Here’s a new addition to the galaxy of mobile video apps: Grayjay.
Behind this name, which sounds like a Star Wars character, lies a well-thought-out video content aggregator that promises to free video content creators from traditional platforms, giving them back control over their work.
This app allows you to follow your favorite creators across different sources: YouTube, Twitch, Vimeo, PeerTube… and all their videos are gathered in one place, so there’s no need to juggle between 15 different apps.
The interface is cool, and there are even tabs to switch between videographers, live streams, and your personal playlists. The integrated player offers fun options like fast-forwarding à la Benny Hill or picture-in-picture so you can watch a video while scrolling on TikTok. And if you’re into the MSN vibe, there’s even a chat feature to talk with creators and the community during streams.
What I also like is that you can subscribe to a creator without necessarily following all their channels. Like, if they have a YouTube, Twitch, and Vimeo account, you can pick and choose what you like, and for creators, the possibilities are endless. They can monetize their content however they want, organize exclusive streams for their subscribers, offer downloadable content… In short, they’re in control.
Grayjay also focuses on respecting users’ privacy. No intrusive Big Brother-style tracking; your data stays on your device. And on the technical side, developers can even create plugins to add features or video sources.
For now, Grayjay is only available on Android (sniff), but a desktop version is planned for the future. In the meantime, there’s already plenty to do on your smartphone: follow creators, create playlists, cast to your TV… Casting is possible to a multitude of devices: Android TV, MacOS, Windows, Linux… The recommended method is to use the FCast Receiver app, but you can also go through ChromeCast or AirPlay.
Another neat feature is that you can export your subscriptions in JSON format from NewPipe and import them into Grayjay. Handy so you don’t have to start from scratch!
How to use Grayjay
Getting Started
- Download and Install: Grayjay is currently available only for Android devices. You can download it from the Google Play Store or the official website.
- Set Up Your Account: While you don’t need an account to use Grayjay, logging in to various platforms can enhance your experience by providing personalized content.
Key Features
Managing Content Sources
- Adding Sources: Grayjay aggregates content from multiple platforms. You can add or remove sources in the app settings.
- Installing PeerTube Instances: To add a specific PeerTube instance, visit the PeerTube Plugin Host website, enter the URL, and click “Open in Grayjay”.
Organizing Your Content
- Subscriptions:
- Playlists:
- Importing Content:
Searching for Content
- Use the search function in the home/subscriptions tab for videos.
- Search for playlists in the playlists tab.
- Find creators/channels in the creators tab.
- Refine search results using filters.
Customizing Your Experience
- Manage Tabs: Change which tabs are visible in the settings under “Manage Tabs”.
- Personalization: Log in to platforms for more personalized content recommendations.
Advanced Features
- Casting:
- Creator Tools:
- Plugin Development:
Important Notes
- Grayjay does not host or distribute content from its servers; it’s an aggregator for other streaming platforms.
- The app is free to use, with an option to pay once for the full version. Both versions function identically.
- Some users have reported issues with the search function, which may improve in future updates.
Grayjay aims to empower both creators and viewers by providing a platform-agnostic way to consume and manage video content. As the app continues to develop, users can expect more features and improvements to enhance their video streaming experience.
So, the simplest thing now is for you to go test it out. Let me know what you think.
See you soon on Tech To Geek.
