The YouTube alternative we're still waiting for.

Stellicast is a privacy-first video streaming platform built on the principles YouTube has abandoned: respecting your privacy, listening to the community, and putting creators before corporations.

• Privacy-First: No tracking, no data harvesting, no Google integration
• Ad-Conscious: Maximum 1 ad per 30 minutes, all skippable, no ads on short or non-monetized videos
• Creator-Focused: Algorithm favors personal creators over corporate studios
• Transparent Moderation: Human-reviewed decisions with a fair appeal process
• AI Transparency: Mandatory disclosure of AI-generated content
• Community-Driven: Built on feedback, not shareholder demands

Current Phase: Early Development (Pre-Alpha)

Stellicast is currently in active development by a solo developer with plans to build a team in 2026. The platform is not yet full functional; there are no ads, playlists, or even report systems. However, these features are on the roadmap.

Honesty Check: This is an ambitious project with significant challenges ahead. While I'm committed to making it succeed, there are no guarantees. However, someone has to try, and existing alternatives don't deliver what I envision for a true YouTube competitor.

The "You" has been taken out of "YouTube" and we're putting it back. Stellicast distinguishes between Creators (personal channels) and Studios (commercial operations), with the algorithm favoring personal content by default. Viewers can change this preference at any time.

Creators

• Personal channels focused on broadcasting themselves or their work
• Small teams (typically 0–5 people) with minimal production infrastructure
• Passion-driven content, though monetization is welcome
• Examples: Early Mr. Beast, Deep Humor, solo creators with a cameraman and editor

Studios

• Organized commercial operations with large production teams
• Primary focus on monetization and professional video production
• Large teams (25+ people) dedicated to different production aspects
• Examples: Modern Mr. Beast, official brand channels like Minecraft, large video production teams

Channels can voluntarily upgrade to Studio status once they meet performance requirements. High-performing channels with large production-focused teams may be required to transition to Studio status.

• Dark, Modern, Customizable UI: Sleek by default and fully customizable with multiple layouts and themes
• Fewer Ads: No more than 1 ad per 30 minutes of video; no ads on videos shorter than one minute.
• Fully Accessible: Follows WCAG guidelines for accessibility

• AI Moderation Policy: AI may assist, but humans always have the final say in moderation decisions
• Content Labeling: AI-generated content must be disclosed and will be appropriately labeled
• Fair Copyright System: Claims don't take effect until reviewed, with adequate appeal time unless required by law
• Age-Based Filtering: Safe content filtering without invasive age verification methods

• Free Tier: Ad-supported access to all content
• Premium Tier: Ad-free experience with bonus features:
  • Faster upload speeds
  • HD video downloads
  • Larger upload file size limits
  • Additional perks TBD
• Creator Revenue: AI-heavy content receives reduced profit share to incentivize human creativity
• Studio Revenue: Studios receive higher profit share to offset reduced algorithmic promotion
• Ad Standards: Human-reviewed ads only, strictly enforced guidelines

• Import YouTube data including videos, channels, and subscriptions
• (Subject to legal and technical feasibility)

Building a YouTube competitor requires overcoming significant obstacles:

• Infrastructure costs and scaling to handle video hosting
• Navigating privacy-invasive regulations in various jurisdictions
• Standing out against other YouTube alternatives
• Building experienced moderation and development teams
• Marketing on a low budget
• Implementing privacy-respecting advertising with reasonable profit
• Maintaining development momentum and avoiding burnout
• Building a sustainable community from the ground up

Currently, this is a solo project. Due to security concerns and my limited experience with pull request reviews, external contributions aren't being accepted at this time. However, I encourage you to share your thoughts (and bug reports) by posting issues, and as the team grows, we'll establish proper contribution guidelines and start accepting pull requests. In the meantime, I encourage you to spread the word to help build awareness so Stellicast can grow.

Current Budget: $100
Money Spent: $21.25
Money Donated: $0
Profit Earned: $0

Development is fueled by frustration with YouTube's direction and the belief that users deserve better. Any donations will greatly help improve motivation and improve infrastructure.

• Website Preview: stellicast.com
• Beta Preview: beta.stellicast.com
• Roadmap: stellicast-roadmap.vercel.app (may not always be current)

• Zytronium - Creator & Lead Developer

Coming soon. Please don't copy this project without due credit.

• General Contact & Support: contact@stellicast.com
• Legal Contact: legal@stellicast.com

Note: Inboxes are not always monitored daily. Stellicast is a team of one individual developer, so please be patient and give up to 48 hours for a response.

Note: Stellicast is an independent project and is not affiliated with YouTube, Google, or Alphabet Inc.