Privacy Policy

Information we process

You can browse the public video catalog without an account. If you sign in, Clerk processes your email address and account details so it can provide authentication. HackerTube stores the library items and preferences you choose to sync, such as likes, Watch later, viewing history, favorite videos, topic preferences, plan status, and purchase records. Anonymous preferences stay in your browser. In the local preview, signed-in account data is stored on the local machine; the deployed service stores account records in its site database.

Optional YouTube connection

If you choose to connect YouTube as a Pro feature, Google grants HackerTube read-only access to your liked videos and subscriptions. HackerTube uses the returned titles and channel details in memory to derive topic preferences. It stores derived topic weights, item counts, connection status, and the last sync time. It does not store the raw video descriptions or a copy of your liked-video and subscription lists. OAuth refresh tokens are encrypted before they are stored. You can disconnect YouTube from Sources; this revokes the token where possible and removes the saved connection data. You can also review and revoke connected apps in your Google Account security settings.

Google Account security settings

Google Takeout watch history

A Takeout file is read in your browser. HackerTube matches video IDs against its public catalog and sends only matching catalog IDs to your account. The original archive is not uploaded or stored by HackerTube. You can remove imported watch-history IDs from your account.

Payments and service providers

Stripe hosts the Pro checkout and processes payment details. HackerTube receives order and Checkout references, payment status, and the resulting Pro entitlement; it does not receive or store your full card number. Clerk provides sign-in. Google and YouTube provide optional identity and read-only YouTube services. Cloudflare hosts the website and its site database. Each provider processes information under its own terms and privacy policy.

Cookies, local storage, and analytics

HackerTube uses browser storage for your appearance, language, saved library, and session-related state. These settings are used to run the product. HackerTube does not currently include Microsoft Clarity or advertising profiles.

Retention and your choices

Browser-only preferences remain until you clear them. Account records are retained to provide sync, recommendations, and purchase history. You can disconnect YouTube and delete imported watch-history IDs from your account. You may request deletion of other account records through the published contact channel. Payment records needed for accounting or fraud prevention may be retained as required by law.

Children and policy updates

HackerTube is intended for a general audience and is not designed to collect personal information from children under 13. We may update this policy when the product or applicable requirements change. The current version and its update date appear on this page.