I watch videos (on YouTube) but I choose the content. I follow a number of channels, but never could subscribe because this requires a Google Account and that'

I watch videos (on YouTube) but I choose the content. I follow a number of channels, but never could subscribe because this requires a Google Account and that's a no. I also wanted to avoid using YouTube proper because I like to keep control on what code runs on my computer so I favor free software. So I took the habit to use Invidious, and ended up hosting an instance for myself. This will allow me to share playlists as well. On Invidious, you can subscribe to channels and you see all your channels on your subscription page, ordered by the date of the last posted video. The UI also tries to highlight newly posted videos since your last visit. There's no filter depending on whether you click on subscribe AND THEN click on the bell AND THEN click on the thumb AND THEN… just a silly algorithm showing you anything new channels you follow post. Simple model to understand. I am able see new videos on channels I chose… whenever I decide to watch something, and to go away when there's no new thing. No pushed notifications. Plus, Invidious is actually pleasant to use and lightweight. You can listen to videos (play an audio only version), download them in the format you want, there's the automatically play next feature, it can play in background, there are the YouTube suggestions and comments if you like them, it's compatible with SponsorBlock. It also works fine on mobile, though if you have Android you may like NewPipe. I can recommend. If you don't want to self host, there are several good public instances. You don't need notifications. Just go watch something when you feel like it, don't let your devices dictate when you should watch videos.