What is Invidious?
Invidious is an open-source alternative front end to YouTube. Its web interface supports video playback, YouTube comments, channel notifications and subscriptions independent from Google. It requires no JavaScript and includes light and dark themes, a customizable homepage and multiple interface languages. The README lists it as lightweight, with no ads and no tracking.
The software can be accessed through a public instance or hosted independently. The project points newcomers to a list of public instances for immediate use, and to installation instructions for anyone who wants to host it. The administrator documentation covers installation, the Invidious companion, configuration and explanations of YouTube error messages, and a separate section addresses owners of public instances, including how to handle takedown notices.
It supports embedded videos and exposes a developer API without using the official YouTube APIs. An audio-only mode with background play on mobile is available. Subscription and watch-history imports help users transfer existing viewing data from YouTube, NewPipe and FreeTube, while export options support moving subscriptions and Invidious user data elsewhere. The README states that the tool is provided in the spirit of free, open software, and that the maintainers take no responsibility for external instances run by third parties, so anyone choosing a public instance should treat its operator as a separate party.
Invidious screenshots
Explore the interface. Open a screenshot to view it at full size.
Source: official Invidious project page.
Key capabilities
- Video playback Provides YouTube video playback, comment support and an audio-only mode with background play on mobile.
- Independent subscriptions Maintains subscriptions independently from Google and supports notifications for subscribed channels.
- Data portability Imports subscriptions from YouTube, NewPipe and FreeTube, imports watch history from YouTube and NewPipe, and exports subscriptions to NewPipe and FreeTube.
- Interface preferences Offers light and dark themes, a customizable homepage and multilingual interfaces without requiring JavaScript.
- Developer access Exposes a developer API and supports embedded videos without using official YouTube APIs.
- Deployment choice Supports access through public instances or independently hosted installations.
Where Invidious fits
Invidious fits users who want a separate web interface for watching YouTube content and managing subscriptions independently from Google. Its data-transfer features also support moving subscription lists between Invidious, NewPipe and FreeTube. Developers can use its API or embedded-video support in applications and websites.
Before deployment, an operator should review the installation requirements, test playback and data transfers, and assess the chosen instance's operating practices. Public instances are provided by third parties, and the project disclaims responsibility for their use. Operators and users should also check applicable regulations.
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