Alexis Kestler
Dear friend, if you are a cryptocurrency content creator feeling frustrated with YouTube‘s restrictions, I understand your pain. As a fellow crypto enthusiast, I have seen many of my favorite channels unfairly targeted by YouTube‘s algorithms.
But don‘t despair – there are solutions! In this guide, I‘ll provide an in-depth look at over 10 alternative decentralized platforms where you can freely host your crypto videos. I‘ll also share tips to help you smoothly transition away from reliance on centralized giants like YouTube.
Why YouTube Is Cracking Down on Crypto Channels
Before jumping into the alternatives, it‘s worth examining why YouTube started banning cryptocurrency videos in the first place.
In late 2019, prominent crypto influencers including Chris Dunn, Node Investor, Altcoin Daily, and Ivan on Tech had videos removed and strikes placed on their channels. Yet YouTube did not give an official reason for the bans.
Experts speculate that YouTube was responding to concerns from regulators about cryptocurrency content promoting unregistered securities or other financial crimes. For example, videos focused on initial coin offerings (ICOs) may have raised red flags.
According to public policy think tank Coin Center, removal of cryptocurrency educational and news content would likely violate YouTube‘s own content policies. But videos advising viewers on trading or investment extraction likely crossed a line for regulators.
YouTube finds itself stuck between appeasing financial regulators, maintaining ad revenue, and supporting its creators. The result, as cryptocurrency commentator Kyle Chasse put it, is "collateral damage" striking valuable educational channels.
By The Numbers: Crypto YouTube Bans
- Over 50 top crypto channels reported bans since late 2019
- Tens of thousands of individual videos taken down
- Millions of views lost by crypto creators
For context, YouTube says it removes over 11 million videos per quarter on average. But quantity does not justify the poor communication and lack of recourse given to affected crypto channels.
Top Blockchain-Based Alternatives to YouTube
So if you are looking to break free from YouTube, where should you turn to next? Below I highlight over 10 decentralized blockchain-based video platforms that offer censorship resistance and other benefits.
1. LBRY
LBRY is one of the most developed blockchain-based media sharing platforms available today. Launched in 2016, LBRY uses a decentralized network architecture that makes censorship and downtime difficult.
LBRY has its own cryptocurrency token (LBC) which rewards creators when their content is viewed. You can also automatically sync and back up your entire YouTube channel on LBRY through a connected app called Odysee.
With over 6 million pieces of content, LBRY boasts many crypto and finance channels banned from YouTube. Desktop and mobile apps make it easy to access this content from any device.
Key Perks:
- Video monetization through LBC tokens
- Resistant to censorship or downtime
- Easy YouTube sync feature
- Growing ecosystem of crypto creators
2. Odysee
Odysee launched in 2020 as a front-end interface for the LBRY network. While built on the LBRY blockchain, Odysee aims for a simpler, more YouTube-like feel to attract creators.
On Odysee, cryptocurrency channels can sync their entire YouTube catalog over in just a click. Odysee also features a "Tip" system that lets viewers support creators by "tipping" small contributions in various cryptocurrencies.
With Odysee, you get the backend benefits of LBRY‘s decentralized architecture with a familiar YouTube-style UI. The platform is gaining momentum fast with creators fleeing YouTube‘s restrictions.
Key Perks:
- One-click YouTube sync
- Easy tipping for creators
- Active crypto community
- Familiar YouTube interface
3. Bit.Tube
Looking for a decentralized alternative to YouTube focused solely on video? Check out Bit.Tube.
Launched in 2018, Bit.Tube utilizes the IPFS peer-to-peer network to store and deliver video content in a censorship-resistant manner. Uploaders are rewarded in BitTube‘s TUBE utility tokens based on engagement.
Bit.Tube also supports live streaming and enables creators to schedule shows and broadcast content through its Airtime system. Advertising is limited, creating a better experience for viewers.
Key Perks:
- Video-focused platform
- TUBE tokens for creators
- Support for live streaming
- Ad-free experience
4. Flote
Flote bills itself as an open and decentralized alternative to Instagram and YouTube. Still in beta, it already boasts video uploading, subscriptions, and other core features.
As a blockchain-based platform, Flote uses the STEEM cryptocurrency to reward users for creating and curating content. This provides an incentive for crypto creators to build their following on Flote.
Flote‘s focus on freedom of speech could make it attractive to channels facing censorship elsewhere. But its small user base means fewer viewers currently compared to more established platforms.
Key Perks:
- Strong focus on free speech
- Uses STEEM crypto rewards
- Building core community features
- Good potential YouTube alternative
5. BitChute
BitChute stands out as one of the most prominent free speech-focused video sites. While BitChute itself runs on centralized servers, its decentralized architecture and lack of censorship make it popular with banned crypto creators.
Users praise BitChute for its commitment to protecting legal speech and permitting all political perspectives. But this hands-off approach has also led to criticism as hateful and extreme content has slipped through the cracks.
Key Perks:
- Strong free speech commitment
- Accepts crypto donations
- Few limits on legal content
Downsides:
- Some issues with extreme content
- Smaller reach than YouTube
6. DTube
Built on top of the STEEM blockchain, DTube is another distributed video site rewarding users in crypto. Videos uploaded to DTube are stored on IPFS, making them nearly impossible to censor.
