CyTube

Self-Hosted

Open-source collaborative video streaming platform for shared watch parties

Overview

CyTube enables users to create rooms for synchronized playback of videos from YouTube, Vimeo, and other sources, with real-time chat for shared experiences. It supports self-hosting via Docker or manual Node.js setup, giving full control over data privacy. Features include room permissions, playlist management, user authentication, and custom themes. Ideal for communities, friends, or teams to enjoy watch parties without relying on third-party SaaS platforms.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  cytube:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: cytube
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Synchronized playback for real-time shared viewing
Real-time chat with room-specific user permissions
Support for multiple video sources (YouTube, Vimeo, direct links)
Self-hostable via Docker or manual Node.js deployment

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is CyTube hard to install?

CyTube is straightforward to install using Docker (with a simple docker-compose configuration) or manually via Node.js. The GitHub repo provides clear documentation to guide both beginners and experienced users through setup.

? Is it a good alternative to Watch2Gether?

Yes—CyTube offers core features like synchronized playback and chat but adds self-hosting control, which Watch2Gether lacks. It’s ideal if you prioritize privacy and want to avoid relying on third-party servers.

? Is it completely free?

Absolutely—CyTube is open-source software with no licensing fees. You only need to cover server costs if you choose to self-host; there are no subscription plans or paywalls for its features.

Top Alternatives

Watch2Gether Search Google

Discord Watch Parties Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Media Streaming - Video Streaming

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (full control over data with self-hosting)
⊕ No subscription fees or hidden costs
⊕ Customizable rooms and playlists
⊕ Open-source (modify and extend as needed)

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server setup knowledge for self-hosting
⊖ Web-based only (no native mobile app)
⊖ Limited advanced features compared to SaaS alternatives