In this comprehensive article, we have reviewed and compared the best YouTube Alternatives that are available online. Select from this fantastic list of alternatives to YouTube to host your videos online safely and securely:
You must be living under a rock if you have never heard of YouTube until now. It is the most widely used, extremely popular video streaming platform on the planet.
It wouldn’t be controversial to claim that no other platform comes even close to the loyal user-base that YouTube enjoys. With over 2.3 billion users worldwide, YouTube caters to a diverse faction of users by offering a wide range of content.
From music to commentary and news, the platform offers an endless barrage of content to its many users globally. It is also important to note that YouTube has also given birth to many independent content creators that have become celebrities in their own right. However, not everything is a rosy picture with YouTube.
Table of Contents:
YouTube Alternatives Review
Censorship issues, age restrictions, and fraudulent copyright claims are rampant in the community that YouTube fosters. Many small content creators and avid users of YouTube on the platform are grasping for straws trying to overcome the above-mentioned roadblocks. Fortunately, YouTube isn’t the only platform that offers 24/7 video streaming.
There are several sites like YouTube that offer something different to their users, something that YouTube may lack in its offering. In this article, we will look at some of the best YouTube Alternatives active today.
Pro-Tips:
- The streaming platform should have a clean, clutter-free, and attractive UI that is easy to navigate.
- It should cover all types of content from a diverse range of genres like gaming, news, entertainment, politics, etc.
- The YouTube Alternative should offer the video content in the highest quality possible, with 1080p being the minimum requirement. It should allow you to adjust the quality of the video output on command.
- Stay away from platforms that assault you with too many ads.
- All the platform’s features must be easily accessible to you.
- A video content platform with a mobile application is a huge plus.
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List of the Best YouTube Alternative Sites
Here is the list of the popular alternatives to YouTube:
- Vimeo
- Crackle
- DailyMotion
- DTube
- Twitch
- Internet Archives Video Section
- Metacafe
- Bitchute
- Utreon
- Vevo
- 9GAG TV
Comparing the Most Popular Alternatives To YouTube
| Name | Best For | Fees | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vimeo | Video-Sharing and Management Platform | 30 day free trial, Plus Plan – $7/month, Pro Plan – $20/month, Business Plan – $50/month, Premium – $75/month. |  |
| Crackle | Streaming movies and TV shows | Free |  |
| Dailymotion | HD Content in Different Genres | Free | |
| D.Tube | Video-Sharing and Viewing | Free |  |
| Twitch | Live Content and Gameplay streaming | Free | |
| Internet Archives | Watching Free Public Domain Movies and TV Shows | Free |  |
Best sites like YouTube in 2024 review:
#1) Vimeo
Best for video sharing and management platforms.
Vimeo allows its users to create, share and manage videos on the platform. One key area in which Vimeo distinguishes itself from YouTube however is the premium plans it offers users who want to create videos for commercial or business purposes.
While YouTube is free and lacking in features that help create commercial videos, Vimeo offers tons of useful tools that help users create, manage and grow their channel with easy monetization. With Vimeo, you can create live streams, record your screen, create video from ready-made templates and even hire a video pro to help you manage your channel.
Features:
- Live streaming
- Screen recorder
- Monetize video
- Create videos with readymade templates
Verdict: Vimeo is a great video streaming platform for professional creators, small businesses, and large enterprises who want to leverage video content to increase their audience or customer base. This is a great alternative to YouTube if you want to market your business, collaborate with your team on videos, or simply monetize the content you create.
Price: 30-day free trial, Plus Plan – $7/month, Pro Plan – $20/month, Business Plan – $50/month, Premium – $75/month.
#2) Crackle
Best for streaming movies and TV shows.
Crackle is a fantastic platform to watch classic movies and TV shows for free. The platform possesses a sleek design which makes searching for movies or navigating the site very simple. The videos available on this site are all high quality; however, you won’t be able to adjust the video quality.
