# Platform independence: stepping away from YouTube

The objective is to prevent any platform from becoming the sole archive, identity, audience relationship, or proof of work.

## Owned core

Maintain a canonical domain, downloadable public-safe portfolio, text transcript or description, originals plus open-format preservation copies, version log, consent-based contact list, external rights metadata, and two backups in different locations.

| YouTube function | Independent replacement |
| --- | --- |
| Hosting | Accessible web host, download, public-access archive, or federated host |
| Discovery | Site metadata, RSS/Atom, AT Protocol, newsletters, festivals, libraries, partners |
| Comments | Moderated forum, issue form, email, or no-comments policy |
| Subscribers | Consent-based mailing list or portable social identity |
| Analytics | Minimal privacy-respecting analytics or qualitative feedback |
| Livestream | Public-access facility or independent streaming provider |
| Monetization | Commission, ticketing, membership, grant, sponsorship, licensing, or storefront |

## Exit checklist

Export permitted data; inventory titles, captions, thumbnails, dates, URLs, credits, and licenses; preserve historical locators where appropriate; publish the accessible replacement; update owned profiles; explain the new canonical path; review embeds and dead links; and retain rollback until verified.

Platform independence does not expand copyright or publicity rights.


## Distribution accountability: applied discussion

The [dated DistroKid case note](../research/distrokid-distribution-accountability.md) separates copyright removals, artificial-streaming policy actions and payment reconciliation. It includes opposing positions, relevant decisions, source limitations and a fictional evidence exercise. Use this with existing preservation and rights records; no finding about an individual artist's account is implied.