25+ Best YouTube Alternatives to Host Your Videos

Just like most people, I automatically head to YouTube whenever I’m hunting down a video. But, there are several YouTube alternatives that I think should deserve way more attention than they’re getting.

Sure. YouTube is the second-largest search engine worldwide, and it’s where everybody goes for online videos. However, I’ve noticed something. A lot of creators are grappling with YouTube’s strict copyright rules and even overall content rules, in general. Not to mention now that the platform is super crowded, it is harder than ever to get YouTube subscribers.

I stumbled upon these YouTube alternatives that have some neat features that you might just find handy for your own videos down the line. These alternatives offer features that you might want for future videos—plus, they’re free!

We’ve made this quick video for you!

Here are some of my favorite YouTube alternatives that I think are worth your time, especially if you’re a content creator or just an avid video fans who want to explore fresh platforms and discover new content without the hassle of strict copyright policies:

1. Patreon

If you want to focus on video monetization without worrying too much about copyrights and monetization rules, I personally think that Patreon is one of the best platforms.

What I like the most about Patreon is that it puts content creators in the driver’s seat when it comes to controlling what video content they choose to produce. No more feeling restricted or tied down by someone else’s rules.

It’s a highly flexible crowdfunding service that has fewer project restrictions than most video hosting platforms.

This is perfect for creative projects, not personal use. Also, the platform is heavily focused on supporting the arts or works through financial donations.

Patrons (that’s what the subscribers are called) need to subscribe to your channel and pay a monthly fee to access and follow your video content.

2. Playeur

I don’t think this platform sounds familiar to most of us, and I think it’s because it’s considerably new. However, Playeur, formerly known as Utreon, is a video hosting platform that aims to become a real alternative to legacy video platforms such as YouTube.

It launched in late 2020 with unique features, reasonable rules, and a sleek and easy-to-use UI that have all been key to its growth.

Creators on Playeur can monetize their content through subscription revenue and will have access to several other monetization features in the near future.

Playeur has many exciting features in the pipeline, such as an iOS app, live streaming, and community feeds.

I’ve dug some perks of using this platform:

It’s easy to get started

Joining Playeur is a frictionless process. They take care of all the heavy lifting by importing content from your existing YouTube channel and syncing your future uploads.

Earn Money

Subscriptions are the first of what will soon be many monetization features on Playeur. You can always monetize your channel simply.

Also, all your most dedicated fans will be able to subscribe to your channel at one of three different tier levels.

Reasonable approach

Tech giants are deciding what can be expressed on social media and have shown themselves incapable of being unbiased/honest with their users or creators.

Other platforms have reacted to this by declaring themselves the wild-west of the internet.

Playeur takes a more reasonable stance. Simply put, Playeur has clear rules, and the rationale behind these rules is explained. Moreover, they apply fairly and evenly.

Engagement and Communities

Viewers want to interact with their favorite creators and participate in real communities.

They want to post memes, ask questions, share their favorite clips, earn approval, and more.

Playeur provides an interactive comment section for videos and focuses on implementing features that allow creators and users to interact in more ways than ever.

3. Vimeo

If you want to find a new source of traffic for your website, Vimeo can be a good place to upload your videos to the internet, and it has a lot of users and a good ranking position on search engines.

I use this platform myself to embed videos on my website. It’s hassle-free and accessible for users.

Also, as a person whose job is to create professional videos, I often get inspired by a tremendous number of high-quality short films and music videos submitted by the community.

Vimeo’s subscribe function is equivalent to YouTube’s, which is the opportunity for you to follow the channels (or users) you like. It also allows other users to leave comments.

The features below are what make this platform stand out to me:

Superior video quality

I know that YouTube is notorious for heavily compressing video and, therefore, losing quality in favor of less data on their server. Vimeo presents my video as-is without any compression.

In other words, my video will look as good as it did coming out of the rendering software.

However, with the advancement in camera technology, the file sizes are getting ridiculously bigger — there’s a real chance Vimeo will start applying compression to their videos.

Branded video player

Vimeo has a feature that allows users to customize how the frame of the video player looks.

So, as a user, I can match the player to my homepage, business portfolio, brand identity, or marketing campaign by tweaking its appearance. This is my new play area for creativity in coloring and design.

To change the text colors and upload the logo to a specific video, go to video settings and click the Embed tab.

Customized privacy control

There’s a vast range of privacy and playback control options on Vimeo.

One of the handiest features for me is the ability to limit playback anywhere except on your own website or other websites of my choosing.

This means users can make the videos exclusively available on their website, which is likely to get us more visitors and a higher conversion rate.

Customizable video URLs

Vimeo also gives me the liberty of changing the URL of my videos– and I find it easier to customize them according to my preferences or needs.

