17 KiB
| title | icon |
|---|---|
| Frontends | material/flip-to-front |
Sometimes services will try to force you to sign up for an account by blocking access to content with annoying popups. They might also break without JavaScript enabled. These frontends can allow you to get around these restrictions.
LBRY
Librarian
!!! recommendation
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**Librarian** is a free and open-source frontend for [Odysee](https://odysee.com/) (LBRY) that is also self-hostable.
There are a number of public instances, with some instances having [Tor](https://www.torproject.org) onion services support.
[:octicons-repo-16: Repository](https://codeberg.org/librarian/librarian){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-server-16:](https://librarian.codeberg.page/){ .card-link title="Public Instances"}
[:octicons-info-16:](https://codeberg.org/librarian/librarian/wiki){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://codeberg.org/librarian/librarian){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
!!! warning
Librarian does not proxy video streams by default. Videos watched through Librarian will still make direct connections to Odysee's servers (e.g. `odycdn.com`); however, some instances may enable proxying which would be detailed in the instance's privacy policy.
!!! tip
Librarian is useful if you want watch LBRY content on mobile without mandatory telemetry and if you want to disable JavaScript in your browser, as is the case with [Tor Browser](https://www.torproject.org/) on the Safest security level.
When self-hosting, it is important that you have other people using your instance as well in order for you to blend in. You should be careful with where and how you are hosting Librarian, as other peoples' usage will be linked to your hosting.
When you are using a Librarian instance, make sure to read the privacy policy of that specific instance. Librarian instances can be modified by their owners and therefore may not reflect the default policy. Librarian instances feature a "privacy nutrition label" to provide an overview of their policy. Some instances have Tor .onion addresses which may grant some privacy as long as your search queries don't contain PII.
Nitter
!!! recommendation
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**Nitter** is a free and open-source frontend for [Twitter](https://twitter.com) that is also self-hostable.
There are a number of public instances, with some instances having [Tor](https://www.torproject.org) onion services support.
[:octicons-repo-16: Repository](https://github.com/zedeus/nitter){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-server-16:](https://github.com/zedeus/nitter/wiki/Instances){ .card-link title="Public Instances"}
[:octicons-info-16:](https://github.com/zedeus/nitter/wiki){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/zedeus/nitter){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://github.com/zedeus/nitter#nitter){ .card-link title=Contribute }
!!! tip
Nitter is useful if you want to browse Twitter content without having to log in and if you want to disable JavaScript in your browser, as is the case with [Tor Browser](https://www.torproject.org/) on the Safest security level. It also allows you to [create RSS feeds for Twitter](news-aggregators.md#twitter).
When self-hosting, it is important that you have other people using your instance as well in order for you to blend in. You should be careful with where and how you are hosting Nitter, as other peoples' usage will be linked to your hosting.
When you are using a Nitter instance, make sure to read the privacy policy of that specific instance. Nitter instances can be modified by their owners and therefore may not reflect the default policy. Some instances have Tor .onion addresses which may grant some privacy as long as your search queries don't contain PII.
TikTok
ProxiTok
!!! recommendation
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**ProxiTok** is an open source frontend to the [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com) website that is also self-hostable.
There are a number of public instances, with some instances having [Tor](https://www.torproject.org) onion services support.
[:octicons-repo-16: Repository](https://github.com/pablouser1/ProxiTok){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-server-16:](https://github.com/pablouser1/ProxiTok/wiki/Public-instances){ .card-link title="Public Instances"}
[:octicons-info-16:](https://github.com/pablouser1/ProxiTok/wiki){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/pablouser1/ProxiTok){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
!!! tip
ProxiTok is useful if you want to disable JavaScript in your browser, such as [Tor Browser](https://www.torproject.org/) on the Safest security level.
When self-hosting, it is important that you have other people using your instance as well in order for you to blend in. You should be careful with where and how you are hosting ProxiTok, as other peoples' usage will be linked to your hosting.
When you are using a ProxiTok instance, make sure to read the privacy policy of that specific instance. ProxiTok instances can be modified by their owners and therefore may not reflect their associated privacy policy. Some instances have Tor .onion addresses which may grant some privacy as long as your search queries don't contain PII.
