FreeTube is an open-source standalone YouTube client that gives you control over what to see and what not to see on YouTube. Among my my favourite features are:
- No Ads
- Checkboxes to eliminate common distractions, e.g. Shorts, Trends, Live chat, Recommendations, Comments
- Word filters and channel filters
- Integrated SponsorBlock and DeArrow
- History and subscriptions are saved locally, away from Google's prying eyes
- Easy download of videos, e.g. for securing videos or re-uploading them to a PeerTube instance (of course, only if it's legal in your jurisdiction)
If you're a parent, know that FreeTube also has several child safety features.