Frontends
Protects against the following threat(s):
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 circumvent 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 (if available). 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 personally identifiable information.
Reddit¶
Redlib¶
Redlib is an open-source frontend to the Reddit website that is also self-hostable. You can access Redlib through a number of public instances.
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 that offer a Tor onion service or an I2P eepsite.
Tip
ProxiTok is useful if you want to disable JavaScript in your browser, such as Tor Browser on the Safest security level.
YouTube¶
Note: YouTube has gradually rolled out changes to its video player and API that have thwarted some of the methods used by third-party frontends for extracting YouTube data. If you experience reliability issues with one YouTube frontend, consider trying out another that uses a different extraction method.
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 that offer a Tor onion service or an I2P eepsite.
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.
FreeTube¶
FreeTube is a free and open-source desktop application for YouTube. FreeTube extracts data from YouTube using its built-in API based on YouTube.js or the Invidious API. You can configure either as the default, with the other serving as a fallback.
When using FreeTube, your subscription list and playlists are saved locally on your device.
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.
By default, FreeTube blocks all YouTube advertisements. In addition, FreeTube optionally integrates with SponsorBlock to help you skip sponsored video segments.
Yattee¶
Yattee is a free and open-source privacy oriented video player for iOS, tvOS, and macOS for YouTube. Due to App Store restrictions, you will need to take a few extra steps before you can use Yattee to watch YouTube. Yattee allows you to connect to instances of Invidious or Piped.
When using Yattee, your subscription list is saved locally on your device.
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.
Your subscription list and playlists are saved locally on your Android device.
Downloads
Warning
When using LibreTube, your IP address will be visible to YouTube, Piped, 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.
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.
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.
Recommended frontends...
- Must be open-source software.
- Must be self-hostable.
- Must provide all basic website functionality available to anonymous users.
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