn’t for watching random videos or listening to music. Instead, it’s better catered to businesses who need a platform to host and store their videos. 

What data does Wistia collect? 

Wistia collects user or company data that may include names and email addresses. Wistia might also collect the data provided by visitors to your business.  

How does Wistia fare on privacy?

Pretty good! Wistia abides by the EU General Data Protection Regulation and is certified under both the EU-U.S. and Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework.

Read more about Wistia’s privacy policy.

Veoh

Launched in 2005, Veoh is an American video sharing platform previously owned by web-developer Dmitry Shapiro. However, it was bought over by technology company Qlipso Inc, and was later sold to a Japanese blogging platform, FC2.

Unlike other sites on this list, Veoh is a no-frills platform. Once on the site, users will be able to select from a handful of user-generated content, movie clips, and music. 

What data does Veoh collect? 

Veoh collects user information such as usernames, viewing history, and site activity of its users. If you’ve created an account, Veoh might also collect your contact information if you’ve signed up for an account. 

How does Veoh fare on privacy?

Fair. Veoh was created specifically for users in the U.S., which means that the platform has written their privacy policy to fit U.S. regulations. That said, if you do not agree with the regulations set by the U.S., Veoh might not be the best option for you. 

Utreon

Utreon is a video-hosting platform that’s made for content creators. Think of Utreon as a combination of Patreon and YouTube where users can pay to subscribe for their favorite content creators. However, Utreon is said to charge just five percent of subscriptions versus the eight percent on Patreon. Besides video hosting, Utreon also supports live streaming and allows viewers to chat with creators using Ultra Chats.

Utreon has said that it’s committed to avoiding heavy-handed censorship on its platform and wants aims to be more credible and transparent in its policies. 

What data does Utreon collect? 

According to its privacy policy, Utreon says that it collects information such as names, contact information, and viewing history. Even if you don’t create an account with Utreon, it might be able to track your IP address and see what content you’ve consumed. However, the site does recommend that users use a pseudonym if they are uncomfortable with sharing their personal information. 

How does Utreon fare on privacy?

Good. Utreon is clear about the type of information that they collect from users and content creators. All of this is documented in their privacy policy.

Twitch

Twitch is best known for being a live streaming service that focuses on video game streaming and broadcasting live e-sports competitions. It’s also a great platform for content creators to interact with their fans. 

In the U.S., Twitch is considered one of the most popular video streaming platforms and counts celebrities such as rapper Drake, F1 driver Lando Norris, and singer Doja Cat among some of its users. 

While primarily for live streaming, videos on Twitch are also available on demand. 

What data does Twitch collect? 

Twitch automatically collects IP addresses, unique user IDs, device and browser types. It also takes note of referring and exit page addresses, software, and system types. If you’ve signed up for an account, Twitch collects your name and contact information. 

How does Twitch fare on privacy?

Not the best. While the company does collect information about its users and content creators, Twitch doesn’t sell personal information to third parties. However, the site’s privacy policy does state that personal information may be shared with third parties for better recommendations and targeted advertising.

TikTok

Owned by Chinese company ByteDance, TikTok or Douyin, as it’s known in China, is a viral video sharing platform that hosts short form videos. TikTok became available worldwide following its merger with social media provider Musical.ly in 2018. 

In the U.S., TikTok is regarded as controversial because of its initial lack of transparency. In 2020, the U.S. government wanted to ban TikTok due to privacy concerns. Former U.S. president Donald Trump had considered the app a national security threat.

What data does TikTok collect? 

Like other social media platforms, TikTok collects a lot of user information and requires data to enhance the user experience on their app. Besides basic user information like names, contact information, and ages, TikTok also knows the user’s approximate location and IP address. 

How does TikTok fare on privacy? 

Not great. In June 2021, TikTok announced in a privacy update that it might collect biometric data on U.S. users including faceprints and voiceprints. For many users, the concerning bit was where these types of data will be stored and how the company intends to use them. In its privacy policy, TikTok does explicitly say that it shares data with third parties like business partners, analytics providers, and advertisers.

