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Guide · Open source

How to use ZY-Player: install, play videos and shortcuts

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

ZY-Player (ZY Player 资源播放器) is a cross-platform desktop app built with Electron and Vue that plays videos from online resource sources without ads. This guide explains what it does, how to get it running, and how to use its browsing, playback, favorites and shortcut features. The README states that the app itself does not host or upload any content, and that the download channel is currently closed.

ZY PlayerHunlongyu/ZY-Player · ★ 14.5k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Read the download status. Check the README first, because it says the download channel is currently closed.
  2. 2Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/Hunlongyu/ZY-Player to get the source code.
  3. 3Set up your video sources. Add or customise the sources you want to search, or import an existing source list.
  4. 4Browse and search. Switch between poster and list mode, then search across all sources.
  5. 5Play with shortcuts. Use Space to pause, the arrow keys to seek, and f for fullscreen.
  6. 6Save favorites and history. Export your favorites to keep a backup, and rely on history to resume videos.

What ZY-Player is and who it suits

ZY Player is a desktop player for video resources found online. Per the project README, it runs on Windows, Mac and Linux, and its feature list covers poster and list browsing, playback history, favorites, search across sources and a compact mode.

It suits people who want one desktop app for browsing and playing online video sources, who want to import and export their own source lists and favorites, or who want playback shortcuts and a small floating mini window. It is not a fit for anyone who needs officially licensed content, or who needs active maintenance or a documented developer API or plugin system.

  • Platforms listed: Windows, Mac and Linux
  • Browsing modes: poster mode and list mode
  • Source lists and favorites can be imported and exported

Get ZY-Player: download status and the clone command

The README says the software's download channel is temporarily closed, and it asks users to support licensed content. The project's platform table links to a GitHub repository for the desktop version, and the README lists this command to clone that repository: git clone https://github.com/Hunlongyu/ZY-Player

Cloning gives you the source code, not a packaged installer. The README does not list prerequisites or build steps, so check the repository for anything beyond the clone command before you try to run it.

git clone https://github.com/Hunlongyu/ZY-Player

Browse and search video sources

Browse resources in poster mode or list mode. The search feature can query all resources at once and keeps a history of past searches. Detail pages are shown for each title, and the README also mentions an option to display Douban ratings.

Video sources can be customised, and you can import and export your source list, so you can keep a copy of your setup.

  • Switch between poster mode and list mode
  • Search all resources in one action
  • Reuse earlier searches from search history
  • Import or export your video source list

Play videos and use keyboard shortcuts

The player window and the mini window share the same shortcut set. Alt + Space is a global shortcut that focuses or unfocuses the window. Space plays or pauses, the arrow keys seek or change volume, and f toggles fullscreen.

Playback history records your progress and jumps back to where you stopped. You can also send a stream to a third-party player, and export download links for resources.

  • Space: play or pause
  • Left and right arrows: seek back or forward 5 seconds
  • Up and down arrows: volume up or down
  • m: mute; f: enter or leave fullscreen; esc: leave fullscreen
  • Alt + Right / Alt + Left: next or previous episode
  • Alt + Up / Alt + Down: raise or lower window opacity
  • home / end: jump to start or end of video
  • pgUp / pgDown: speed up or slow down playback by 0.25
  • t: pin or unpin the window on top
  • Alt + m: enter or leave Mini mode

Use favorites, history and mini mode

Favorites can be imported and exported, and the README says they support syncing series you are following. Playback history stores your progress for later.

Compact mode is meant for keeping the app small on screen. Mini mode is toggled with Alt + m, and the README describes it as a small floating window.

  • Favorites: import, export and follow series updates
  • History: resume from saved progress
  • Compact mode and Mini mode for a small on-screen player

What people use it for

  • Browsing and playing online video sources in one desktop window without ads
  • Keeping a backup of your source list and favorites by exporting them
  • Watching in a small floating Mini window while working
  • Controlling playback with keyboard shortcuts, including speed and episode changes

Frequently asked questions

Is ZY-Player free?

The README describes the project as free and open source under the MIT licence. It also says the software is for study and reference, and asks users to delete it within 24 hours of installing.

How do I install ZY-Player?

The README lists a clone command, git clone https://github.com/Hunlongyu/ZY-Player, and says the download channel is currently closed. It lists no prerequisites, so check the repository for setup details.

Does ZY-Player work on Mac and Linux?

Yes. The README lists support for Windows, Mac and Linux for the desktop version.

Where does ZY-Player get its videos?

The README says all resources come from the web and the app does not host, upload or store any content. Sources are configurable, so you choose which ones to use.

Is ZY-Player safe and actively maintained?

The source does not describe a security review. The README's last push referenced is February 2023, so check the repository's recent activity before relying on it for updates.

What are good alternatives to ZY-Player?

Comparable projects named in the analysis are IINA, VLC media player, mpv and PotPlayer. These play local and online files and do not depend on built-in resource sources.

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Our verdict

ZY-Player suits people who want an ad-free desktop app for online video sources, with favorites, history, shortcuts and a mini window. Skip it if you need officially licensed content, active maintenance, or a documented plugin API; players like VLC, mpv or IINA are better choices for those needs.

Install options & downloads