YouTube Guide: Watching to Production - A Comprehensive Overview

Maximizing Your YouTube Experience: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking to fully leverage the potential of YouTube? This guide is designed to be your comprehensive resource. It provides essential information for both those who enjoy watching content and those aspiring to create their own videos.

This resource explores all facets of the YouTube platform. It equips you with the knowledge to discover compelling videos and effectively share your own creations. It serves as an ideal starting point for navigating the expansive YouTube ecosystem.

§1–Introduction

YouTube has become a dominant force in online video. It offers a vast library of content, catering to diverse interests and audiences. Understanding its features and functionalities is key to a rewarding experience.

§2–The YouTube Interface

The YouTube interface is designed for intuitive navigation. Familiarizing yourself with its layout, search functions, and channel organization will significantly enhance your viewing and content creation process.

Key elements include the search bar, trending videos section, and personalized recommendations. These features allow users to quickly locate desired content and discover new channels.

§3–Other Ways To Watch

Beyond the main YouTube website, content can be accessed through various methods. These include mobile apps, smart TVs, and embedded videos on other websites.

Utilizing these alternative viewing options provides flexibility and convenience. You can enjoy YouTube videos on a range of devices, adapting to your lifestyle.

§4–Uploading and Editing

Sharing your own videos on YouTube is a straightforward process. The platform provides tools for uploading, managing, and optimizing your content.

Basic editing features are also available, allowing you to refine your videos before publishing. These tools can enhance the visual appeal and overall quality of your creations.

§5–Ads and Analytics

YouTube utilizes advertising as a revenue model. Understanding the different ad formats and their impact on the user experience is important.

Analytics provide valuable insights into video performance. These data points can help creators understand their audience and optimize their content strategy.

§6–Conclusion

This guide has provided a foundational understanding of YouTube. By utilizing the information presented, you can unlock the full potential of this powerful platform.

Whether you are a casual viewer or an aspiring content creator, continuous exploration and adaptation are crucial for success on YouTube.

1. Introduction

1.1 A Brief History of YouTube

For those familiar with the internet, it can be challenging to recall a time before YouTube’s presence. However, the platform originated as a concept conceived by its founders: Steven Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim.

Launched in 2005, the inaugural video was uploaded on April 23rd. Remarkably, within a single year, the site experienced over 100 million daily page views. This rate of expansion was exceptional, even within the dynamic online business landscape.

Consequently, the platform attracted considerable interest from larger corporations. Google notably acquired YouTube in November 2006, for $1.65 billion in Google stock.

Currently, YouTube amasses more than three billion page views each day. Video length limitations were progressively increased and ultimately removed, the user interface underwent multiple redesigns, and options for renting feature films were introduced.

Despite these changes, the fundamental purpose of YouTube remains consistent: video sharing. For some, it serves as a means to share personal videos of family or pets. For others, it represents a source of income.

1.2 Content Consumption vs. Content Production

YouTube operates on two primary levels: content consumption and content production. It distinguishes itself from many other media platforms by enabling users to both view and create content. Initiating content creation requires only an account and a video file to upload, without needing special authorization.

However, a clear distinction exists between the features utilized by content consumers and those needed by content producers. Many YouTube users primarily focus on viewing content, without exploring the site’s production tools, such as the online video editor.

Conversely, a smaller segment of users dedicates the majority of their time to the production interface. These individuals are focused on uploading and editing videos, managing advertising, and analyzing video traffic data to identify trends.

This guide addresses both aspects of YouTube. Given their distinct nature, certain chapters concentrate on content consumption, while others focus on content production. Users seeking information about YouTube’s interface and alternative access methods should review chapters 2 and 3. Those interested in creating, managing, and promoting videos should consult chapters 4 and 5.

Naturally, many individuals function as both consumers and producers, making this guide valuable to a broad audience, even if certain sections are more relevant than others.

2. Navigating the YouTube Platform

2.1 Account Registration Process

It is highly probable that you already possess a YouTube account. However, not all users are avid viewers, and some may have browsed the platform for years without ever logging in.

Creating an account is a straightforward process. When not logged in, a prominent blue “Create Account” button is visible at the top of the left sidebar. Selecting this button directs you to a “Create a new Google Account” page. Essentially, a YouTube account necessitates the creation of a Google account.

This means you’ll gain access to more than just YouTube; you’ll also receive a Gmail account. If you already have a Gmail account, no additional registration is needed for YouTube. You can simply log in using your existing Gmail credentials.

