The 17 Best YouTube Alternatives and Competitors in 2024

You’re wrong if you think watching random videos online wouldn’t risk your security and privacy. It will astonish you how much data websites collect to know about your interests and disinterests.

Despite YouTube’s popularity, you may need an alternative to it for numerous reasons. YouTube may not have the type of video that interests you, or you may think its guidelines and policies are too strict and don’t allow free speech. However, with dozens of other websites and apps to switch to, you may need help deciding which is a good alternative.

This article will guide you through selecting a YouTube alternative. Here, you’ll find 17 well-researched and tested video platforms, their pros and cons, and their brief descriptions.

Top Alternatives to YouTube – Quick List

Take a quick look at the best YouTube alternatives free here:

Is YouTube Replaceable?

YouTube is the world’s largest social media platform, strictly by number of users. With over 2.5 billion monthly users watching more than one billion hours of videos daily, no other website or app can compete with this social media giant. It also doesn’t look ready to give this away soon, as Google keeps developing and integrating the platform with other apps.

Next to Google, no other platform processes searches than YouTube. As unreal as this may sound, it’s the absolute truth. On average, YouTube processes 3 billion searches a month, with users uploading one hundred hours of videos every minute. At this point, one might start wondering, “Is YouTube even replaceable?”

It might take a while or something extremely unusual for any video-sharing platform to overtake YouTube’s fanbase. However, numerous apps, websites, and social media platforms are alternatives to the video-sharing giant. These have unique features and content offerings with a decent amount of users.

What are YouTube’s Competitors?

YouTube alternatives and competitors are video-sharing platforms that you can visit, discover new videos, or even share yours. YouTube has had competitors since its earliest days, so some platforms are not new. They also come in various categories, with different technologies powering them and each introducing unique and useful features.

Mainstream social media apps like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have incorporated video-sharing capabilities into their apps, creating a form of competition for YouTube. Facebook now has Facebook Watch, Instagram has IG TV, while X (formerly Twitter) has X (Twitter) Video.

Beyond these are video platforms like Vimeo, DTube, and 9GAG TV. Some of these focus on a particular video category or have something that makes them stand out.

For example, 9GAG TV focuses on funny videos and trending memes, while DTube allows creators to get rewards for their well-performing videos. Regardless, each is a worthy alternative to YouTube that you should check out.

The 17 Best YouTube Alternatives Today – The Detailed List

Here’s a comprehensive analysis of the best YouTube-like services for 2024:

1. Vevo

Vevo is one of the world’s largest video platforms, especially for creating and sharing music videos. Existing for more than a decade now, Vevo enables artists to connect with a global audience and gain fans.

Even on YouTube, you can always find the Vevo watermark on some of the greatest hits on the planet. It’s because Vevo integrates well with YouTube and other television platforms and streaming services. Artists who share music on this platform benefit from their video reaching the entire Vevo network alongside every app and streaming service that Vevo integrates with.

2. Vimeo

Vimeo is a comprehensive video production platform that lets you create, edit, manage, and share videos. Currently the go-to platform for 287 million users, Vimeo allows you to host your created videos locally, embed them on your website, or publish them to various social media applications and websites.

Joining Vimeo is free, but you must pay a certain amount to get the most out of the platform. Depending on your upgrade plan, you can see your video engagement and analytics, simulcast to various devices, or hold live Q&A sessions, polls, and chats.

3. Veoh

Veoh is a strong contender for the best alternatives to YouTube due to its similar operations. Like YouTube, there’s a search button at the top of the screen that you can use to find your desired video out of the millions in Veoh’s database. Popular videos from YouTube are also available on this site.

Veoh also hosts movies of different genres, including action & adventure, cartoons, mystery, family, and drama. You can watch music videos, search channels based on their content type, and browse groups of related content.

