What is PeerTube?
At its core, the open-source video service PeerTube does what you’re used to: you upload videos, organize them into channels, and embed them on your own website. So far, nothing new under the sun.
However, the technology behind PeerTube works fundamentally differently. Instead of one central platform (like YouTube), PeerTube consists of a network of various video services. Every organization can start its own environment on its own server or join a shared initiative like PublicVideo. The videos you upload can then be easily shared with other environments within the network. Below, we’ll delve deeper into the differences between PeerTube and YouTube. But first, let’s take a closer look at PublicVideo (opens in new tab).
PublicVideo is a Dutch initiative by PublicSpaces (opens in new tab) that helps organizations get started with PeerTube—especially if you don’t have the technical knowledge in-house. PublicVideo emerged from a pilot project with SURF, BNNVARA, and the Eye Filmmuseum aimed at allowing public institutions to experiment with value-driven video publishing. DEN was also involved through the advisory group to raise awareness in the cultural sector about these possibilities.
The four crucial differences with YouTube
In terms of basic functionality, PeerTube works the same as other video services: you can upload, play, embed videos on your website, and create channels. However, there are some significant differences.
- Network versus island: YouTube is a closed platform that tries to keep viewers on its site as long as possible. PeerTube works as an ecosystem of collaborative environments. This gives you control: you decide where your videos are hosted and which content from others you show on your channel.
- Ease of use or maintaining control: YouTube is ‘plug-and-play,’ but you are subject to their rules and choices. PeerTube requires a bit more technical setup if you host it yourself, but you retain full autonomy. Fortunately, there are companies that can handle this for you, or organizations like PublicVideo that can assist you with the first steps.
- Control over the context: On YouTube, algorithms determine the context of a video, from unsolicited comments to recommendations for other videos. PeerTube does not do this. You maintain full control over the environment in which your video appears.
- Reach and discoverability: YouTube has a massive audience and uses data-driven algorithms to push videos. PeerTube collects hardly any user data and does not actively promote your videos to a new audience. It is therefore less of a marketing machine and more of a management tool for your own channels.
Case study: Beeld & Geluid
Beeld & Geluid has been using PeerTube since 2021 (opens in new tab) for a large part of their rights-free audiovisual archive. Over 7,000 videos have already been moved to their own PeerTube environment (opens in new tab).
The choice for PeerTube stemmed from the desire to combine long-term accessibility and management of historical material with openness and reuse. Beeld & Geluid also uses other platforms like YouTube (more promotion-oriented) and their own archive platform (focused on licenses and professional users).
Videos are only placed on PeerTube if they are rights-free. This makes the videos accessible to everyone, and visitors can reuse the videos by downloading them under a Creative Commons license. Setting up the PeerTube server was quick, although adding videos and configuring the environment requires considerable attention.
For Beeld & Geluid, PeerTube is the channel to make historical and cultural videos accessible to a broad audience and to sustainably unlock them while retaining control over content and presentation.
When is PeerTube the right choice for you?
PeerTube is an interesting option if your organization:
- No longer wants to support the ideals and commercial interests of large video platforms;
- Wants to maintain control over the presentation of videos;
- Values user privacy highly;
- Primarily uses videos on its own website (such as for collections or education) and social channels, rather than aiming to reach a new audience;
- Wants to build a shared video network together with other public institutions.
A responsible alternative
PeerTube is not a direct replacement for all the functions of YouTube but is a valuable alternative for organizations that want to host videos on their own site with a focus on control, collaboration, and public values. Want to get started with PeerTube? PublicVideo is happy to help you take the first steps. (opens in new tab)
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