CyTube
Node.js-based synchronized media watchroom with chat and playlists

CyTube is a Node.js server and JavaScript/HTML client that provides per-channel synchronized media playback with an integrated chatroom and playlist system. Channels allow users to queue, control, and watch media from multiple providers in lockstep while chatting and moderating the room.
Key Features
- Synchronized playback across all connected viewers with leader controls and timestamp alignment
- Per-channel playlists and history with queueing, skip, and library management
- Real-time chat with emotes, moderation tools, user ranks, bans and permissions
- Support for multiple media providers (YouTube, Twitch, Vimeo, direct mp4/m3u8 and others) via provider-specific players
- Channel customization: emotes, custom CSS/JS and channel-specific settings
- Admin panel and channel ownership controls, plus AFK detection and user management
Use Cases
- Community watch parties and recurring themed streaming channels
- Classroom or presentation scenarios where an instructor controls playback for attendees
- Private or public channels for friends to queue and watch videos together with live chat
Limitations and Considerations
- Upstream releases are infrequent; the main repository's latest official release dates back several years, so administrators should verify compatibility with current Node.js and provider APIs
- Some provider integrations depend on third-party player APIs (e.g., YouTube/Twitch) which may change and require updates
CyTube is a mature, feature-rich option for running synchronized watchrooms and small-scale streaming communities. It combines playlist management, chat and moderation features in a single Node.js application suitable for public and private channels.
Categories:
Tags:
Tech Stack:
Similar Services

Jellyfin
Self-hosted media server for managing and streaming your library
Jellyfin is a free, self-hosted media server to organize, manage, and stream movies, TV, music, and photos to web, mobile, and TV clients.

Cobalt
Ad-free web media downloader for public social platforms
Cobalt is a self-hostable web media downloader for saving publicly accessible videos and audio from supported social platforms via a simple paste-a-link interface and API...
SRS (Simple Realtime Server)
High-performance real-time media server for live streaming and WebRTC
SRS (Simple Realtime Server) is a high-efficiency media server supporting RTMP, WebRTC, HLS, HTTP-FLV, SRT, MPEG-DASH, and GB28181 for real-time streaming.

Kodi
Open source home theater and media center software
Kodi is an open source media center for organizing and playing local and networked video, music, and photos with a TV-friendly interface and add-on ecosystem.


Invidious
Privacy-focused alternative web front-end for YouTube
Invidious is a lightweight, privacy-focused alternative front-end for YouTube with subscriptions, playlists, and an API—without Google accounts, ads, or tracking.

PeerTube
Federated video hosting and streaming with P2P delivery
PeerTube is a decentralized, ActivityPub-federated video hosting platform with live streaming, P2P WebRTC delivery, and customizable community-run instances.
JavaScript
Express
Bootstrap
CSS
Node.js