4. Dailymotion

Dailymotion is a video-exclusive website that helps you be aware of global events. This platform lets you watch the latest news, sports, music, entertainment, and documentary videos. Dailymotion more or less aggregates content from different agencies, entities, and outfits. Popular outfits from which it gets its content include FourFourTwo, GoodtoKnow, and Bang Showbiz.

This platform is active, and numerous channels that are on YouTube are also here, uploading the same content to both media. Being available in 149 countries and 183 languages, Dailymotion also has a decent global reach. Like YouTube, you can follow your favorite pages and be the first to know when they have new posts without paying a dollar.

5. Twitch

YouTube is one of the best streaming platforms by number of users. However, the top of that list is reserved for Twitch, one of the world’s largest game streaming platforms by a margin. If you’ve been using YouTube for game and entertainment live streaming, consider trying Twitch.

Twitch controls 76% of the live-streaming market by number of hours watched. At the moment, it boasts over 7.2 million active streamers. The developers want to keep their users, so they continuously improve the app. You can use Twitch on virtually all devices, including PCs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.

After Amazon acquired it in 2014, they came up with Prime Gaming. With your Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscription, this allows you to have channel subscriber benefits, such as chat privileges and more. Twitch is the undisputed champion of game streaming platforms, but you can also watch entertainment, sports, and music videos on it.

6. IGTV

Instagram is one of the world’s largest video-sharing platforms and is constantly evolving. The app has undergone different transformation stages from its initial 2010 release date. Instagram initially started out as a platform to share short but engaging videos. To allow creators more flexibility, the developers introduced IGTV, a standalone app where you can upload long-form videos.

Instagram later ditched IGTV in favor of Reels, merging all IGTV videos into the Instagram main app. Reels allow you to create and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio and effects. This not only enables Instagram to stay true to its short video origins but also allows it to compete with the likes of TikTok and Likee.

7. Facebook Watch

While Facebook’s popularity and control in social media may have reduced, it’s still a highly influential platform. Facebook Watch is the section of Facebook dedicated to uploading and sharing any video-related content. Think of Facebook Watch as Meta’s original plan for IGTV, but that fell through.

Facebook users and content creators typically develop the videos you find on Watch. Since Watch is a section inside Facebook, it integrates perfectly with your profile and activities. Facebook tracks your clicks and interactions across your feed and uses that to recommend videos to you on Watch.

You can easily switch to Facebook Watch by tapping your homepage’s video icon. In the Watch section, you’ll also find Live, Reels, and Shows. You may check out the Explore subsection to discover creators or find new hobbies.

8. The Internet Archive

Imagine someone asked, “What if we wanted to store all the information on the World Wide Web?” Now, that would be quite an endeavor considering the amount of information and data on the internet. This is exactly the aim of the Internet Archive.

The Internet Archive consists of files in various formats like music, software applications, websites, and audiovisual and print materials. If you’re struggling to locate any video online, this should be one of the first websites you check.

Internet Archive has over 11 million videos in its catalog, and it doesn’t seem like it’s about to shut down soon. IA is also committed to making the internet more accessible to everyone, so everything on this website is completely free to download. The interface and experience aren’t as refined as some of the others on this list, but you’ll still be able to navigate it and find what you need.

9. 9GAG TV

Since the late 2000s, 9GAG has been one of the go-to platforms for user-generated content like photos, videos, and audio-visual files. If you’re a fan of internet memes and haven’t been using 9GAG, you’ve been missing out.

9GAG TV documents virtually every trending meme on the internet. You can find classic and old memes, create and share yours, or watch other funny videos across the entire internet. 9GAG has different content categories, like gaming, science and tech, and sports. You can choose which interests you in seeing humorous and funny content across these categories.

10. Crackle

Crackle has been around for a while, providing access to Hollywood movies, series, and shows. Crackle’s library covers all the popular and obscure content across various genres, like Sci-Fi, action, horror, drama, and comedy.

One of Crackle’s slogans is “Just Press Play,” and the company shows commitment to this through its intuitive and simple interface. With just the press of a button, you can start watching your favorite shows, create watchlists, and find trending movies.