As crackle is a free streaming platform, your viewing experience will be interrupted frequently with commercials. Although we would argue this is a small price to pay for a platform that allows you to stream movies for free.
Price: Free
#3) Dailymotion
Best for HD content from different genres.
Similar to YouTube in virtually every way, Dailymotion offers you a platform that is clean, easy to navigate with tons of content from independent and mainstream creators. You’ll find exclusive content here for music, news, movies, and sports among many other genres. This platforms’ UI is really impressive.
You have all the genres neatly mentioned on top of your screen. Featured videos are showcased on the right-hand side of the screen, while the latest trending videos are depicted in large on the left-hand side. You can adjust the quality and speed of your video. There are also tabs that allow you to share the video on other platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
Features:
- Clean and attractive UI
- Intuitive search bar with easy navigation
- Video sharing on other popular platforms
- Adjust video size and quality.
Verdict: Dailymotion is a very user-friendly content platform with features that make the user experience extremely convenient. You will find all types of old and new content here. It is also very easy to create your own channel and upload videos on these platforms once you’ve signed up to Dailymotion.
Price: Free
Website: https://www.dailymotion.com/ca
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#4) D.Tube
Best for video sharing and viewing.
Aesthetically, D.Tube looks exactly like YouTube. Although its presentation makes it seem like a direct rip-off of the popular content platform, D.Tube has enough of its own charm to earn its place on this list.
Similar to YouTube, its interface contains a home page that depicts all the popular videos you might like to watch while offering multiple options on the left-hand side of your screen.
Currently, D.Tube has begun its own partnership program, where it is inviting new content creators to upload their creations on the platform. This is a great opportunity for independent creators who want to make a name for themselves away from the already competitive world of YouTube.
Features:
- Adjust video speed and quality
- Play videos up to 1080p in quality
- Upload videos
- Share videos on other platforms
Verdict: D.Tube’s similarities with YouTube might be jarring for some as it comes off as a cheap rip-off of the popular content site. However, it is packing enough charm of its own to qualify as a decent alternative to YouTube, especially for new content creators who want to upload and monetize their videos.
Price: Free
Website: https://d.tube/
#5) Twitch
Best for live content and gameplay streaming.
Twitch is a platform ideal for live streaming. It is also a great place for gamers to congregate and stream live gameplay to millions of viewers. Many gamers have made a name for themselves on this platform by simply streaming gameplay to their ever-increasing base of subscribers.
Apart from game streaming, Twitch is also a good place to stream e-sports wherein gamers compete with other streamers on the platform in front of a live audience. Twitch streamers can also monetize their channels by accepting advertising revenue or subscription fees.
Features:
- Stream hours of live gameplay
- Participate in live chat
- Upload live stream and monetize the channel
- Integrate with multiple devices and operating systems
Verdict: If you are a fan of gaming, then you will adore Twitch. It allows fans to watch streamers play games or compete with other gamers online while also helping gamers earn good revenue by doing what they love. The platform is brimming with live streams of video games, e-sports, political commentary, and more.
Price: Free
Website: https://www.twitch.tv/
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#6) Internet Archive
Best for watching free public domain movies and TV shows.
Internet Archive is a great place online to take a trip down memory lane. The platform harbors a substantial number of movies and TV shows that are now considered to be in the public domain and thus can be watched for free online. Of course, this means you won’t find the latest content here.
The platform itself is very easy to use and you won’t have a tough time finding a video or TV show to watch. Apart from this content, the Internet Archive also offers a good catalog of public domain software, books, comics, and audio content.
Features:
- Massive catalog of public domain content
- Intuitive search bar
- Adjustable aspect ratio, video quality, and playback speed
- Upload videos of your own.
Verdict: We recommend Internet Archive to those creators who want to use content in their own videos that are not protected by copyright. You will find several videos here that fall under the public domain.
Additionally, you can upload your own videos here as well. This is also a great place for researchers and students to unearth content that can help them in their projects.
Price: Free
Website: https://archive.org/
#7) Metacafe
Best for bypassing censorship issues.
