PeerTube

PeerTube is a free and open-source, distributed video hosting platform that allows individuals and organizations to run their own video instances and federate with others in the Fediverse. It aims to reduce dependence on centralized platforms by enabling decentralized hosting and cross-instance interaction.

Architecturally, PeerTube is primarily built with Node.js for the server and Vue.js for the frontend. It uses PostgreSQL as its database and can be deployed with Docker or other standard server setups. A key feature is the use of WebTorrent to distribute video data in a peer-to-peer fashion during playback, which can help reduce bandwidth usage on popular videos. If peers are unavailable, videos are delivered over conventional HTTP from the hosting instance. The platform federates via the ActivityPub protocol, allowing users on one instance to follow, comment on, and share videos from other instances.

PeerTube is open-source software released under AGPLv3. It is designed to be self-hosted, with each instance managing its own moderation policies and terms of use. This decentralized model means that content governance varies across instances and is typically overseen by the administrators of each site.

Features commonly available include video uploads, channels, playlists, comments, likes, search, and user subscriptions, with additional moderation and governance tools at the instance level. As part of the Fediverse, PeerTube emphasizes interoperability with other ActivityPub-based services and community-driven development.

Originating from Framasoft in 2018, PeerTube serves as an alternative to centralized video platforms, promoting decentralization, user autonomy, and open collaboration within a diverse ecosystem of independently operated instances.