Show HN: I Built a Tool to Break Free from YouTube's Addictive Algorithm

I built Watchlist to solve a problem that's been nagging at me (and I suspect many others): YouTube's addictive nature and its impact on productivity.

The Problem:

YouTube is an incredible source of knowledge, but its homepage is an unending scroll of rabbit holes. The algorithm is designed to maximize watch time, often at the expense of our intentions and productivity. I found myself wasting hours, jumping from video to video, and then blaming myself for the lack of self-control.

The Solution:

Watchlist! Watchlist is essentially YouTube playlists on steroids. Here's how it works:

1. Create custom "lists" for different topics (e.g., AI, Science, Programming) 2. Add relevant channels to each list 3. Watchlist automatically adds new uploads from these channels to your lists 4. Set custom notification schedules for each list (e.g., every morning at 8 AM, every Sunday at 5 PM) 5. Receive email or push notifications (your choice) when there are new unwatched videos

The result? You stay updated on the content you care about without falling into the YouTube homepage trap.

Tech Stack:

Built with Python, JavaScript, Supabase & Google Cloud Run. (Took six weeks)

Why I Built This:

As an electrical engineer turned software developer, I've always been fascinated by programming. This project combines my love for coding with a real-world problem I've experienced firsthand.

Try It Out:

To make it as easy as possible for you to try Watchlist, I've set up a 1-click dummy login:

http://watchlist.so/login/dummy

This generates a dummy email and password for you, valid for 14 days. Although this account has full access, please note some restrictions:

- You cannot reset the password - Email notifications are disabled - Data cannot be migrated to another account - The account will be deactivated after 14 days

For those who prefer a proper account, you can register normally at: https://watchlist.so/signup

Feedback:

I've seen many people struggle with YouTube addiction without realizing the root cause. If you've faced similar issues or have thoughts on this approach, I'd love to hear your feedback. Your thoughts and suggestions are crucial for improving Watchlist. There's a dedicated feedback page at:

https://watchlist.so/settings/feedback

I'm eager to hear your experiences and ideas! Thanks!

PS: This is my first Show HN. So, please excuse me if I made any mistakes. I tried my best to follow the guidelines.