Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 7, 2026

1. Overview

How You Watch ("we", "our", "the Service") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we access, collect, store, and use, and how we handle it.

This Service uses YouTube API Services. By using this Service, you also agree to the Google Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 YouTube Content (No User Data Collected)

We embed YouTube videos using the official YouTube embedded player in Privacy-Enhanced Mode (youtube-nocookie.com). We do not collect, store, or process any data about which videos you watch. The YouTube embed may set its own cookies — see the Google Privacy Policy for details.

2.2 Google Sign-In (Optional)

If you choose to sign in via Google to post comments, we access:

  • Your name — displayed next to your comments
  • Your profile picture — displayed next to your comments
  • Your email address — used internally for rate limiting and abuse prevention; never displayed publicly or shared with third parties
  • Your Google authentication token — used to verify your identity when posting comments; not stored persistently

We do not access your contacts, YouTube channel, or any other Google account data. We do not store your Google login credentials.

2.3 Comments

When you post a comment, we store your display name, profile picture URL, email address (for anti-abuse purposes), comment text, and a timestamp. Comments are stored on our backend. Your name, profile picture, and comment text are publicly visible; your email address is never displayed.

2.4 Local Storage

We use your browser's localStorage to cache the video feed for faster page loads. This data stays on your device and is not transmitted to us. You can clear it at any time through your browser settings.

3. How We Use Information

  • Display comments: Your name and picture are shown alongside your comments so other users know who wrote them.
  • Anti-abuse: Your email address is used to enforce rate limits and to block abusive users. It is never displayed publicly.
  • Feed caching: We cache the video feed locally to reduce load times on return visits.

We do not use your information for advertising, analytics, profiling, or any purpose other than providing the Service.

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell, share, or transfer your personal information to any third parties. Comments you post are publicly visible on the Service.

5. Third-Party Services

This Service uses the following third-party services:

6. Cookies & Tracking

How You Watch itself does not set cookies. However, the embedded YouTube player and Google Sign-In may set cookies on your device. We use localStorage (not cookies) to cache the video feed. Please refer to the Google Privacy Policy for information on how Google handles cookies.

7. Data Deletion & Revocation

You can revoke How You Watch's access to your Google account at any time via Google's security settings. Upon revocation, your authentication session will end immediately.

To request deletion of your comments, please open an issue on our GitHub repository. We will process deletion requests within 7 calendar days.

To clear locally cached data, use your browser's "Clear site data" or "Clear storage" feature.

8. Children's Privacy

This Service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Contact

For questions or complaints about this Privacy Policy, please open an issue on our GitHub repository.