View-upload decoupled (“VUD”) peer-to-peer (P2P) video distribution is provided, in which each peer is assigned to one or more channels to upload, with the assignments made independent of what the peer is viewing. For each assigned channel, the peer distributes (that is, uploads) the channel. This effectively creates semi-permanent distribution swarms for each channel, which are formed by peers responsible for uploading that channel. This can minimize problems associated with channel churn because peers may remain in their assigned distribution groups even if they switch channels. To minimize cross-channel overhead associated with VUD P2P video distribution, substream swarming, in which a peer in a distribution swarm only downloads a small portion of the video stream, called a substream, and uploads the substream to multiple viewers, may be provided. To minimize video streaming quality degradation that may occur during a reconfiguration transient period upon sudden and large increases in video download demands for some channel, VUD P2P video distribution may be integrated with tradition ISO P2P video distribution (which is self-adaptive to the sudden increases in channel popularity).