newpipe

NewPipe is a free and open-source Android application that serves as a lightweight front-end for multiple streaming services. It does not require users to have an account on any supported service, and it does not rely on proprietary libraries such as Google Play Services, making it usable on devices or custom ROMs without Google apps installed. The app works by fetching data from the official API of a service when available (e.g. PeerTube). When the official API is restricted or proprietary (e.g. YouTube), NewPipe parses the website or uses an internal API instead. Supported services include YouTube and YouTube Music, PeerTube (and all its instances), Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and media.ccc.de. The project notes that YouTube is the best supported service and is seeking maintainers for SoundCloud and PeerTube. Key features include: - Watching videos at resolutions up to 4K - Background audio-only playback to save data - Popup mode (floating player / Picture-in-Picture) - Live stream viewing with subtitle/closed caption support - Searching videos, audios, channels, playlists, and albums - Subscribing to channels without logging in, with notifications for new videos - Creating and editing channel groups and local playlists - Viewing and searching watch history - Downloading videos, audios, and subtitles - Opening content in Kodi - Age-restricted material viewing or blocking The app is available via F-Droid (through NewPipe's custom repo) or direct APK download from GitHub Releases. It is licensed under GNU GPLv3. The project does not collect data without user consent and provides a privacy policy detailing what data is sent when submitting crash reports or blog comments. The app is currently in beta, and the project warns that placing NewPipe or any fork on the Google Play Store violates Google's terms.