# LibreTube

> freely-licensed, open source alternate YouTube Android application

**Wikidata**: [Q120689757](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q120689757)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/libretube

## Summary
LibreTube is a freely-licensed, open-source Android application that serves as an alternative to YouTube. It is designed to provide users with a privacy-focused and customizable video-watching experience while adhering to free software principles.

## Key Facts
- **Platform**: Runs on Android, released on September 23, 2008.
- **License**: Distributed under a permissive open-source license (Q27016754).
- **Latest Version**: 0.3.3, released on July 5, 2022.
- **Primary Use**: Alternative to YouTube for video streaming.
- **Input Device**: Compatible with touchscreen interfaces.
- **Distributed By**: Available on F-Droid (Q1386210).
- **Programming Language**: Written in Kotlin (Q3816639).
- **Social Media**: Active on Mastodon (libretube@fosstodon.org) with 1,276 followers as of April 11, 2024.
- **Compatibility**: Works with Piped, SponsorBlock, and DeArrow.
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted.

## FAQs
### Q: Is LibreTube free to use?
A: Yes, LibreTube is free software, meaning users can freely run, study, modify, and redistribute it under its open-source license.

### Q: Can I modify LibreTube’s source code?
A: Yes, LibreTube is open-source, allowing users to modify and distribute their versions of the app.

### Q: Does LibreTube support background playback?
A: LibreTube is designed for Android and supports touchscreen interactions, but specific playback features like background playback would depend on the app’s current version and settings.

### Q: How does LibreTube compare to YouTube?
A: LibreTube is an alternative to YouTube, offering a privacy-focused and customizable experience while adhering to free software principles.

### Q: Where can I download LibreTube?
A: LibreTube is available for download on F-Droid (Q1386210) and its official GitHub repository.

## Why It Matters
LibreTube addresses the growing demand for privacy-focused and open-source alternatives to proprietary video platforms like YouTube. By providing a customizable and ad-free experience, it empowers users to control their data and media consumption. Its open-source nature ensures transparency and community-driven development, making it a valuable tool for users who prioritize freedom and control over their digital experience. LibreTube’s compatibility with other privacy-enhancing tools, such as Piped and SponsorBlock, further solidifies its role in the evolving landscape of online video platforms.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Alternative**: LibreTube stands out as a fully open-source alternative to YouTube, allowing users to audit and modify the code.
- **Privacy-Focused**: It prioritizes user privacy by avoiding tracking and offering customizable settings.
- **Community-Driven**: Development is community-driven, with contributions managed on GitHub and discussions on platforms like Matrix and Lemmy.
- **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: LibreTube integrates with other privacy tools like Piped and SponsorBlock, enhancing its functionality.
- **Active Social Presence**: The project maintains an active presence on social media, including Mastodon and F-Droid, ensuring transparency and community engagement.

## Body
### Overview
LibreTube is an open-source Android application designed as an alternative to YouTube. It adheres to free software principles, allowing users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute the app. The project is developed and maintained by a community on GitHub, with releases documented on the official repository.

### Development and Releases
LibreTube has undergone multiple updates since its inception. Key versions include:
- **0.2.1**: Released on February 8, 2022.
- **0.3.3**: The latest stable version, released on July 5, 2022.

The app is written in Kotlin, ensuring compatibility with Android’s ecosystem. Development is community-driven, with contributions managed through GitHub issues and pull requests.

### Distribution and Accessibility
LibreTube is distributed through F-Droid, an open-source app store, ensuring it meets the criteria for inclusion. The app is available for download on the official GitHub repository, with updates tracked and documented for transparency.

### Compatibility and Integrations
LibreTube is compatible with other privacy-focused tools, including:
- **Piped**: A privacy-friendly YouTube frontend.
- **SponsorBlock**: A browser extension that skips sponsored segments in videos.
- **DeArrow**: A tool for removing arrows from videos.

These integrations enhance LibreTube’s functionality and align with its privacy-focused design.

### Social Media and Community Engagement
The project maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including:
- **Mastodon**: libretube@fosstodon.org, with 1,276 followers as of April 11, 2024.
- **Matrix**: #LibreTube:matrix.org for real-time discussions.
- **Lemmy**: libretube@feddit.rocks for community engagement.

These platforms facilitate community interaction, feedback, and support.

### Privacy and Customization
LibreTube prioritizes user privacy by avoiding tracking and offering customizable settings. Users can control their viewing experience, including background playback and ad-free streaming, aligning with the principles of free software.

### Copyright and Licensing
LibreTube is copyrighted and distributed under a permissive open-source license (Q27016754). This license allows users to freely use, modify, and redistribute the software, fostering a collaborative development environment.

## References

1. [2025](https://github.com/EvanLi/Github-Ranking/blob/master/Data/github-ranking-2025-07-06.csv)
2. [Release 0.2.1. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.2.1)
3. [Release 0.2.2. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.2.2)
4. [Release 0.2.3. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.2.3)
5. [Release 0.2.4. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.2.4)
6. [Release 0.2.6. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.2.6)
7. [Release 0.2.7. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.2.7)
8. [Release 0.3.0. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.3.0)
9. [Release 0.3.1. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.3.1-fix)
10. [Release 0.3.2. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.3.2)
11. [Release 0.3.3. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.3.3)
12. [Release 0.4.1. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.4.1)
13. [Release 0.4.2. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.4.2)
14. [Release 0.5.0. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.5.0)
15. [Release 0.5.1. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.5.1)
16. [Release 0.6.0. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.6.0)
17. [Release 0.6.1. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.6.1)
18. [Release 0.7.0. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.7.0)
19. [Release 0.7.1. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.7.1)
20. [Release 0.8.0. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.8.0)
21. [Release 0.9.0. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.9.0)
22. [Release 0.9.1. 2022](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.9.1)
23. [Release 0.10.0. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.10.0)
24. [Release 0.11.0. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.11.0)
25. [Release 0.11.1. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.11.1)
26. [Release 0.12.0. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.12.0)
27. [Release 0.12.1. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.12.1)
28. [Release 0.13.0. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.13.0)
29. [Release 0.13.1. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.13.1)
30. [Release 0.14.0. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.14.0)
31. [Release 0.14.1. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.14.1)
32. [Release 0.15.0. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.15.0)
33. [Release 0.15.1. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.15.1)
34. [Release 0.16.0. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.16.0)
35. [Release 0.16.1. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.16.1)
36. [Release 0.17.0. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.17.0)
37. [Release 0.17.1. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.17.1)
38. [Release 0.18.0. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.18.0)
39. [Release 0.18.1. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.18.1)
40. [Release 0.19.0. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.19.0)
41. [Release 0.20.1. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.20.1)
42. [Release 0.21.0. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.21.0)
43. [Release 0.21.1. 2024](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.21.1)
44. [Release 0.20.0. 2023](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.20.0)
45. [Release 0.22.0. 2024](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.22.0)
46. [Release 0.22.1. 2024](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.22.1)
47. [Release 0.22.2. 2024](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.22.2)
48. [Release 0.23.0. 2024](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.23.0)
49. [Release 0.23.2. 2024](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.23.2)
50. [Release 0.24.0. 2024](https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube/releases/tag/v0.24.0)