I don’t have to worry about complicated or fixed URLs that don’t suit my branding or organization. This customized URL also gives my content a professional look, boosting its credibility and appeal to viewers.

Outstanding customer service

The clearest win that Vimeo has over YouTube is how easy it is to contact them.

The forum activity and customer service are simply ahead of YouTube. Granted, YouTube is well ahead by millions in terms of the number of people submitting queries.

4. VideosHub

VideosHub is another great alternative to YouTube that I think should deserve more attention. VideosHub has a great system to ensure all uploaded videos are of high quality and there are no duplicates on their website.

They also classify videos into different categories, including entertainment, sports, video games, movies, news, and TV, and receive millions of unique viewers each month.

I realize that there are many people who aren’t really familiar with VideosHub. So I tried to round up these quick facts about the platform:

• VideosHub is one of the largest video-sharing sites, with 2 million visitors a month on average.
• There is a reward system called the Producer Reward Program that allows you to get revenue from your videos.
• You can get paid up to $5 per 1,000 visits from this program.
• Sadly, your video needs to rack up 20,000 views to be eligible for this program.

5. Dailymotion

Dailymotion is also a popular video-sharing service that can offer a great user experience even compared to YouTube.

It also has a clean and simple video player. Overall, it shows how much work the pro developers have put into the Dailymotion UI.

Here’s what I find fascinating about this platform:

Better video quality with less quantity

Apparently, YouTube is really good at making a heavy loss in video quality. Dailymotion provides viewers with a version of each video that is closer to the source.

However, Dailymotion is far from competing with the thousands of videos that are uploaded to YouTube per day.

Better flexibility

YouTube, with its copyright strikes, is quite scary as of late. Uploading your videos to Dailymotion is less risky since the producers are more tolerant, and the copyright policies are yet to be as strict as YouTube’s.

All in all, if you’re not sure you have the rights to every element in your video, Dailymotion has a smaller risk of copyright claims.

Higher tolerance for content

While both YouTube and Dailymotion have their own rules on what can and can’t be uploaded, Dailymotion has somewhat of a better tolerance for it by providing options for uploaders to set an age gate.

6. Facebook Watch

You may not think of Facebook as a video-sharing website or as an alternative to YouTube.

However, Facebook has a video feature called Facebook Watch, where users can upload and share videos.

Uploading videos to Facebook Watch is very simple.

There are also support tools that you can use to optimize your video, including thumbnails, tags, and the option to add a meta description.

On top of that, you can upload HD videos without any downscaling.

You can also make live videos on Facebook more easily than on YouTube or other desktop platforms.

Before you start creating videos for Facebook, you can read and learn more from our social media video tips to get better results.

An open comparison between Facebook and YouTube isn’t really fair, as one is primarily a social media platform, whereas the other is only for sharing video content.

However, we can compare the two on their capabilities as video. It’s also worth noting that video posts on Facebook are weighted more than regular text posts by its latest algorithm.

7. Veoh

Veoh is one of the best YouTube alternatives. It allows its users to upload and post videos with unlimited length.

You can embed Veoh’s video player on any website. There are many full-length movies uploaded to Veoh.

8. TikTok

TikTok burst onto the scene in 2016. And by 2018, this app was one of the most downloaded apps in the U.S.

TikTok is famous for short bursts of videos, just like YouTube Shorts. This app is designed for mobile, so vertical videos are the default format.

TikTok is basically a home for fun, unserious types of content. That’s why the team and I use TikTok to share behind-the-scene content.

It’s a great platform for entertainment, quick stories, challenges, and even life hacks in under 5 minutes.

For content creators, this app allows you to monetize your content through a program called TikTok Creator Fund. 

It’s also a powerful platform if you want to target young millennials or Gen Z audiences.

You can also shop via this app. TikTok has its own marketplace called TikTok Shop, which allows users and brands to display and sell products directly on the platform.

9. Reels

Instagram was once a photo-sharing app. Now, the app has embraced video format more than ever. IG Reels is the closest feature to YouTube Shorts. 

It provides analytics and allows you to upload 90-second short videos.

Since Reels is made for vertical, it calls for tight shots and close-ups. Being too wordy or having videos filled with plain isn’t feasible for users.

Suppose you’re a business or content creator. In that case, this app is a perfect alternative to YouTube if you’re looking for a platform that allows you to engage with your audiences or constantly run influencer marketing.

10. Twitch

YouTube is a good platform for uploading lasting, pre-recorded, well-polished content.

Twitch is one of the best options if you’re looking for an alternative specifically designed for live-streaming videos.

Twitch is the largest platform for live streaming, with most of the content built around video games and a thriving community atmosphere. 

We can say that this is the go-to online place for live streamers.

