# FreeTube

> privacy oriented open source desktop YouTube player

**Wikidata**: [Q131252247](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131252247)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/freetube

## Summary
FreeTube is a privacy-oriented, open-source desktop application that allows users to watch YouTube videos without tracking or ads. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.

## Key Facts
- FreeTube is licensed under the MIT License and was first published in 2017
- The current stable version is 0.4.0 (released October 19, 2018), with a beta version 0.23.13 available as of January 18, 2026
- The application is written in JavaScript and its source code is hosted on GitHub under the username FreeTubeApp
- FreeTube is distributed as free software and can be installed via Flatpak using the ID io.freetubeapp.FreeTube
- The official website is https://freetubeapp.io, with an English-language blog at https://blog.freetubeapp.io/

## FAQs
### Q: What platforms does FreeTube support?
A: FreeTube runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, making it accessible across major desktop platforms.

### Q: Is FreeTube really private and ad-free?
A: Yes, FreeTube is designed as a privacy-oriented YouTube client that blocks tracking and advertisements by default, allowing users to watch content without being monitored.

### Q: How can I get FreeTube?
A: You can download FreeTube from the official website at https://freetubeapp.io, or install it via Flatpak using the package ID io.freetubeapp.FreeTube.

## Why It Matters
FreeTube addresses growing concerns about privacy and data collection on mainstream video platforms. As YouTube continues to implement extensive tracking mechanisms and personalized advertising, FreeTube provides an alternative that respects user privacy while maintaining access to YouTube's vast content library. The application represents an important development in the privacy software movement, demonstrating that users don't have to sacrifice convenience for privacy. By offering a desktop client that works across all major operating systems, FreeTube makes privacy-preserving video consumption accessible to a broad audience without requiring technical expertise. Its open-source nature also allows for community scrutiny and improvement, ensuring transparency in how user data is handled.

## Notable For
- One of the few privacy-focused desktop YouTube clients that works across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Maintains MIT License, ensuring the software remains free and open-source
- Successfully implements YouTube content access without requiring user accounts or tracking
- Active development with regular updates, including both stable and beta versions
- Features a dedicated blog and community presence through Mastodon at FreeTube@fosstodon.org

## Body
### Development and History
FreeTube was first published in 2017 as a privacy-focused alternative to web-based YouTube viewing. The project has maintained consistent development, with version 0.4.0 released as the stable version on October 19, 2018. As of January 18, 2026, the beta version 0.23.13 is available, indicating ongoing active development and feature improvements.

### Technical Implementation
The application is built using JavaScript, making it cross-platform compatible. FreeTube is distributed as free software under the MIT License, which allows users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute the software. The source code is publicly available on GitHub under the FreeTubeApp organization, promoting transparency and community involvement in development.

### Platform Availability
FreeTube supports all major desktop operating systems:
- Microsoft Windows (inception: 1985-11-20)
- macOS (inception: 2001-03-24)
- Linux (inception: 1991-09-17)

The application can be installed through multiple methods, including direct download from the official website and Flatpak distribution using the identifier io.freetubeapp.FreeTube.

### Community and Support
FreeTube maintains an active community presence through various channels. The official website at https://freetubeapp.io provides downloads and information, while the English-language blog at https://blog.freetubeapp.io/ offers updates and announcements. The project also maintains a Mastodon presence at FreeTube@fosstodon.org, established in November 2022.

### Privacy Features
As a privacy-oriented application, FreeTube is designed to provide YouTube access without the tracking and advertising typically associated with the platform. The application blocks tracking mechanisms and advertisements by default, allowing users to consume content without being monitored or having their viewing habits collected. This approach addresses growing concerns about data privacy and surveillance capitalism in digital media consumption.

## References

1. [FreeTube - The Private YouTube Client](https://freetubeapp.io)
2. [FreeTube - The Private YouTube Client](https://freetubeapp.io/#download)
3. [Release 0.4.0. 2018](https://github.com/FreeTubeApp/FreeTube/releases/tag/0.4.0)
4. [Release v0.23.13 Beta · FreeTubeApp/FreeTube](https://github.com/FreeTubeApp/FreeTube/releases/tag/v0.23.13-beta)
5. [FreeTube - The Private YouTube Client](https://freetubeapp.io/about.php)
6. [FreeTubeApp](https://github.com/orgs/FreeTubeApp/people)