YouTube has a pretty strong hold because video hosting and streaming is extremely expensive. That's why most platforms have strict file limits for them. In the pre-Google days of YouTube, most accounts could only upload <15 minute videos, and that limitation is still in place if you have an unverified account.
I don't see how we'll get any alternative to YouTube unless it comes from another large corporation, though I'd love to be proven wrong in that.
Using the tools is fine IMO because the moment those tools stop working, people will move their time to Twitch/Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok/etc. 60-120 second ads will push away all, except for iPad toddlers.
Makes me wonder if Google knows this, and is deliberately adding these ridiculous ads, but not patching those tools, so they can keep their user metrics up while pushing the uninformed/indifferent into YouTube Premium subscriptions...
okay Switch to Linux if you can and are willing to undergo constant troubleshooting. I chose not to, and this is how I managed that.
my two cents - install an older version of Windows 10. I use 20H2. You can find clean ISO files on the Internet Archive. Disable automatic updates, and use services like Blackbird (getblackbird.net) to de-bloat your instance.
As I age I find myself feeling more and more like the cool step-dad or uncle.
Y'know I hate everything Chromebooks stand for. "You get 'em, kid. Now how about we get some pizza?"