Vim for YouTube
Vim keybindings for browsing YouTube
About
Vim for YouTube is a browser extension that let's you use YouTube using Vim keybindings.
Navigate the home feed with h/j/k/l, open the selected video with Enter, save it to Watch Later with w. YouTube's video player shortcuts remain intact.
Vim for YouTube is free and open-source and is on GitHub.
Download
Install from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons.
Or load a build yourself:
| File | For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome build (1.0, zip) | Chrome | Unzip, then Load unpacked from chrome://extensions with Developer mode on. |
| Firefox build (1.0, zip) | Firefox | Load Temporary Add-on from about:debugging#/runtime/this-firefox. |
| Source (main, zip) | Source | Or git clone the repository. |
All files are on the releases page. To build from source:
git clone https://github.com/rzoleta/vim-for-youtube.git cd vim-for-youtube pnpm install pnpm build # unpacked builds land in apps/extension/.output
Keys
Feed pages
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
h / j / k / l | Move left / down / up / right in the feed |
gg | Go to the top of the feed |
G | Go to the bottom of the feed |
Enter | Open the selected video |
Shift+Enter | Open the selected video in a background tab |
w | Add the selected video to Watch Later |
Esc | Deselect |
Backspace | Go back |
Watch page
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
Backspace | Go back and restore the selected feed card |
Notes
- Works on Home, Subscriptions, search results, channel tabs, and playlist pages.
- Navigates video, playlist, and Mix cards. Skips Shorts and channel cards.
- On a single-column results page, j and k move through cards in order.
- Leaves YouTube's own player shortcuts untouched on /watch.
- Vim shortcuts are ignored while you are typing text.
Privacy
- No accounts. No analytics. No servers.
- The only permission is "storage", used to remember one on/off preference.
- Nothing leaves your browser.
The long versions: privacy policy, terms of use.