Read their privacy policy here.

Ted Talks

TED Talks is a video sharing platform best known for providing educational and cerebral content on various topics including design, engineering, and technology. Often, TED Talks videos feature well-known entrepreneurs, celebrities, and individuals who give interesting perspectives and insight into various topics. 

What data does TED Talks collect? 

On its site, TED Talks reveals that it collects three types of information. They are personal information when creating an account, tracking information such as IP addresses, and cookies. 

How does TED Talks fare on privacy?

Relatively good. You can still access TED Talks without signing up for an account and if you’re concerned about the amount of information the platform might be able to collect about you, you can avoid signing up for masterclasses or paying for online events and conferences. Read more about TED Talks’ privacy policy here.

Odysee

Odysee is a YouTube alternative that was launched at the end of 2020 following the increase of heavy censorship. Created by the founders of LBRY on a blockchain platform, Odysee has been popular amongst far-right content creators in America. Various far-right influencers, such Jordan Peterson, Tarl Warwick, and Elijah Schaffer all have channels on the platform. 

Despite this, Odysee wasn’t created inherently for the right wing. Just like LBRY, Odysee was created to provide censorship-free content and provide an alternative revenue stream for content creators. 

What data does Odysee collect? 

Odysee collects information such names, contact information, and responses for surveys or other marketing materials when a user signs up for an account on its site. 

The site also collects cookies to offer better site experiences to users. 

How does Odysee fare on privacy?

Like LBRY, Odysee operates on a blockchain and open-sourced platform, which means data isn’t stored on just one server. According to its privacy policy, Odysee claims it scans its site on a regular basis for security loopholes and vulnerabilities.

Metacafe/Videoshub

Metacafe was founded in 2003 by Isreali entrepreneurs Eyal Hertzog and Arik Czerniak. When the site domain was retired, U.S.-based Videoshub archived all its videos and now hosts them on its site. 

Like YouTube, Videohub separates content based on topics. A unique feature of the site is the random picks selection that gets refreshed every time you visit the site. 

What data does Metacafe collect? 

According to its privacy policy, Metacafe/Videoshub may collect or receive additional non-personally identifiable information when users interact with a particular feature or response.

How does Metacafe fare on privacy? 

Not very good. In its privacy policy, the site says its advertisers might use third-party ad networks to sell and present advertisements on its site.

Privacy-friendly YouTube clients

Another option to consider is using privacy-friendly YouTube clients like FreeTube and NewPipe. Both of these options let you use YouTube without needing to sign in or be tracked. Both also allow you to import/export all of your YouTube playlists. FreeTube is available for all major desktop operating systems, while NewPipe is available for Android.

Read more: The antitrust case against Google might be good for your privacy

Best kid-safe YouTube alternatives

If you’re looking for a YouTube alternative for your little ones, here are some to try: 

• Nick Jr

A ofshoot of Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. hosts full episodes and clips of its preschool shows. Kids can watch Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, and many other kids shows. 

• KidsBeeTv

KidsBeeTV is an educational streaming platform created for kids. Parents will have to subscribe to access more than 5,000 tv shows, games, and videos on the go.

• GoNoodle

GoNoodle is a video platform that makes learning fun. Ideal for older kids, the site has activity videos for dancing, singing, and playing games. The site also has fun and printable activity sheets for kids to color and craft. 

• Jellies

The Jellies app, available for iOS has fun and educational videos for kids. The ad-free platform promises to keep the platform safe for kids by reviewing every content that goes up on its app.

How to unblock YouTube in your country

If you’re looking for YouTube alternatives because YouTube is blocked in your country, you might be able to use a VPN to access it. ExpressVPN has server locations in 105 countries that allow you to choose and switch to different virtual locations as often as you want. YouTube also uses your IP address to recommend videos and artists to you. If you want to protect your privacy, you could use a VPN to change your IP address.. By doing so, you might also get to discover new artists and watch local streams.