Which platforms does WebTorrent support?

Updated

WebTorrent runs in two places: directly in a web browser (no plugin, extension, or installation required) and as a desktop application for Mac, Windows, and Linux. The browser version is the quickest way to try it, while the desktop app is built for streaming torrents such as video, music, or audiobooks without waiting for the download to finish.

Browser: no install needed

WebTorrent describes itself as a streaming torrent client for the web browser and the desktop. In the browser it is written entirely in JavaScript and uses WebRTC for peer-to-peer transport whenever possible. According to the site, no browser plugins, extensions, or installation are required to use WebTorrent in your browser.

To try the browser experience, the site points to Instant.io, where you can see WebTorrent in action on the web and send a file to a friend using BitTorrent.

What to expect: you open a web page, load or share a torrent, and peers connect through the browser. The site's own demo shows a torrent being downloaded and seeded from zero peers, which illustrates that the browser client works without any local software.

Desktop: Mac, Windows, and Linux

WebTorrent Desktop is the streaming torrent client for Mac, Windows, and Linux. The site describes it as fast, free, non-commercial, and open source.

Its main difference from a conventional torrent client is streaming: you can play content right away instead of waiting for the full download. The site gives examples such as video from the Internet Archive, music from Creative Commons, and audiobooks from Librivox.

Choosing between the two

Dimension Browser (e.g., Instant.io) WebTorrent Desktop
Install required None, per the site Yes, desktop app
Platforms Web browsers Mac, Windows, Linux
Best for Quick trials, sending a file to a friend Streaming video, music, audiobooks while downloading
Transport WebRTC peer-to-peer whenever possible Desktop torrent client

If you just want to see how it works or share a file with someone, start in the browser. If your goal is watching or listening to content immediately, the desktop app is the intended option.

Why it exists

The project's stated motivation is to make BitTorrent easier to use so more people participate, imagining a peer-to-peer YouTube where viewers help host the site's content. That goal explains the two-platform design: the browser lowers the barrier to entry, and the desktop app delivers the streaming experience.

For setup details and answers to common questions, the site links to its Get Started, Docs, and FAQ pages.