This website’s multiplatform accessibility also makes it appealing to many users. Watching movies on a mobile device is now a sought-after feature by many users. This is due to the possibility of always being on the go, either on vacation or fully relocating.

11. Media Goblin

From its unusual name, you can already suspect that Media Goblin isn’t an ordinary video-making and sharing platform. This website is a decentralized web server where users can host and share various forms of digital media.

Since this platform runs on a distributed rather than a centralized network, watching and playing videos is relatively easier and faster. Not only can you watch videos in crystal clear quality, but you can also download videos to your device easily and faster than traditional video-sharing platforms.

12. BitChute

If you’re a content creator, particularly a video creator, looking for where to go, you must check BitChute out. Granting a high level of freedom of speech, BitChute lets you share your ideas that other platforms would usually censor or outright ban.

BitChute is one of the top platforms for staying updated on news and politics and hearing interesting opinions about what’s happening in the government.

13. Odysee

While Odysee might not be as popular as most other platforms on this list, it can compete with them regarding library size. On this website, you’ll find different types of video creators, including those who create goofy and highly creative videos similar to YouTube. Content categories range from education and lifestyle to gaming and comedy; each category has hundreds of videos.

Odysee’s interface is particularly similar to YouTube’s, but it also maintains its originality. You can see a list of related videos to the one you’re watching at the right side of the screen or scroll down and find other videos across the platform.

14. PeerTube

PeerTube is one of those decentralized alternatives to YouTube for creating and sharing videos. Due to their immense advantages over traditional server websites, various companies are experimenting with these servers, and people are moving to them. As with similar websites based on the same technology, there are fewer policies to adhere to, so creators have more independence.

On PeerTube, you’ll find over 600,000 videos and over 1,000 linked platforms. Some platforms on the Peer Tube network are XR Tube, Blender, and TILVids. PeerTube also takes pride in being a completely open-source and free platform without ads or other commercial activities. Whoever wishes to support the platform can donate without accessing its content.

15. TED

TED is a platform for listening to experts share their opinions and life experiences with large audiences. Topics cover various fields, including education, business, tech, science, and creativity. If you want to learn about virtually anything, we recommend it as one of the first platforms to check out.

If your concern is a language barrier, TED has subtitles in over 100 languages for its TED Talks. As this is also a global platform, there’s a high chance that you’ll find videos from experts in your country, further bridging the cultural and language divide. You can watch hundreds of videos on this platform at no cost or even become a member and get exclusive access to memorable events or join global conversations.

16. DTube

DTube is a unique YouTube-like platform offering a feature that other platforms do not. On this website, you can vote on videos to reward their creators, curators, influencers, and even viewers in cryptocurrency. This prospect of earning real cash had made DTube popular among creators.

Like YouTube, DTube is user-driven. Content is typically user-generated, so various categories of videos exist to discover. You can watch trending videos, save videos to watch them later, and even subscribe to any channel that you love.

17. Twitter Video

Since Twitter introduced videos, the content you can watch on the platform has varied significantly. While this may also surprise many, X (formerly Twitter) supports live streaming, and the company keeps investing in improving live video playing and streaming on the platform. You can find videos across different categories on the platforms depending on the account you follow.

The introduction of profit sharing and account subscribers has also made monetization on Twitter easier. When creators know they get incentivized for their content, they may be more committed to continuing it. Twitter’s profit-sharing requirements are also minimal compared to YouTube’s requirements for monetization. This also gives X (Twitter) a competitive advantage over YouTube.

Still Using YouTube? Stay Safe Online with a High-quality VPN

YouTube didn’t become the world’s largest video-sharing platform by luck. Rather, the platform has spent time and resources ensuring it always provides the best value, making it difficult to replace. So, we understand if you wish to stay with this platform after checking out its alternatives.

