YouTube for Beginners

Introduction:

YouTube is a video-sharing platform for users to watch, like, share, and comment on videos, as well as create and upload their own content. 

 

Why Use YouTube?

Vast Library of Content:

YouTube offers an extensive collection of videos across a wide range of topics, including music, tutorials, news, entertainment, and more, catering to diverse interests.

Learning and Skill Development:

With countless educational videos and tutorials, YouTube provides a platform for users to learn new skills, expand their knowledge, and access valuable resources.  

Fun, Creativity, and Reaching a Large Audience

Anyone who is willing to learn the rules and processes, and put in the hard work, has the potential to become a YouTuber and reach a large audience.  Being able to successfully create and upload personal videos is fun and develops creativity and teamwork skills.  

Potential source of income:

It gives users the opportunity to create and upload their own videos.  Consistently creating videos opens the door to new (worldwide) visitors you wouldn’t have been able to reach in any other way.  Over 1 million content creators from 30 countries earn money in YouTube videos through clicks and ads (research making money with YouTube).

Personalized Recommendations:

YouTube’s algorithm tailors video recommendations based on your viewing history and preferences, ensuring  you discover relevant and interesting content.

 

Overview of the Layout:
  • Home: A personalized feed of recommended videos based on your interests and viewing history.
  • Subscriptions: Shows new videos from channels you’ve subscribed to.
  • Library: Access your saved videos, playlists, and viewing history.
  • Search: Find videos and channels by entering keywords or phrases.

 

Important Features on YouTube:
  • Watch Videos: Click on a video thumbnail or use the search bar to find/watch videos.
  • Like and Dislike: Show your support or express your opinion by clicking the “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” buttons below a video.
  • Subscribe to Channels: Click the “Subscribe” button on a channel’s page to receive updates on their latest videos.
  • Leave Comments: Share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments section below a video.
  • Create Playlists: Click the “Save” button below a video and choose “Create New Playlist.” Add a name and set its privacy settings.
How To:

Create an Account:

  • Go to www.youtube.com or download the YouTube app on your smartphone.
  • Click “Sign In” at the top right corner and sign in with your Google account, or create one if you don’t have one.
  • Fill in your name, email address, password, and date of birth, and follow the steps to set up your account.

Create a Post (Video):

  • Click the camera icon at the top right corner of the screen, or in the app, tap the “+” button.
  • Select “Upload Video” and choose a video file from your device.
  • Add a title, description, and tags to help viewers find your video.
  • Choose a thumbnail image, set the video’s privacy settings, and add it to a playlist.
  • Click “Publish” to upload your video.

Comment on a post (video):

  • Scroll down below the video player to the “Comments” section.
  • Click on the text box that says “Add a public comment…”
  • Type your comment in the text box.
  • Press “Enter” on your keyboard or click the “Comment” button to post your comment.

Create a channel:

  • Click on your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
  • From the dropdown menu, select “Create a channel.”
  • Choose whether to use your name or create a custom name for your channel.
  • Click “Create” and follow the on-screen instructions to customize your channel’s appearance and settings.

Subscribe to a channel (following somebody):

  • Navigate to a channel you like to follow by clicking on their username or channel icon.
  • On the channel’s homepage, click the red “Subscribe” button.
  • You’ll now receive notifications and see their content in your subscription feed.

Sharing videos:

  • While watching a video, click the “Share” button located below the video player.
  • A window with various sharing options will appear.
  • You can copy the video’s link, share via email or social media, or embed the video on a website or blog.
  • Select your preferred sharing method and follow the prompts to share the video.