Metacafe is a phenomenal site to share and watch videos online. The site’s UI is quite appealing, with a home page that instantly greets you with a catalog of popular, recommended, and trending videos.
You can also easily search for videos you prefer by typing your queries in the search bar or filtering content according to categories. You can easily upload and monetize your videos on this channel.
The one thing that really makes this platform shine is its willingness to host uncensored videos. While YouTube’s guidelines are very strict regarding what content is uploaded on their platform, Metacafe isn’t bothered by any of it. Users can upload or watch content they like without having to worry about censorship-related restrictions.
Features:
- Filter content convenient according to categories
- Adjust video quality and playback speed
- Upload and monetize video
- Host uncensored videos
Verdict: With regards to being a video content platform, Metacafe shares many similarities with YouTube. However, by also allowing uncensored videos on its platform, it establishes itself as a tool that doesn’t like shackling its users. It is also easy to upload and monetize your video on this platform.
Price: Free
Website: https://www.metacafe.com/
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#8) BitChute
Best for peer-to-peer content sharing.
BitChute is a peer-to-peer content sharing platform that allows users to post video content on their platform as long as it complies with their guidelines. It has a unique UI that we really like. You can stream videos in a wide range of genres on this platform.
Users can adjust the quality of the videos they watch, comment or engage with a video with likes and shares, and also allow users to tip content creators with a small donation.
Features:
- Decent UI
- Adjustable video quality
- Upload and monetize video
- Filter content according to category
Verdict: BitChute is a platform that helps independent creators flourish online. It is easier to create videos and monetize on this platform as creators get an option to earn revenue from ads or open a channel to receive donations from their subscribers.
Price: Free
Website: https://www.bitchute.com/video/CD77EJrCNJRm/
#9) Utreon
Best for video content sharing.
Utreon doesn’t enjoy the giant user base that YouTube harbors. However, it is a somewhat niche content-sharing platform where you can share your video content with a few followers. The site has tons of content from small creators that have recorded and shared their opinions, hobbies, and creative endeavors online.
The platform can host full HD videos. Users can engage with these videos on the platform as comments, likes, and shares.
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Features:
- Hosts full HD videos
- Upload videos in various genres
- Filter and search for content conveniently
- Share content on other platforms
Verdict: Utreon isn’t remotely as popular as YouTube and it shows in its design and videos with very low viewership. However, it can be a great platform for novice creators to share their content and connect with a few users on Utreon before they are confident enough of taking their channel to a relatively bigger platform.
Price: Free
Website: https://utreon.com/
#10) Vevo
Best for music video sharing.
If you’ve watched a music video on YouTube, then you must have come across the Vevo channel, known specifically for offering exclusive musical content. Well, few know that Vevo has its own platform where it streams music videos from some of the biggest artists in the industry.
The platform gives you instant access to chartbusters and live performances. Currently, the site has over 450 thousand music videos.
Features:
- Giant catalog of high-quality music videos
- Stream live musical performances and concerts
- Watch Vevo music videos on streaming platforms like Roku and Comcast
Verdict: Vevo is one of the largest music video platforms in the world. It can be accessed via streaming devices or online platforms like Roku, Apple TV, Comcast, YouTube, etc. The platform is home to a diverse genre of music created by some of the biggest names in the music industry. This is an ideal platform for die-hard music fans.
Price: Free
Website: https://www.vevo.com/
#11) 9Gag
Best for social media platform for video sharing.
9Gag shares a lot of its DNA with Facebook than it does with YouTube. The platform allows users to post videos of their own and share them with millions of users on the platform.
Once uploaded, however, users don’t have the ability to adjust the video quality or aspect ratio as it will play it in the manner in which it was uploaded. It is an excellent platform to share short clips with a duration that doesn’t clock in more than a minute.
Features:
- Like and Comment on videos
- Scroll down to watch similar videos
- Intuitive search mechanism
- Share on other platforms like Facebook and Pinterest.