It allows streamers to get donations and subs while they do a live stream. That is what makes some users choose to be full-time Twitch streamers.

However, if you want to start to build your presence on this platform, it can take time to break through.

Twitch tends to promote those channels that already have massive followings. That means the bigger your audience is, the more Twitch will push your channel.

11. Crackle

Whenever I try to watch a free movie on YouTube, I often find myself navigating through countless trailers and clips, only to discover that the full movie isn’t available for free.

The platform is quite harsh with its copyright issues. Although there’s YouTube Primetime that offers you originals or free movies, the choice is fairly limited.

For more options, you can rent or buy movies on YouTube Movies. 

Crackle is a place where users can watch uncut and unedited Hollywood movies. However, it’s only available in the United States.

If you want to upload your indie films or small movie projects, Crackle may be worth a try. I love how they provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, even if it’s not mainstream– to foster a diverse range of content for viewers to explore.

This is the place for movie buffs that feel adventurous and look for an alternative that allows them to stream movies for free.

There are tons of direct-to-video or little-known indie films. You might find a handful of old or almost-forgotten favorites and hidden gems that users can watch for free.

12. Rumble

Rumble is an online video platform launched in 2013, started out with a self-declared free-speech platform.

It contains viral videos that are commonly seen on YouTube and other social media, but it has looser restrictions on what constitutes a violation of its video policy

It is basically comparable to YouTube, with fewer restrictions and a simpler algorithm.

This is the place where content creators have an unfiltered connection with users. Unlike YouTube, shadow banning is not even a concern.

If you follow politics or are trying to shift away from traditional social media, this platform might be a good fit for your videos.

You can monetize your channel too. You can earn revenue from ads that are shown on your videos.

13. Internet Archive

The Internet Archive is a non-profit library where you can access millions of movies, books, and even software.

This is a treasure of historical content and obscure news reports, TV series, and movies that are typically hard to find anywhere else.

If you have documentaries and you want to make your videos accessible for public knowledge, you might want to upload them here.

The site isn’t the most user-friendly, but it’s a good place to archive vast amounts of very important data and make it freely available for everyone.

14. Odysee

Odysee was created to recapture some of the freedom and independence of the early internet, where anyone could have a voice.

The site was created by the team behind the LBRY blockchain protocol. 

That means if you create a channel on this platform, it exists in a cryptocurrency wallet that you can download. The content remains on the blockchain permanently.

That all said, if you want to put whatever video content you want online and keep it there without the risk of it being removed, this platform might be a good option.

It can give you more control over your own content and audience– and you won’t get banned for the smallest thing.

Streamers on Odysee get 93-95% of their tips. And content creators get 100% of their membership. 

Plus, there are no far-too-strict guidelines for users. There are basic community guidelines that prohibit things like pornography and content that promotes violence or terrorism.

15. Storyfire

Storyfire is a creative video or writing social entertainment platform. The platform combines YouTube–Twitter–and Wattpad.

StoryFire claimed to be an edgier alternative to YouTube with revolutionary monetization features and support for the creative.

The platform is well-known for its passionate community of writers and video creators earning a full-time living from content creation. 

It is worth checking out if you love storytelling through video or if you have a story-driven video series and want to grow a fanbase.

Users can use its in-app currency known as “Blaze” to pay creators for posting original videos, stories, and even tweets.

16. Peertube

If you want to have complete control of the place where you place your videos, PerTube has the solution.

PeerTube allows you to create your own video platform with complete independence. 

It means that you make your own guidelines and don’t have to deal with opaque algorithms or obscure moderation policies.

It is free, open-source (no need to pay to install it on your server), and created for non-commercial purposes.

17. 9Gag

9Gag isn’t something new if you’ve been on the internet for quite some time. 

It’s the place where people look for a chuckle, so if you’re creating memes, GIFs, and comedy videos, this could be a great YouTube alternative for you. 

The very specific niche 9Gag community makes it easy to go viral.

You can only upload videos that are funny, entertaining, or weird– though. Otherwise, your videos will be taken down. 

18. D.tube

I just found out about this platform when blockchain and cryptocurrency became the talk of the town couple years ago.

D.tube is a blockchain-based video-sharing platform that is quickly gaining popularity. It’s similar to YouTube in terms of functionality, but it has some key differences. 

For one, it’s decentralized, meaning there is no central authority controlling what gets uploaded and what doesn’t. This could make it a great platform for controversial content that might get censored on YouTube.

Just like YouTube, D.tube also pays creators for their content. 

This is made possible through a token system, which means that you could potentially make a lot of money if your content gets popular. Creators will get rewarded with cryptocurrency. 

One catch, though, is that since your videos will be stored in a blockchain, they’ll be permanent. So, if you delete your DTube account, your videos will still be there. 

