Invidious

Self-Hosted

Open-source, privacy-respecting alternative to YouTube

Overview

Invidious is a lightweight self-hosted platform for accessing YouTube content without Google’s tracking or ads. It supports ad-blocking, background playback, dark mode, and subscription management without a Google account. Deployable via Docker, bare metal, or cloud services, it offers API access for integrations. Users can customize video quality, subtitles, and viewing preferences while maintaining full privacy—no personal data is collected. Ideal for those seeking a secure, ad-free way to watch YouTube content with control over their data.

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:
  invidious:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: invidious
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Ad-free YouTube content access
Privacy-focused (no Google account or tracking)
Self-hostable via Docker or bare metal
Background playback & dark mode support

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Invidious hard to install?

Invidious is easy to install with Docker (pre-built containers simplify deployment). For non-technical users, public instances are available to use without self-hosting. Bare metal setup needs basic server knowledge but is well-documented in the official guides.

? Is it a good alternative to YouTube?

Yes—Invidious provides access to all YouTube content without ads or Google tracking. It misses some features like live chat or uploads but is perfect for privacy-conscious users wanting a secure way to watch YouTube videos.

? Is Invidious completely free?

Yes! Invidious is open-source (AGPLv3 license) so it’s free to use, self-host, and modify. Public instances are typically free, though some accept donations to cover server costs.

Top Alternatives

YouTube Compare

Vimeo Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Media Streaming - Video Streaming

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ No Google tracking or intrusive ads
⊕ Lightweight and fast performance
⊕ Customizable viewing experience
⊕ Public instances available for non-self-hosters

Cons

⊖ Relies on YouTube’s API (potential rate limits)
⊖ Requires technical setup for self-hosting
⊖ Lacks YouTube features like live chat or uploads