Rumors about a possible blocking of YouTube and problems with the service are prompting businesses and ordinary users to look for other platforms. If YouTube doesn’t work, what can replace video hosting? The selection includes sites similar to YouTube, which can become an alternative.
How to replace YouTube: 10 analogue platforms
Author: Daria Sidorova
The service is part of the VK ecosystem. It turned into a separate platform in 2021 from the “Videos” section on VKontakte. Offers a variety of content: from films and TV series to original and exclusive shows. In addition to long horizontal videos, it allows you to upload short videos to a special section – “VK Clips”. VK Video is the main analogue of YouTube.
Functions:
VK Video has standard functions similar to YouTube. In addition, the site allows you to download and watch videos for free without the Internet, and watch videos in picture-in-picture mode (available only in the mobile version of the application).
Pros:
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Gaining popularity – in the third quarter of 2024, VK Video became the second most popular video platform (data from Mediascope).
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Relatively large library of varied content.
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There is a content monetization program.
Cons:
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The platform is focused on Russian-language content – there are no foreign bloggers here.
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There are a lot of ads, and there is no way to turn them off by subscribing.
How will we replace YouTube in Russia? Possibly the Russian platform RuTube, which has been operating since 2006. Vertical and horizontal videos are available here, and broadcasts are conducted.
Functions:
RuTube offers a website and application similar to YouTube in functionality and interface. One of the features is that it is possible to watch Russian TV channels.
Pros:
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It is possible to publish videos with a paid subscription.
Cons:
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Most of the content is in Russian.
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The site strictly monitors compliance with copyright.
“Zen” is not a video hosting service, but a platform for original content, where you can also publish videos. It was launched in 2015 by Yandex, and in 2022 it was acquired by VK. According to Zen itself, the site is visited by 31 million users daily.
Functions:
You can create channels and subscribe to them. Publish short and long videos, as well as posts and longreads.
Pros:
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There is an individual recommendations feed that makes it easy to find content based on your interests.
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Authors can earn money through monetization and native advertising.
Cons:
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Some materials are subject to restrictions, for example if they contain 18+ information. Such content will only be visible to subscribers.
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To disable advertising, you need to subscribe to a monthly subscription.
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What will replace YouTube in Russia after blocking? Perhaps the Platform is almost a complete copy of YouTube. This is a new platform from Russian developers from the company Rteam, launched in 2024.
Functions:
In terms of functionality, it is as close as possible to YouTube: there is a recommendation system, you can watch videos in quality up to 4K, subtitles are available with recognition of Russian and English. Content posted here must comply with Russian legislation.
Pros:
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The interface is almost completely copied from YouTube – no need to get used to the new one.
Cons:
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The platform is just developing and is in beta version.
It is an American live streaming platform popular among gamers. Twitch cannot be called a complete replacement for YouTube – the platform is focused on streaming and communication, rather than watching finished videos. In addition to gaming broadcasts, there are also cooking, music and conversation broadcasts.
Functions:
Allows you to conduct your own live broadcasts and watch others, chat and subscribe to streamers. Broadcasts can be saved for later viewing, as well as cut into short clips.
Pros:
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Active gaming community.
Cons:
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You cannot upload finished videos.
This is another application similar to YouTube. The platform, developed by the French non-profit organization Framasoft, allows everyone to create “YouTube at home.” Videos are stored decentralized, and peer-to-peer technology is used for information exchange. PeerTube is open source and freely licensed.
Functions:
PeerTube offers all the basic video hosting functions: video viewing, channels, subtitles, playlist creation, and so on.
Pros:
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You can upload any content.
Cons:
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No monetization for content creators.
What can replace YouTube? Another option is the Russian platform Boosty, dedicated to original content, including videos. To view most of the articles, photos and videos, you need a paid subscription, but here you can find a lot of exclusives that are not available on other authors’ channels.
Functions:
You can view posts, photos and videos, and communicate with their authors.
Pros:
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For content creators, this is an opportunity to further monetize their creativity.
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Exclusive materials that are not available on other sites.
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Payment from Russian cards is available.
Cons:
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Most content requires payment.
Chinese platform for live broadcasts from Tencent. Primarily focused on gaming content. After monetization was turned off on YouTube and Twitch, some Russian streamers moved here.
Functions:
Externally, the platform resembles Twitch rather than YouTube. Here you can watch live broadcasts, find streamers and games, subscribe to channels.
Pros:
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High level of broadcast quality.
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Viewers receive rewards for watching streams and being active.
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Developing Russian-speaking community.
Cons:
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There is not a wide variety of content here, like on YouTube, since the main focus is game broadcasts.
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Russian platform developed by MTS. There are vertical and horizontal videos, as well as broadcasts. Authors can create exclusive content that will be available by subscription.
Functions:
Simple and minimalistic interface. On the main page you can find short and long videos, select topics that interest you and see the trends of the week.
Pros:
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There is a recommendation system.
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Content creators from Russia can earn money from advertising.
Cons:
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The service is in beta version, there is little content and authors yet.
If YouTube was blocked, what should replace it? Another option could be an American video hosting service for professional content creators, which is called “YouTube for business.”
Functions:
Like YouTube, it allows you to publish, watch and comment on videos.
Pros:
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The content is sorted into 16 categories, making it easy to find.
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No advertising.
Cons:
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The company left Russia in 2022, so the site does not support the Russian language, and Russians cannot create new accounts.
Source: rb.ru