YouTube
FreeTube
!!! recommendation
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**FreeTube** is a free and open-source desktop application for [YouTube](https://youtube.com). When using FreeTube, your subscription list and playlists are saved locally on your device.
By default, FreeTube blocks all YouTube advertisements. In addition, FreeTube optionally integrates with [SponsorBlock](https://sponsor.ajay.app) to help you skip sponsored video segments.
[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://freetubeapp.io){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-eye-16:](https://freetubeapp.io/privacy.php){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" }
[:octicons-info-16:](https://docs.freetubeapp.io/){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/FreeTubeApp/FreeTube){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://liberapay.com/FreeTube){ .card-link title=Contribute }
??? downloads
- [:simple-windows11: Windows](https://freetubeapp.io/#download)
- [:simple-apple: macOS](https://freetubeapp.io/#download)
- [:simple-linux: Linux](https://freetubeapp.io/#download)
- [:simple-flathub: Flathub](https://flathub.org/apps/details/io.freetubeapp.FreeTube)
!!! warning
When using FreeTube, your IP address may still be known to YouTube, [Invidious](https://instances.invidious.io) or [SponsorBlock](https://sponsor.ajay.app/) depending on your configuration. Consider using a [VPN](vpn.md) or [Tor](https://www.torproject.org) if your [threat model](basics/threat-modeling.md) requires hiding your IP address.
Yattee
!!! recommendation
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**Yattee** is a free and open-source privacy oriented video player for iOS, tvOS and macOS for [YouTube](https://youtube.com). When using Yattee, your subscription list are saved locally on your device.
You will need to take a few [extra steps](https://gonzoknows.com/posts/Yattee/) before you can use Yattee to watch YouTube, due to App Store restrictions.
[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://github.com/yattee/yattee){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-eye-16:](https://r.yattee.stream/docs/privacy.html){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" }
[:octicons-info-16:](https://github.com/yattee/yattee/wiki){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/yattee/yattee){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://github.com/yattee/yattee/wiki/Donations){ .card-link title=Contribute }
??? downloads
- [:simple-apple: App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yattee/id1595136629)
- [:simple-github: GitHub](https://github.com/yattee/yattee/releases)
!!! warning
When using Yattee, your IP address may still be known to YouTube, [Invidious](https://instances.invidious.io), [Piped](https://github.com/TeamPiped/Piped/wiki/Instances) or [SponsorBlock](https://sponsor.ajay.app/) depending on your configuration. Consider using a [VPN](vpn.md) or [Tor](https://www.torproject.org) if your [threat model](basics/threat-modeling.md) requires hiding your IP address.
By default, Yattee blocks all YouTube advertisements. In addition, Yattee optionally integrates with SponsorBlock to help you skip sponsored video segments.
LibreTube (Android)
!!! recommendation
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**LibreTube** is a free and open-source Android application for [YouTube](https://youtube.com) which uses the [Piped](#piped) API.
LibreTube allows you to store your subscription list and playlists locally on your Android device, or to an account on your Piped instance of choice, which allows you to access them seamlessly on other devices as well.
[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://libre-tube.github.io){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-eye-16:](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube#privacy-policy-and-disclaimer){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" }
[:octicons-info-16:](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube#readme){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
??? downloads
- [:simple-github: GitHub](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases)
!!! warning
When using LibreTube, your IP address will be visible to the [Piped](https://github.com/TeamPiped/Piped/wiki/Instances) instance you choose and/or [SponsorBlock](https://sponsor.ajay.app/) depending on your configuration. Consider using a [VPN](vpn.md) or [Tor](https://www.torproject.org) if your [threat model](basics/threat-modeling.md) requires hiding your IP address.
By default, LibreTube blocks all YouTube advertisements. Additionally, Libretube uses SponsorBlock to help you skip sponsored video segments. You are able to fully configure the types of segments that SponsorBlock will skip, or disable it completely. There is also a button on the video player itself to disable it for a specific video if desired.
NewPipe (Android)
!!! recommendation annotate
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**NewPipe** is a free and open-source Android application for [YouTube](https://youtube.com), [SoundCloud](https://soundcloud.com), [media.ccc.de](https://media.ccc.de), [Bandcamp](https://bandcamp.com), and [PeerTube](https://joinpeertube.org/) (1).
