A Watch-Only PeerTube instance would:
Allow users to create accounts, subscribe, like, comment, make playlists, and follow channels.
Not allow local video uploads or creators (no hosting load on the server).
Instead, it would simply fetch and display videos hosted across the wider PeerTube federation.
This would effectively create a "viewing portal" into PeerTube, without the cost and complexity of maintaining video storage.
Why this matters
Lower hosting barrier: An instance like this would cost far less to operate (no need to handle uploads and storage).
Accessibility for non-technical users: People who just want to watch and explore PeerTube without understanding federation or instance selection could have an easy entry point.
Appeal to older or casual users: A single, simple, “official-looking” watch-only portal would help people who might find the federated model confusing.
Good for outreach and discovery: Similar to how Mastodon has mastodon.social or Lemmy has lemmy.world, PeerTube could have a recognizable “main” watch-only instance—maybe something like peertube.video.
Potential benefits
Easier onboarding: people just sign up and start watching.
A familiar alternative for those coming from YouTube, where uploading isn’t the main goal.
Could help spread awareness of PeerTube by being a more “mainstream-ready” entry point
8 Comments
meldrik@lemmy.wtf · 7 pts · 334d
It's not really an unheard thing. The only problem is that most PeerTube instances only federate with a select few instances. That's why I made peertube.wtf. It federates with everything and it gives users the option to upload video.
mesamunefire@piefed.social · 3 pts · 312d
peertube.wtf is an awesome service! Seriously, a good 3/4 of the video subscriptions start by looking over there and seeing what is new.
lgsp@feddit.it · 5 pts · 335d
Nice idea. An alternative would be to have user classes on traditional severs:
a viewer user that cannot upload videos, bilut can watch, subscribe, comment etc
a "creator" user that admins can limit that can also upload video content
meldrik@lemmy.wtf · 5 pts · 334d
That's already possible.
lgsp@feddit.it · 2 pts · 334d
Oh, I was unaware. This solves OP problem in my opinion.
My solution is to use new pipe BTW as described here https://feddit.it/post/20519254
fakeman_pretendname@feddit.uk · 5 pts · 334d
That makes a lot of sense. Very good idea.
Teknevra@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 334d
Thank you very much
Peter1986C@lemmings.world · 2 pts · 334d
I am running a Peertube instance since like less then a few weeks (systemofchips.net). I am still ironing out some crinkles, and actually plan to run it as a personal instance for the foreseeable future. However, if I ever intend to "open up" a bit more I possibly would allow "viewer accounts" as a first step.