A distraction-free, privacy-focused YouTube client built specifically for Android TV.
This application is designed 100% for navigation using a TV Remote D-Pad, completely eliminating algorithmic feeds, Shorts, and distracting recommendations.
YouTube on TV often becomes a tool for endless "doom-scrolling" due to aggressive algorithmic recommendations.
Minimal YT is built on the "Dopamine Free" principle:
- No Home Feed: Upon opening, there is only a search box. You must know what you want to watch.
- Anti-Shorts: All search results and channel feeds automatically filter out videos under 60 seconds.
- Safe Kiosk Mode: An optional feature to display a curated row of safe/whitelisted channels for families/children on the main page.
- 📺 TV Native UI: Fully optimized for Remote Control navigation (D-Pad Focus).
- 🔍 Distraction-Free Search: Search for content without ad interruptions or trending videos.
- 🛡️ Curated Safe Feed: Pin favorite channels (e.g., educational channels for kids) to the home page via configuration files.
- 🚫 No Distractions: No comment sections, no "Up Next" sidebar, no auto-play.
- 🔒 Privacy Focused: No Google account login required. No watch history saved to servers.
This project is built using a single Flutter codebase targeting Android TV.
| Component | Technology | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Framework | Flutter | Dart language. |
| State Management | Riverpod | For robust and scalable state handling. |
| Data Source | Youtube Explode | Scraping-based library (No official API Key needed). |
| Video Player | video_player |
Standard Flutter video playback engine. |
As a developer (or parent), you can configure which channels appear in "Quick Access" on the main page. This is useful for creating a "Safe Mode" for children.
- Open the file
lib/core/channel_config.dart. - Add the Channel Name and ID to the
pinnedChannelslist:
// lib/core/channel_config.dart
class ChannelConfig {
static const List<Map<String, String>> pinnedChannels = [
{
'name': 'Bluey (Official)',
'id': 'UC4-pmjDCkP-6M8BFxW8wgFw', // Obtained from the channel URL
},
{
'name': 'Super Simple Songs',
'id': 'UCLsooMJoIpl_7ux2jvdPB-Q',
},
// Add other channels here...
];
}To install this application onto an Android TV Box, Mi Box, or Google TV:
- Build Release APK Run the following command in your terminal:
flutter build apk --releaseThe APK file will be generated at: build/app/outputs/flutter-apk/app-release.apk
- Transfer to TV Copy the APK file to a USB Flash Drive. Plug the Flash Drive into your Android TV. Use a File Manager app on the TV to access the drive and install the APK.
If you want to run this project locally (development machine):
Prerequisites Ensure the Flutter SDK is installed.
- Clone Repo
git clone [https://github.com/gizipp/minimal_yt.git](https://github.com/gizipp/minimal_yt.git)
cd minimal_yt- Get Dependencies
flutter pub get- Run (Testing Navigation) It is recommended to use macOS or Windows targets to simulate arrow key inputs as a TV remote.
flutter run -d macos
# or
flutter run -d windowsThis project is open-source for educational and personal use. Disclaimer: This project is a third-party client and is not affiliated with, associated with, or endorsed by YouTube or Google Inc.