Your subscription list and playlists are saved locally on your Android device.
[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://newpipe.net){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-eye-16:](https://newpipe.net/legal/privacy){ .card-link title="Privacy Policy" }
[:octicons-info-16:](https://teamnewpipe.github.io/documentation/){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/TeamNewPipe/NewPipe){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://newpipe.net/donate/){ .card-link title=Contribute }
??? downloads
- [:simple-github: GitHub](https://github.com/TeamNewPipe/NewPipe/releases)
- The default instance is FramaTube, however more can be added via Settings → Content → PeerTube instances
!!! Warning
When using NewPipe, your IP address will be visible to the video providers used. Consider using a [VPN](vpn.md) or [Tor](https://www.torproject.org) if your [threat model](basics/threat-modeling.md) requires hiding your IP address.
Invidious
!!! recommendation
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**Invidious** is a free and open-source frontend for [YouTube](https://youtube.com) that is also self-hostable.
There are a number of public instances, with some instances having [Tor](https://www.torproject.org) onion services support.
[:octicons-home-16: Homepage](https://invidious.io){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-server-16:](https://instances.invidious.io){ .card-link title="Public Instances"}
[:octicons-info-16:](https://docs.invidious.io/){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/iv-org/invidious){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://invidious.io/donate/){ .card-link title=Contribute }
!!! warning
Invidious does not proxy video streams by default. Videos watched through Invidious will still make direct connections to Google's servers (e.g. `googlevideo.com`); however, some instances support video proxying—simply enable *Proxy videos* within the instances' settings or add `&local=true` to the URL.
!!! tip
Invidious is useful if you want to disable JavaScript in your browser, such as [Tor Browser](https://www.torproject.org/) on the Safest security level. It does not provide privacy by itself, and we don’t recommend logging into any accounts.
When self-hosting, it is important that you have other people using your instance as well in order for you to blend in. You should be careful with where and how you are hosting Invidious, as other peoples' usage will be linked to your hosting.
When you are using an Invidious instance, make sure to read the privacy policy of that specific instance. Invidious instances can be modified by their owners and therefore may not reflect their associated privacy policy. Some instances have Tor .onion addresses which may grant some privacy as long as your search queries don't contain PII.
Piped
!!! recommendation
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**Piped** is a free and open-source frontend for [YouTube](https://youtube.com) that is also self-hostable.
Piped requires JavaScript in order to function and there are a number of public instances.
[:octicons-repo-16: Repository](https://github.com/TeamPiped/Piped){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-server-16:](https://piped.kavin.rocks/preferences#ddlInstanceSelection){ .card-link title="Public Instances"}
[:octicons-info-16:](https://piped-docs.kavin.rocks/){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/TeamPiped/Piped){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://github.com/TeamPiped/Piped#donations){ .card-link title=Contribute }
!!! tip
Piped is useful if you want to use [SponsorBlock](https://sponsor.ajay.app) without installing an extension or to access age-restricted content without an account. It does not provide privacy by itself, and we don’t recommend logging into any accounts.
When self-hosting, it is important that you have other people using your instance as well in order for you to blend in. You should be careful with where and how you are hosting Piped, as other peoples' usage will be linked to your hosting.
When you are using a Piped instance, make sure to read the privacy policy of that specific instance. Piped instances can be modified by their owners and therefore may not reflect their associated privacy policy.
Criteria
Please note we are not affiliated with any of the projects we recommend. In addition to our standard criteria, we have developed a clear set of requirements to allow us to provide objective recommendations. We suggest you familiarize yourself with this list before choosing to use a project, and conduct your own research to ensure it's the right choice for you.
!!! example "This section is new"
We are working on establishing defined criteria for every section of our site, and this may be subject to change. If you have any questions about our criteria, please [ask on our forum](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/latest) and don't assume we didn't consider something when making our recommendations if it is not listed here. There are many factors considered and discussed when we recommend a project, and documenting every single one is a work-in-progress.
Recommended frontends...
- Must be open-source.
- Must be self-hostable.
- Must provide all basic website functionality available to anonymous users.
We only consider frontends for websites which are...
- Not normally accessible without JavaScript.