19. BitChute

BitChute is another decentralized video-sharing platform that is similar to DTube. It also has a token system that allows creators to earn money for their content. 

However, BitChute has a different focus than DTube. It’s designed to be a safe haven for free speech, which means that it’s a great platform for controversial content.

It’s well-known for being a place full of conspiracy and  theorists content

If you’re looking for a YouTube alternative that is focused on free speech and censorship-resistant, then you might check out  BitChute, which is a great option. The site is free to use.

20. Bilibili

Bilibili is a Chinese video-sharing platform that is popular among young people in China. People also call it China YouTube.

It’s an online home for fans of anime, manga, and other forms of geek culture. This makes it a great platform for content creators who are into that sort of thing. 

Of course, anime, manga, and cartoons aren’t the only type of content on the site. You can find all sorts of videos, including music videos, movies, TV shows, and more.

The live-streaming feature helps you to potentially reach a larger audience with your content.

Also, Bilibili is a great option to host your videos if you’re targeting the Chinese market and audiences.

21. Restream

Restream is a live-streaming platform that allows you to live-stream your content to multiple platforms at once. 

This is ideal if you’re trying to reach a large audience with your content. You can live-stream on YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and more. 

Restream has a free plan that lets you livestream to three different platforms. If you need to livestream to more platforms, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan. 

As a content creator, you can also make money through Restream. 

22. Spotlightr

The most common problem I experience when embedding YouTube videos on other sites is the broken thumbnails.

If you’re like me, Spotlightr offers a solution. This platform will encrypt your videos against downloads and host your files wherever you like.

It means you can have your own branded player and watch page with your embedded logo and color palette.

This is worth checking out YouTube alternatives, especially for marketers.

Spotlightr can also show you the progress analytics and offer marketing tools like email gating, email integration, and pay-per-view.

23. Wistia

Wistia is another video hosting platform designed for business and marketing professionals.

While YouTube is great for monetization and the general public who want exposure, Wistia is designed exclusively to support the needs of B2B companies using video for marketing, support, and sales.

Wistia gives you a full control experience of your videos and video player. 

Since the main purpose is to help businesses reach out to other businesses, it allows you to embed videos ad-free, create customized thumbnails, include CTA, optimize the video, and see more in-depth analytics. All in one platform.

You can even drill down to see how individual viewers are watching your videos with our heatmaps.

24. Brightcove

If you need a YouTube alternative that has more content management features, Brightcove is worth mentioning.

It’s a cloud-based video tool with enhanced media management features designed for businesses that require more scope than what YouTube currently offers.

Brightcove offers improved analytics, security, and integrations built for B2B.

The OTT technology allows you to deliver live videos on smartphones and smart TV apps.

This video-hosting platform also makes it much easier for you to streamline the overall content management, live streaming, encoding, batch editing, and create playlists with a drag-and-drop feature.

25. Viostream

Viostream is well-known for its broad range of integrations, privacy, and security features. 

It’s an enterprise-grade video platform for organizations and businesses that aim to take video management to the next level.

Viostream integrates with services like Adobe, Looker, Oracle, Tableau, Salesforce Einstein Analytics, and more.

It can be a great YouTube alternative if you’re looking for a video-hosting platform that can help you not only understand the analytics but also generate deeper data insights that reveal video ROI.

Not to mention that Viostream also provides all the basics you need in a video-hosting platform, such as video embedding, live streaming, audience management, unlimited users, unlimited players, calls-to-action, etc.

26. SproutVideo

If you’re a small business or solopreneur who has serious digital marketing chops, SproutVideo is one of the most robust YouTube alternatives you should check out.

It allows you to create your own video player. No more YouTube logos that can make your brand less professional. 

SproutVideo also ensures that your embedded video won’t clash with your design but complement it.

It integrates with MailChimp, Hubspot, Zapier, and many more third-party tools.

27. Cincopa

Cincopa is an all-in-one video hosting platform that allows individuals and teams to upload, manage, host, and enhance videos with tons of tools, such as CTAs, lead generation forms, advanced analytics, and galleries, to help video content generate more engagement.

Cincopa’s platform allows users to host live streams and webinars, invites users both internally and externally to upload to their account and integrates over 100 apps, including popular CRM software like HubSpot and Salesforce!

Closing Thoughts

I hope this list gives you other options when you want to look at more videos beyond YouTube. Every website has its own features and benefits. So choose one that fits your needs most.

In addition, you can also read the other 13 YouTube alternatives for more reference.

Once you’ve chosen which one you’d like to use, the next step is to create an enticing thumbnail to help amplify your engagement rate.

No matter what platform you use, explainer videos have a high potential to catch more eyeballs. Create yours today with us! Click on the banner below to see the package that we offer: