I’m building OpenWatch, an open-source self-hosted video platform as an alternative to YouTube. It’s designed for content creators who want to back up their content on their own infrastructure (in case of strikes) or for anyone who wants a personal video hosting solution.
The project is in early stages, but I’ve built out some core features:
- Home feed
- Video player with adaptive streaming
- Playlists
- Interactions (likes, comments, subscriptions)
- Creator Studio (dashboard, content management, channel customization)
Tech stack:
- Next.js 16
- Tailwind CSS v4
- Drizzle ORM (PostgreSQL)
- FFmpeg
- HLS.js
- Zustand
- Docker
GitHub: https://github.com/openwatch-app/openwatch
Feedback would be helpful, especially around self-hosting considerations and features you’d find useful.
Not federated, seemingly vibecoded, MIT. Peertube exists, not sure this makes a ton of sense as an alternative but good luck otherwise.
Update 02/07:
- Changed license to MIT
- Made first steps for implementing Federation, now you can search and view videos and channels from other platforms, more features in this direction coming in the future
Thank you for all the feedback received!
Mit license allows the use for commercial purposes without funding, which if it becomes popular and adopted you would have to support it without any kick backs. Please look into GPLv3
Why would anyone use this non FOSS vibe coded thing instead of PeerTube? Copying YouTube’s UX is not a good enough reason when better FOSS alternatives already exist.
Wdym non FOSS? It’s MIT. That’s still FOSS even if it’s not the flavor of FOSS you prefer
Why would anyone use this non FOSS vibe coded thing instead of PeerTube? Copying YouTube’s UX is not a good enough reason when better FOSS alternatives already exist.
It’s an open source world bro, you can choose what you want, chill :))
So what is the difference between this and PeerTube?
Hey, thanks for the question. I want to build an experience much more similar to YouTube, with a more similar design and flow.
Do you think you could work towards ActivityPub integration so it would be able to talk to PeerTube instances? IMO diversity is strength but cooperation is a factor in success. Hope this project goes well and is fun 😁
Do you think you could work towards ActivityPub integration so it would be able to talk to PeerTube instances? IMO diversity is strength but cooperation is a factor in success. Hope this project goes well and is fun 😁
Sure, I’ll add that to the list. Thanks for the feedback :)
It would be a killer feature for us in the fedi. :)
Peertube is awesome, but more alternatives in the space would be welcome.
Thanks for the feedback :)
How is the design and flow of Peertube different from YT, can you give e few examples? For me they are super similar (there’s a video feed, I click on one, I get a page with videos that has comments and related videos).
Absolute best of luck to you! :) We need more diversity in software!
I hope AcitivityPub or some federation mechanism is being supported. :)
If you ever want to come on a podcast, Fireside Fedi, let me know. :)
Also if/when you’re ever needing someone to test the software I’m starting another show called Works On My Machine Live where I install the software and talk to the dev during it.
Thanks for the feedback :)
That repo looks like someone vibe coded a YouTube clone
I use AI but not entirely. Thanks for the feedback though, I’ll try to improve
This looks cool. Good luck with it
Thanks :)
Okay, why this over peertube?
Okay, why this over peertube?
I’d say because it feels more like YouTube. But everyone uses what they like :)
Very cool.
Thanks :)
