In today's digital era, watching videos has become one of the main entertainments for many people. YouTube is still the most popular platform for watching various types of content, from vlogs, music, to documentaries. However, did you know that there are many other applications that also provide an equally interesting video watching experience?
For those of you who want to try a new atmosphere or look for content with a different style, here are eight applications other than YouTube that you can use to watch videos. Some of them are even very popular and have a friendly and familiar user interface (UI) for users in Indonesia. Check out the list below.
1. TikTok
TikTok has now become a giant social media short video used by millions of people around the world, including Indonesia. This application offers a variety of short entertainment content, ranging from viral challenges, daily tips, to informative videos. The UI is very simple and easy to use, even for new users. The "For You Page" feature also makes it easy for you to find content that suits your interests just by scrolling.
2. Snack Video
Snack Video is a local alternative that is increasingly popular among Indonesian users. With a similar appearance and way of working to TikTok, this application presents short videos that are entertaining and light. Another advantage, Snack Video often holds events and reward programs that make users more active. Many local content creators are developing on this platform, making it an interesting place to find new talent.
3. Reels Facebook
Facebook continues to innovate to stay relevant amidst the competition in social media, one of which is by presenting the Reels feature. Similar to TikTok, Reels allows users to create and watch short videos directly from the Facebook application. Since the majority of Indonesians are still actively using Facebook, this feature feels very familiar and easy to access.
4. Youku
Youku is a Chinese video platform that is often referred to as the “YouTube of China.” Although the content is mostly in Mandarin, this application is interesting for those of you who like Asian dramas, films, or reality shows typical of the bamboo curtain country. Some of the content is also available with English subtitles. The UI is modern and quite easy to understand even though it is based on Mandarin, especially if you are used to navigating video applications.
5. Bilibili
Bilibili is a paradise for anime lovers, Japanese culture, and other creative content. This application is popular among the younger generation because it offers videos with an active community that loves to discuss. One of its characteristics is the running commentary (danmaku) that appears directly on the video screen. For those of you who like unique things and different from mainstream platforms, Bilibili is worth a try.
6. Vimeo
Vimeo is known as a high-quality video platform that is widely used by creative professionals, filmmakers, and videographers. Unlike YouTube which emphasizes engagement and algorithms, Vimeo focuses more on content quality and a clean viewing experience without ads. This is an ideal choice if you want to enjoy cinematic or documentary visual works with neat editing and strong storytelling.
7. Twitch
Originally known as a streaming platform for games, Twitch is now also a place for various types of live broadcasts such as podcasts, digital art, and music concerts. Twitch has an active and interactive community, making it a unique and different platform from YouTube. Suitable for those of you who like to interact directly with content creators in real-time.
8. Saw
Vidio is a very popular local video platform in Indonesia, especially for watching live sports, movies, soap operas, and the latest news. Its UI is easy to understand for local users, and there are various choices of free and paid content. With stable streaming quality and lots of exclusive content, Vidio can be the main alternative for users who want to enjoy local entertainment.
9. Douyin
Douyin is also included as an alternative application to watch videos other than YouTube. In fact, Douyin is the original version of TikTok specifically used in China, developed by the same company, namely ByteDance .
What is the Difference Between Douyin and TikTok?
Although they look similar in terms of appearance and features, there are some important differences:
Area of Operation : TikTok is used globally, while Douyin is only available in China (must use a Chinese number to register).
Local Content : Douyin focuses on content that complies with Chinese culture and regulations, with lots of educational videos, live shopping, local cuisine, and Chinese entertainment.
Additional Features : Douyin has more complete features than TikTok, such as built-in e-commerce, integration with payment applications, and location-based search features.
Is it Suitable for Users in Indonesia?
Douyin can be especially interesting for users who:
Love Chinese culture
Want to see more educational and informative content?
Want to explore new technology and UI trends
However, since the app is in Mandarin and not officially available outside of China, Indonesian users will need to put in a little more effort to access and use it, such as via a third-party APK and using automatic subtitles if available.
So, Douyin is included as an alternative for watching unique and informative videos, especially for those who want to explore content from China more deeply.
The final word
While YouTube is still the king of digital video, the apps above show that there are many interesting alternatives worth checking out. Each offers a different experience and its own uniqueness—whether in terms of content, community, or app appearance.
If you are bored with the same content on YouTube, there is nothing wrong with exploring other platforms to get a new perspective or just find fresher entertainment. Some of these applications even have UIs that are very familiar with Indonesian user habits, so there is no need to worry about adaptation.
For interesting tips about applications and other technologies, you can visit the ajakteman.com site which provides various useful information regularly.
Hope this article helps you find the best alternatives to YouTube for watching videos. Good luck and happy watching!