LibreTube - uses Piped as video source by default. Subscriptions and playlists can be created, all without actually interacting with YouTube.
Clipious - uses Invidious as the video source. Also allows for subscribing and accounts. Lesser known client
NewPipe - Gets the source directly from YT. Allows for subscribing and creating playlists
Additionally, there’s also ReVanced that lets you patch the regular YT app to include useful features.
Just find a good instance like piped.adminforge.de or host your own
You mean the default instance? Yeah, doesn’t work.
Sure, I’ll just pop over to the local university and pick up my software engineering degree.
I imagine you’re exaggerating but if not then I’d say that’s a tad extreme. That being said, their official setup guide does provide steps on how to install it but I think if I didn’t have prior experience with some of the software it mentions I think I’d struggle so maybe a different guide by someone else is better?
However these obviously require having something that this can be run on, like a VPS, which aren’t free, so that is another barrier for entry to consider.
Do you think normal people understand the words on this page?
No, which I mentioned in my comment.