We already discussed several of the largest social media platforms, but we left off one of the biggest.

Since YouTube’s creation in 2005, the video-sharing website has become much more than that. Today, YouTube is the second most popular website on the internet, with an estimated 1 billion video views per day and more than 20 unique billion visitors per month.

What Is It?

YouTube is the most popular video-sharing platform on the internet. That means you can watch videos uploaded by millions of users from all over the world. The first of these videos was “Me at the zoo,” a great example of much of the content on YouTube. Everyday people posting about their lives.

Independent, passionate creators have become the backbone of YouTube.

Over the years, channels have sprung up, where the producers will publish content regularly. While some channels are affiliated with businesses, many are independent and run by passionate creators which have become the backbone of YouTube.

You can find a video for pretty much any subject on YouTube. Movie trailers, music videos, documentaries, how-to videos. They have all found homes on the platform. All it takes is a quick search, and you’re on your way to hours of content!

What’s a Vlogger?

Vloggers are what make YouTube so unique. But what are they? The term is short for video logger or video blogger.

Some of the largest vloggers have grown into channels in their own right, expanding their content as their viewership grew. Examples of popular vloggers are the VlogBrothers, Good Mythical Morning, and the Fine Bros.

How Do I Find Channels and Videos?

On the YouTube home page is a search bar in addition to plenty of video suggestions of popular or trending videos. If you have a Google account (follow the instructions here to create one), then these suggestions will be based on your viewing history.

Why Should I Subscribe and How Do I Do It?

Subscribing allows you to keep up to date with your favorite channels.

Subscribing allows you to keep up to date with your favorite channels. When you sign in to YouTube, many of the newest videos from your subscriptions will pop up on your Home page. The channels you subscribe to are listed on the left side of the home page.

It’s easy to subscribe to a channel. If you’re on a video, click the subscribe button underneath the video. If you’re on the channel’s page, locate the subscribe button at the upper right corner.

● ● ●

YouTube has changed the way we watch media online. Whether you’re watching a music video or somebody talking about their day, YouTube is leading the way in online video. It might be time to tune in!