Verdict: 9Gag can be a good place to share short clips that do not run over a minute. The platform can get annoying sometimes as the page you are watching video on can be littered with ads all over. 9Gag provides a fun little space to share videos with your friends and family.
Price: Free
Website: https://9gag.com/video
Other Websites Like YouTube
#12) lbry.TV
Best for clean and clutter-free content sharing.
lbry.TV has a very minimalistic approach to UI design, which in our opinion is its most compelling feature. This is a suitable platform to upload content or find videos to watch in a variety of genres. You can easily find what you are looking for with the search bar at the top.
You can look for information like the channels you are following or videos that are trending on the left-hand side of your screen. The videos run smoothly in HD quality and their quality along with the playback speed can be adjusted as per your preference.
Price: Free
Website: https://lbry.tv/
#13) Ted
Best for educational public speaking videos.
Ted is a prestigious institution that holds events wherein a particular celebrated individual speaks or shares their thoughts on a specific topic on a public platform. This event is recorded and broadcast to millions of viewers online.
The Ted online platform can be visited to find uncut videos of these long Ted talks delivered by some of the best minds in the world. There are tons of interesting videos here on fascinating topics you can access for free.
Price: Free
Website: https://www.ted.com/#/
#14) Open Video Project
Best for sharing video archive.
Let us just state that Open Video Project might not be everyone’s cup of tea. This is a platform that still uses an outdated UI to host videos in a variety of genres.
The home page allows you to select the genre, duration, sound, and color of a film, based on which it will recommend you titles from its catalog. The catalog is very limited, but we found some old gems that are rare to find these days on popular sites like YouTube.
Price: Free
Website: https://open-video.org/
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will there ever be a suitable replacement for YouTube?
YouTube is the go-to video streaming platform for many around the globe. Although there are many great alternatives to YouTube, it is difficult to imagine any of them being able to dethrone YouTube in the near future.
However, there have been demands for alternative sites by content creators on YouTube because of the issues they have been facing on the platform recently. Only time will tell if there will ever be a suitable replacement for YouTube.
2. Who owns YouTube now?
Google bought YouTube back in 2006 for $1.6 billion. It is now officially a subsidiary of Google. Given people’s apprehension with Google regarding privacy, it is only logical for users to look for an alternative to YouTube.
3. Who is the richest YouTuber?
As we mentioned before, YouTube is responsible for many successful careers on its platform. There are many YouTubers who’ve made millions on the site by posting their content. As of today, Jeffree Star, who hosts a popular beauty-centric channel on YouTube, is the richest YouTuber in the world with a net worth of $200 million.
4. Is YouTube bigger than Netflix?
When you consider the subscriber count alone, then Netflix comes out on top as the bigger platform. However, a subscriber base isn’t the only factor that should be considered when determining which channel is bigger. Viewing hours matter as well.
In this regard, YouTube surpasses Netflix as YouTube users watch one billion hours of content on YouTube every day.
5. What are the Best Alternatives to YouTube today?
This tutorial enlists and reviews the best 14 platforms that are undoubtedly some of the best YouTube alternatives out there.
Conclusion
YouTube is undeniably one of the most popular video streaming platforms in the world. There is no chance of it being toppled from its top spot in the coming years. However, most have no idea what they are missing out on by not trying other content sites like YouTube that are different from it in several key areas.
In fact, we would advise you to try each of the above tools at least once to understand exactly what you are missing out on by restricting yourselves to YouTube alone.
As for our recommendation, if you are looking for a video streaming platform that assists you fully with regard to the creation, management, and growth of your channel, then Vimeo stands out as the best alternative to YouTube.
On the other hand, you can also try Dailymotion to experience features similar to YouTube but with a different visual aesthetic.
Research Process:
- We spent 13 hours researching and writing this article so you can have summarized and insightful information on which YouTube Alternative will best suit you.
- Total YouTube Alternative researched – 30
- Total YouTube Alternative shortlisted – 14