However, ensure you protect yourself with a robust VPN service. ExtremeVPN outranks any other VPN provider due to its advanced privacy and security features. Our fast VPN servers mask your online footprints, making it almost impossible for anyone to track you. You can use ExtremeVPN on various devices, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re watching YouTube on your smartphone, computer, or smart TV.

YouTube Alternatives for Kids

The internet contains various content that can be appropriate or inappropriate for children. Platforms like YouTube have various guidelines and rules to regulate what users share and upload. However, what’s appropriate for an adult can sometimes be improper for a kid. As a result, it’s essential to find a high-quality kid-focused video-sharing platform.

Before moving into the list, you may review YouTube Kids to see whether it’s what you want. This is YouTube’s main app for children and kids typically below the age of 10. However, whether or not you like that platform, below are some other options that you can check out:

1. PBS Kids Video

PBS Kids is a popular cable television channel offering numerous children-friendly and interesting shows. PBS Kids Video lets your children stay connected to some of their favorite characters, like Nature Cat and Arthur. Shows on this channel have high educational value, helping your kids develop and grow faster. Beyond videos, PBS Kids also lets you play different video games.

2. Boomerang – Cartoons and Movies

Boomerang is the home of classic cartoons like Scooby Doo and Tom and Jerry reimagined for younger audiences. It shows various humorous videos that little children will laugh at. Since Boomerang primarily airs classic shows, adults can also relive some aspects of their childhood while monitoring what their kids watch. This platform, however, requires a payment of $3.75 per month.

3. The Cartoon Network App

The Cartoon Network App is a mobile application that allows you to stream cartoons from Cartoon Network and Cartoonito. Catch the best shows from this station, like Craig of the Creek and The Amazing World of Gumball. This app lets you watch full episodes of these shows only a day after they air, ensuring that your kids don’t feel left out. You can also play free games and stream on your phone or tablet.

4. Nick

Nick is a visually pleasing website where kids like Spongebob Squarepants and The Smurfs can stay connected to their Nickelodeon friends. You may also tune in to old Nickelodeon classics like The Fairly Oddparents, TMNT, and Avatar shows. In addition to its vibrant and colorful interface, this website is also easy to navigate. You can also play games or listen to the latest news across the Nickelodeon universe.

Why You Should Look for YouTube Alternatives

It’s not always easy to move from a platform you’ve become familiar with to an unknown one. Sharing your data with another company or using a different website can take time, which most people don’t have. There’s also the possibility that you wouldn’t like that new platform.

Despite all these, there may still be genuine reasons to ditch YouTube for a different website or app for several reasons. Below are some of these reasons:

Expand Your Viewing Options

Sticking to YouTube alone for videos is like living your entire life in a single location. You’ll never know what you’re missing without traveling to other places.

The way the developers have created YouTube, the platform recommends videos based on your profile and interaction with the feed. This means that even within YouTube, you’re not fully exploring or experiencing the app. By switching to other apps, you can avoid this filter bubble and expand your viewing options.

Experience New Video-sharing and Streaming Platforms

YouTube has a large library of content across various categories but still lacks certain kinds of videos. Trying a different platform helps you expand your horizons and have new experiences. Dailymotion, for instance, aggregates content across various sources, most of which aren’t available on YouTube. Without checking it out, you’d think YouTube is providing you with a comprehensive video experience.

Give Google Less Data

You may switch from YouTube to a different platform to give Google less information. Although virtually every company needs to collect user data to provide their customers or users with the best experience, Google takes it to extreme heights. It monitors your activities across its apps and uses that to personalize your experience with others. This means you can watch a video about a particular topic on YouTube and see an advert on Chrome or Gmail.

Conclusion

When moving from YouTube to another website or app, there are certain features that you should look out for. The first is the quality and categories of videos available on the platform. The more diverse the content is, the better. Next, confirm the level of freedom the platform allows and check whether it is free.

Regardless of your chosen platform, ensure you always use a robust VPN like ExtremeVPN for privacy and security. If you have used any platform recently that should make this list, you can share your experience in the comments below.

FAQs