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

I’m trying to find a Canadian Peertube instance. Anyone have any recommendations?

What’s a big instance that federates with most of the stuff?

Peertube in it’s current state is really confusing instance wise.

I would imagine the most expensive part is the storage space perhaps Peertube instances can function as cooperatives for content creators where they pool their resources to kickstart their own independent video platform free from censorship and frivolous corporate takedowns.

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