What do people use to watch Youtube with?

I used to use Firefox with LibRedirect and would rotate through Invidious instances, but I’ve had less luck with that.

If I turn on VPN, YT prompts to log in to watch videos…

  • Hellfire103@lemmy.caEnglish
    3·
    6 months ago

    This Invidious instance still works. Don’t push it too hard, though: it’s all we’ve got.

    Also, if you log in to YouTube in Chromium or something (assuming you’re on desktop) and then use yt-dlp with the --cookies-from-browser chromium argument, it should work. This is also possible on Android via Termux and iOS via iSH if you copy ~/.config/chromium to the app.

  • cmgvd3lw@discuss.tchncs.de
    3·
    6 months ago

    Try Freetube with VPN set to an uncommon location like Bulgaria or Argentina etc. This works for most videos, but still some won’t load. I use invidious for those vidoes. This way, you won’t overload the invidious instances.

    The key is trying out different VPN locations.

  • scytale@piefed.zipEnglish
    3·
    6 months ago

    Pick a server somewhere in southeast Asia. I don’t have issues with youtube with locations outside of western and first world countries.

  • Scolding7300@lemmy.world
    2·
    6 months ago

    Try using different countries. E.g. I sometimes had luck by using Brazil, Chile or other ones. I’ve recently hadn’t had much issues when viewing through Grayjay (on Android). But also not from FreeTube (on Ubuntu/Desktop)

    • CharlesDarwin@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      6 months ago

      Good to know. I was using FreeTube on a Linux machine I have set up to do most of my Youtube watching, but I had to disable VPN. I got tired of trying different countries and just turned off VPN. I’ll try Swedish servers…

      • bad_news@lemmy.billiam.net
        2·
        6 months ago

        I find it goes in waves per VPN exit node and doesn’t permanently relate to any specific geography… exit node works for youtube, people figure out that exit node works for youtube, youtube notices the traffic and flags that IP so youtube doesn’t work for X months so people stop using it and eventually it works again and the cycle starts anew.

  • hansolo@lemmy.today
    1·
    6 months ago

    Freetube or Librewolf (preferably via DDG search)

    Cycle through VPN locations until you get a winner if you get a block. It’s annoying, but the purpose of a VPN is to let you look like you’re anywhere. So find a good spot to watch YT and then just settle in.

  • sic_semper_tyrannis@lemmy.todayEnglish
    1·
    6 months ago

    Totally agree with the FreeTube recommendation. Libredirect will even open links in FreeTube. I use IVPN and use non obscure servers but every once in a while I do have to try a different one.

    You could also try Grayjay instead of Freetube

  • Ulrich@feddit.orgEnglish
    1·
    6 months ago

    GrayJay seems to work best. Although even there you have to rotate servers or close and reopen videos occasionally. But 90% of the time it works.

  • MangoPenguin@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    1·
    6 months ago

    TBH I just use youtube.com in my browser (Floorp/Firefox) with uBlock Origin. With SmartTube on my TV.

    The alternative front ends or apps don’t seem to support loading my watch history, playlists, or subscriptions, and they don’t sync between my devices even if I manually import stuff. Making usability an absolute nightmare.