Frontends
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.
If you choose to self-host these frontends, 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, as other peoples' usage will be linked to your hosting.
When you are using an instance run by someone else, make sure to read the privacy policy of that specific instance. They 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.
Reddit¶
Redlib¶
Redlib is an open-source frontend to the Reddit website that is also self-hostable.
There are a number of public instances, with some instances having Tor onion services support.
Note
The Old Reddit website doesn't require as much JavaScript as the new Reddit website does, but it has recently blocked access to IP addresses reserved for public VPNs. You can use Old Reddit in conjunction with the Tor Onion that was launched in October 2022 at https://old.reddittorjg6rue252oqsxryoxengawnmo46qy4kyii5wtqnwfj4ooad.onion.
Tip
Redlib is useful if you want to disable JavaScript in your browser, such as Tor Browser on the Safest security level.
TikTok¶
ProxiTok¶
ProxiTok is an open-source frontend to the TikTok website that is also self-hostable.
There are a number of public instances, with some instances having Tor onion services support.
Tip
ProxiTok is useful if you want to disable JavaScript in your browser, such as Tor Browser on the Safest security level.
YouTube¶
FreeTube¶
FreeTube is a free and open-source desktop application for YouTube. 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 to help you skip sponsored video segments.
Warning
When using FreeTube, your IP address may still be known to YouTube, Invidious or SponsorBlock depending on your configuration. Consider using a VPN or Tor if your threat model requires hiding your IP address.
Yattee¶
Yattee is a free and open-source privacy oriented video player for iOS, tvOS and macOS for YouTube. When using Yattee, your subscription list are saved locally on your device.
You will need to take a few extra steps before you can use Yattee to watch YouTube, due to App Store restrictions.
Warning
When using Yattee, your IP address may still be known to YouTube, Invidious, Piped or SponsorBlock depending on your configuration. Consider using a VPN or Tor if your threat model 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)¶
LibreTube is a free and open-source Android application for YouTube which uses the 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.
Downloads
Warning
When using LibreTube, your IP address will be visible to the Piped instance you choose and/or SponsorBlock depending on your configuration. Consider using a VPN or Tor if your threat model 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)¶
NewPipe is a free and open-source Android application for YouTube, SoundCloud, media.ccc.de, Bandcamp, and PeerTube (1).
Your subscription list and playlists are saved locally on your Android device.
Downloads
- 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 or Tor if your threat model requires hiding your IP address.
Invidious¶
Invidious is a free and open-source frontend for YouTube that is also self-hostable.
There are a number of public instances, with some instances having Tor onion services support.
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 on the Safest security level. It does not provide privacy by itself, and we don’t recommend logging into any accounts.
Piped¶
Piped is a free and open-source frontend for YouTube that is also self-hostable.
Piped requires JavaScript in order to function and there are a number of public instances.
Tip
Piped is useful if you want to use SponsorBlock 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.
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.
Recommended frontends...
- Must be open-source software.
- Must be self-hostable.
- Must provide all basic website functionality available to anonymous users.
We only consider frontends if one of the following is true for a platform:
- Normally only accessible with JavaScript enabled.
- Normally only accessible with an account.
- Blocks access from commercial VPNs.
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