Alternatives to
YouTube
The default video platform - vast catalogue, algorithmic feed, and Google account lock-in.
Why people switch
YouTube is easy to overlook in a “switch off Google” plan because it feels separate from mail or maps. It is not. Watch history, subscriptions, and recommendations are another behavioural graph. Alternatives below trade catalogue size for ownership, federation, or creator-funded models.
Switching in practice
You cannot replicate the entire catalogue elsewhere. Many people keep YouTube for specific channels while moving daily viewing to federated or subscription platforms - a partial switch is still progress.
Vetted alternatives
PeerTube
Moderate switchOpen sourceFederated video hosting - no single company owns the network.
PeerTube instances are run by communities and organisations. You subscribe across instances without one global algorithm deciding what you see next.
How it is funded: Instance hosting; often donation- or community-funded.
Catalogue is distributed - discover creators instance by instance.
Nebula
Moderate switchSubscription streaming for independent creators - no surveillance ads.
Nebula bundles educational and essay-style creators, many represented by Standard (the agency that built the platform). CuriosityStream holds a minority stake. It is not a full YouTube replacement, but a common home for ad-free versions of channels you may already follow.
How it is funded: Paid subscriptions; revenue split between Standard and creators, with creator payouts based on watch time.
Paid and curated - best as a partial switch alongside PeerTube or selective YouTube use.