Cast to Kodi: YouTube & Web Videos (Chromecast Alternative)

Sending Web Videos to Your TV with Kodi

Do you desire the ability to stream videos from platforms like YouTube and other websites directly from your smartphone or computer to your television? This functionality is commonly observed with devices such as Chromecast and Apple TV, but it's also achievable within the Kodi environment.

Kodi offers a wide array of add-ons for accessing video content from sources like YouTube and Twitch. However, there are instances where you might prefer to avoid navigating Kodi's interface with a remote control simply to initiate playback, particularly if the video is already displayed on your mobile device.

Utilizing Casting Features in Kodi

With the correct configurations, you can transmit videos from your phone or laptop directly to your TV, mirroring the experience offered by Chromecast.

It's important to note that this method is limited to services for which Kodi has corresponding add-ons. Consequently, platforms like Netflix are not directly supported through this casting functionality.

However, YouTube and numerous other streaming services are compatible, provided you first install the necessary add-on.

Setting Up the Casting Functionality

The following steps will guide you through the process of enabling video casting within Kodi.

Important Consideration: The functionality relies on Kodi add-ons. Ensure the add-on for the desired streaming service is installed before attempting to cast.

Related: Troubleshooting the YouTube "Quota Exceeded" Error in Kodi

This allows for a streamlined viewing experience, bypassing the need for extensive remote control navigation within Kodi itself.

Enabling Remote Control Functionality in Kodi

Prior to transmitting media content to Kodi, certain settings must be activated. Navigate to Settings > Services on your Kodi media center device.

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Within the Services menu, select the Web Server option.

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Ensure that the "Allow remote control via HTTP" checkbox is selected. A custom port number can be specified if desired; however, the default setting of "8080" is suitable unless a particular port is required. For enhanced security, especially on shared networks, establishing a username and password is recommended to prevent unauthorized control of your television.

Subsequently, proceed to the "Remote Control" tab.

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Confirm that both "Allow remote control by programs on this system" and "Allow remote control by programs on other systems" are activated.

For future reference, locate your media center’s local IP address. This can be found under System Information > Network.

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Note this IP address for later use. Assigning a static IP address through your router is advisable to avoid the need for future configuration changes. Both the IP address and port number may be necessary when configuring other applications.

Sharing Web Videos From Your Computer Browser to Kodi

Utilizing browser extensions on your computer provides a convenient method for transmitting YouTube links, and those from other platforms, directly to Kodi. Several extensions are available for popular web browsers:

Chrome: Play To Kodi offers compatibility with YouTube, Hulu, Twitch, and several other streaming services.
Firefox: Send To XBMC/Kodi enables casting of both online videos and locally stored files from your computer.
Safari: KodiPlay supports a wide range of platforms including YouTube, Vimeo, DailyMotion, Hulu, and Twitch.

Successful video playback requires the corresponding add-on to be installed within Kodi. For instance, the YouTube add-on is necessary for viewing YouTube content, while the Vimeo add-on is needed for Vimeo videos.

The functionality of these extensions is largely consistent. Simply navigate to a video on YouTube through your computer’s browser, and then activate the extension’s icon.

This action will either initiate video transmission to Kodi or present you with the option to do so. The Play To Kodi extension for Chrome, as illustrated, also provides complete control of Kodi directly from the browser interface.

This is particularly useful for those who prefer to manage playback using a laptop while simultaneously enjoying content on their television.

Utilizing Widgets to Stream YouTube Videos from Your Mac

Mac users benefit from a convenient feature: the ability to integrate widgets into the Notification Center. These widgets can significantly enhance functionality, and a particularly useful one is available for Kodi, downloadable directly from the Kodi forum.

Kodi Control and YouTube Playback

This Kodi widget allows for direct control of Kodi using on-screen buttons. Alternatively, users can activate Kodi control through their Mac’s keyboard after clicking the widget.

The functionality extends beyond basic control; YouTube URLs can be pasted directly into the widget. This initiates playback of the video on your home theater PC, offering a seamless streaming experience.

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, a Dashboard widget provides similar capabilities. It functions in a comparable manner, enabling YouTube video streaming to Kodi.

Platform Limitations

Currently, comparable tools haven't been identified for Windows or Linux operating systems. However, these widgets present a valuable alternative for Mac users who may prefer not to utilize browser extensions for this purpose.

These widgets offer a streamlined method for sending YouTube videos to Kodi from a Mac, providing a user-friendly experience for home theater enthusiasts.

Utilizing Kore or Yatse to Send Video Links From Android

Previously, we discussed Yatse, a comprehensive Kodi remote application designed for Android devices. Additionally, Kore serves as the official remote control solution for Kodi. With either of these applications properly configured, it becomes possible to transmit links to videos from platforms like YouTube, directly from your Android phone to your home theater PC.

Within the YouTube application, locate and tap the "Share" button associated with the desired video.

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A selection of options will then appear. From this list, choose "Play on Kodi."

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The video playback will then initiate on your television screen.

Currently, the official Kodi remote, Kore, provides support exclusively for the YouTube platform. However, the alternative, third-party remote application, Yatse, extends compatibility to include several additional websites.

Supported Platforms with Yatse

Vimeo
Justin.TV
DailyMotion
Any video accessible via a direct URL

This broader support allows for greater flexibility in sharing video content to your Kodi setup.

Transfer Music, Images, and YouTube Links from iOS or Android with Pushbullet

Users who have already configured Pushbullet to display Android notifications on their computers—whether PCs or Macs—will find a Kodi extension available. Navigate to System > Add-ons > Install from Repository > All repositories > Services to locate and install Pushbullet.

Installing and Configuring the Pushbullet Add-on

After installation, the add-on becomes accessible under the "Programs" section within Kodi. Proper configuration is required before content can be transferred from your Pushbullet-enabled devices.

Once set up, you can seamlessly transmit content from any device connected to your Pushbullet account directly to Kodi.

Supported Media and Playback

Compatible media files will initiate playback automatically. Alternatively, they can be incorporated into your existing Kodi playlist.

It's important to note that this method represents the sole means of sending YouTube links from iOS devices to Kodi.

Utilizing AirPlay for Audio Streaming

While primarily known for video casting, Kodi also incorporates native AirPlay functionality that merits attention. Kodi’s integration with Apple’s Airport protocols allows for seamless streaming. However, video support is limited to devices operating on iOS 8 or earlier versions.

Fortunately, audio transmission remains fully functional, enabling users to stream music directly from their smartphones or computers to Kodi.