DTube features familiar social interactions like subscribing to channels, commenting, and receiving notifications. Video playback is smooth, and partnerships with STEEM apps like DSound allow enhanced content.
However, governance disputes in the Steem ecosystem have occasionally disrupted sites like DTube when hard forks split the blockchain. Things have stabilized recently, but it‘s something to keep in mind.
Key Perks:
- Built fully atop STEEM blockchain
- IPFS integration resists censorship
- Familiar social features
Downsides:
- STEEM instability affected it in the past
7. Theta Network
The Theta Network takes a unique approach by incentivizing users to share bandwidth resources for video delivery. This decentralized mesh network aims to reduce streaming costs and enable new monetization methods.
In addition to its token rewards for sharing network resources, Theta offers features like Super Chats to let fans tip streamers. Integration with platforms like Samsung TV and Google Cloud gives it potential to scale globally.
Key Perks:
- Innovative model lowers video delivery costs
- Viewer tipping built-in
- Big tech partnerships
8. Livepeer
Livepeer is an Ethereum-based open video infrastructure. It allows broadcasters to leverage spare computing resources from around the network to stream video, saving on traditional centralized infrastructure costs.
Users earn rewards in Ethereum for contributing resources like bandwidth, transcoding, and storage to the network. There is also a governance token, LPT, for managing the decentralized autonomous organization.
For crypto creators seeking a transparent and open alternative, Livepeer shows good potential. It is still working on more intuitive end-user features, but the underlying tech is strong.
Key Perks:
- Transparent decentralized infrastructure
- Protocol rewards participation
- Managed by governance token
9. DLive
DLive is a blockchain-based streaming site that exploded in popularity when YouTube streamers flocked there during the 2020 platform disputes. Viewers can support streamers by giving "Lemon" crypto rewards.
DLive‘s parent company Lino raised $20 million from notable investors like ZhenFund to further develop the platform‘s reward system and picture quality. Additional features like predictive live streaming are coming soon.
Key Perks:
- "Lemon" tips and subscriptions
- Backing by major investors
- Growing platform with streamers moving over
10. Streamanity
Streamanity touts itself as the "YouTube alternative that pays." This upstart platform lets you earn cryptocurrency rewards when fans view, share, or engage with your videos.
To withdraw your earnings, Streamanity only requires a minimum of 1000 video views. The site is still fairly basic otherwise, but shows promise for crypto creators seeking new monetization avenues.
Key Perks:
- Pays creators in crypto
- Low minimum payout threshold
- Strong focus on revenue sharing
11. Coil
Coil isn‘t a full video site, but rather a browser extension that allows you to earn XRP cryptocurrency as visitors view your web content. Sites must integrate Coil‘s monetization code to payout rewards.
The revenue model is based on micropayments streamed continuously over time rather than ads. This results in a smoother, less distracting experience for long-form videos and articles.
Key Perks:
- Innovative web monetization model
- Payouts in XRP cryptocurrency
- Smoother user experience
Tips for Transitioning Away From YouTube
Migrating your content away from YouTube may feel daunting, but I‘m here to help! Here are my top tips for making a smooth transition to decentralized platforms:
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Download all your videos – Don‘t lose your hard work! Back up your entire YouTube catalog if possible.
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Let viewers know – Notify your audience on social media and email about your new platform presence. Make it easy for them to find you.
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Take it slow – Move a few videos per week instead of everything at once. This helps retain viewership despite the transition.
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Promote consistently – It takes repetition for viewers to acclimate to your new decentralized home. Post updates regularly.
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Own your audience – YouTube alternatives give you more ownership, but you must build direct relationships with fans. Make email capture a priority now.
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Diversify reach – Don‘t just pick one alt platform. Distribute videos across multiple sites to mitigate risk and maximize freedom.
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Focus on value – Deliver the same helpful content that originally attracted your viewers. The platform change is secondary to your expertise.
With the right preparation and communication, moving from YouTube to decentralized video platforms can go smoothly while retaining your audience reach. Take it step-by-step rather than trying to migrate everything instantly.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has illustrated the wide range of blockchain-based platforms available to replace YouTube. While no perfect "YouTube killer" exists yet, options like LBRY, Odysee, and Bit.Tube provide viable decentralized homes for crypto creators.
The key benefit of these platforms is resisting censorship and giving you control over your content. YouTube alternatives open up new opportunities for building your channel on your own terms, without fear of your videos being arbitrarily deleted or demonetized.
However, it‘s wise to keep realistic expectations. Most of these sites have smaller audiences and less refined interfaces than a goliath like YouTube. But by joining these early ecosystems, cryptocurrency creators have the chance to shape their development and growth.
No one solution will be right for everyone. Evaluate your priorities and each platform‘s strengths to determine the best video home. And consider diversifying across multiple outlets rather than just picking one.
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help the crypto community take back control of their content and find alternatives to unfair restrictions. We have options – it just takes initiative and an openness to new paradigms.
Here‘s to the decentralized future!
