Odysee
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video hosting, Social media |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Founder | Julian Chandra |
| Fate | Acquired by Forward Research in June 2024 |
| Headquarters | Las Vegas , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Video sharing platform |
| Owner | Forward Research |
Odysee is a decentralized video-sharing platform from the United States that utilizes the LBRY blockchain technology. Positioned as an alternative to conventional platforms such as YouTube, it highlights principles of freedom of speech and decentralization. Users on this service can upload, distribute, and earn revenue from videos through cryptocurrency, with content durability maintained via a peer-to-peer network.
History
Julian Chandra established Odysee in 2020.
In June 2024, Forward Research acquired Odysee following the legal defeat of its previous parent company, LBRY, in a case filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in July 2023.
Technology
The platform functions on a blockchain, a decentralized system that facilitates the distribution of digital media without relying on centralized authorities. This blockchain framework supports a peer-to-peer network where video metadata is recorded on-chain, while the actual video files are stored across a distributed array of user-managed nodes.
Permanent digital storage is enabled by Arweave, another blockchain-based decentralized storage network. Its native AR token finances storage costs and incentivizes participation. Arweave has played a key role in preserving content in censorship-prone regions such as Hong Kong and during events like the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Moderation
Compared to mainstream platforms like YouTube, Odysee applies considerably looser content moderation standards. Since its launch in September 2020, its decentralized architecture combined with permissive policies has facilitated the dissemination of hate speech, false information, and conspiracy narratives, including material from far-right entities and individuals banned elsewhere.
The site has been a notable source of disinformation concerning subjects such as COVID-19 misinformation, vaccines, and political conspiracies. The decentralized design complicates efforts to moderate or remove problematic content, enabling its widespread distribution.
As a result of these challenges, Odysee has encountered geo-blocking measures in territories like the European Union, where regulatory bodies have expressed apprehension regarding harmful or deceptive content.
See also
- American companies established in 2020
- Internet properties established in 2020
- 2024 mergers and acquisitions
- Social media
- Video hosting
- Video search engine
- Companies based in Las Vegas
- Blockchains
- Freedom of speech in the United States
- Cryptocurrency in the United States
- Free and open-source software
- Social networking services
- Alt-tech