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.
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It’s not. Have you red the project description?
I stand corrected, apologies.
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.
I don’t care if AI was used in its creation. I do care if it’s FOSS/libre.
And also, it’s a bit weird to me that copying YouTube’s UI is considered good. I havent used YouTube in a long time, but I recall there being some good aspects and some bad. Why not create your own vesion of a UI?
Makes it easier for people to move over, and more willing to.
put ActivityPub in it :)
But seriously, a PeerTube compatible software with a different approach than PeerTube could be good for the federated video ecosystem.
For sure, an ActivityPub video platform that is not TikTok like (i.e Loops) would be amazing.
Thanks for the feedback :)
This looks cool. Good luck with it
An alternative approach to PeerTube would be very welcome. ActivityPub-integration is a must for me, though.
I agree that more options is a good thing, and that activitypub would be a plus. But FYI, I wont be using it because of the license. I use only FOSS whenevr possible.
Good catch, that licence does not look very Libre =\
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.
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.
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).
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 :)
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
Thank you for the warning.
You’re welcome :)
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 :)
I wonder if you have plans to implement YouTube mirroring like with Odysee. I’m sure my producer, Neigsendoig, would love that.
This is being done on a service using the Nostr protocol from what I’ve heard.
Very cool.
Thanks :)
