The guide explains how to install the lightweight, ad free Freetube app on Manjaro Linux by first updating your system and then choosing between a convenient Flatpak method or an AUR package for those who like tinkering. It walks you through adding Flatpak if needed, registering the Flathub repository, pulling the application, or alternatively installing it with an AUR helper such as yay. After installation, you can launch Freetube from your app launcher or via the terminal, test that videos play without ads, and keep the software current using flatpak update or yay ‑Syu. The article also offers quick troubleshooting tips for common launch problems and hints at optional settings to customize quality preferences and queue management, ensuring a smooth streaming experience.

Install Freetube on Manjaro Linux in Minutes

If you’ve been scrolling through YouTube and wish there was a lightweight, ad‑free alternative that still respects your bandwidth, Freetube is the answer. In this guide we’ll walk you through installing it on Manjaro, covering both the official Flatpak route and the AUR method for those who love tinkering.

1. Keep Your System in Shape

Before you add a new app, make sure every package is up to date. An outdated kernel can bite when you try to run newer binaries.

sudo pacman -Syu

Why this matters: A fresh system avoids unexpected dependency conflicts that could otherwise stall the install.

2. Decide on Your Installation Method

Freetube ships as a Flatpak and also has an AUR package. Pick one and stick with it—mixing both can lead to duplicate binaries and confusion later.

Option A: Flatpak (recommended for most users)

1. Install Flatpak (if you haven’t already).

   sudo pacman -S flatpak

2. Add the Flathub repository—the hub where Freetube lives.

   flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

3. Pull and install Freetube.

   flatpak install flathub io.freetubeapp.FreeTube

Option B: AUR (for the adventurous)

1. Make sure you have an AUR helper, e.g., yay.

   sudo pacman -S yay

2. Install Freetube from AUR.

   yay -S freetube

The helper will resolve dependencies for you—just trust it.

3. Launch and Verify the App

• From your app launcher, search “Freetube” or run:

  flatpak run io.freetubeapp.FreeTube

(If you used AUR, just type freetube.)

Once it opens, give it a quick test by playing any channel. If the video loads smoothly and no ads pop up, you’re good to go.

4. Keep Freetube Updated

For Flatpak users:

flatpak update io.freetubeapp.FreeTube

For AUR users:

yay -Syu freetube

Regular updates keep bug fixes and new features rolling in without manual intervention.

5. Troubleshooting Quick‑Fixes

• Problem: “Could not load icon” or a blank window on launch?

Solution: Remove the old Flatpak install (flatpak uninstall io.freetubeapp.FreeTube) and reinstall from Flathub. I’ve seen this after a rogue system upgrade that broke the runtime.

• Problem: “Permission denied” when starting the app via terminal.

Solution: Make sure you’re running as your regular user, not root. Flatpaks are sandboxed; they won’t work under sudo.

6. Optional: Tweaking Settings

Freetube’s settings let you switch between YouTube and other video sites, adjust quality defaults, or enable the “Watch later” queue. Explore those to tailor it to your workflow—no unnecessary fluff here, just straight‑up control.