As of early 2012, Google does not mandate new Google Account users to register with Google+. The option is presented, and users without a Google+ account will encounter a “You+” prompt within various interface elements.

2.2 Understanding YouTube Channels

Initially, YouTube organized videos primarily by content type. With a smaller video library and a focus on sharing, this system proved adequate.

However, the platform evolved alongside its audience. As content creators began utilizing YouTube as a launchpad for their projects, channels gained prominence. Today, channels are central to the YouTube experience, particularly following the latest redesign.

For those unfamiliar, the term “channel” on YouTube can be misleading. YouTube channels differ significantly from traditional television channels. A “channel” represents a specific YouTube account. Subscribing to Motor Trend’s channel, for instance, means subscribing to videos uploaded by that particular account, not all car-related content.

Videos from subscribed channels appear on your main YouTube page upon login. Without subscriptions, or while logged out, you’ll encounter a general selection of popular and sponsored content, which can sometimes be unpredictable. Therefore, subscribing to channels is essential for curating a relevant video feed.

Subscribing also displays the channel’s name and icon in a sidebar on the left side of the page. If you follow numerous channels, you may need to click “see all” to access the full list. Unsubscribing is done by clicking the “subscribed” button on this expanded page.

2.3 Discovering New Video Content

YouTube’s channel-focused redesign simplifies staying current with preferred content, but it can make discovering new videos more challenging.

Fortunately, several methods exist for finding new content. The “Add Channels” button at the top of the left sidebar is a convenient starting point. This button suggests channels you’ve frequently visited or that YouTube believes you’ll enjoy. A “suggested channels” section also appears lower on the sidebar, based on your existing subscriptions.

However, this approach can limit your exposure. To explore truly new content, check the sections under “From YouTube” on the left sidebar. Here, you’ll find trending and popular videos, as well as traditional categories. While YouTube has intentionally made categories less visible, they remain accessible for browsing.

2.4 Utilizing Likes, Dislikes, and Comments

YouTube uniquely provides users with the ability to explicitly like or dislike videos. These anonymous votes are recorded and persistent. Liking a video automatically generates a share link.

Once a like or dislike is registered, it cannot be changed. Re-clicking the button has no effect; your vote is not counted multiple times, nor can it be retracted.

Comments, conversely, require logging in with a valid YouTube account and are therefore not anonymous. You can remove comments you’ve authored by hovering over them, opening the drop-down menu next to the Share button, and selecting “Remove.”

You can also express approval or disapproval of other users’ comments by liking or disliking them. Similar to video ratings, these actions are anonymous and permanent, and cannot be altered once submitted.

2.5 Customizing YouTube with Browser Extensions

We have covered the fundamental aspects of navigating YouTube content and interacting with comments. Now, let’s explore more advanced customization options.

Officially, the YouTube interface offers limited customization. However, browser extensions provide a means to modify the platform’s appearance and functionality. We will examine extensions available for various browsers.

Chrome Extensions for YouTube

YouTube Options for Google Chrome [No Longer Available] - This extension is a comprehensive customization tool for Chrome. It allows you to adjust default viewing quality, video size, enforce a secure connection, and modify the YouTube layout through an extension menu.

Magic Actions for YouTube [No Longer Available] - Unlike YouTube Options, which focuses on simple adjustments, Magic Actions aims to deliver a unique viewing experience. It dims surrounding content and enlarges the video, with customizable settings. It’s particularly effective for longer videos.

SmartVideo for YouTube - This extension provides a customized YouTube experience, offering options to improve buffering for users with slow internet connections. While its aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, the buffering improvements may be valuable.

Firefox Extensions for YouTube

Magic Actions for YouTube - Functionally similar to the Chrome version, offering the same benefits.

Greasemonkey - A versatile extension that enables users to customize web pages using JavaScript. A database of user-created customizations exists, eliminating the need for coding knowledge. Numerous popular YouTube customizations can alter the site, disable sections (including ads), and perform other modifications.

Internet Explorer Extensions for YouTube

Aside from video downloaders, there are no noteworthy IE extensions relevant to YouTube customization.

Opera Extensions for YouTube

ExtendTube - A robust Opera extension for YouTube customization. It allows you to change the site’s appearance, adjust video quality, add content (such as lyrics to music videos), and even customize the site using CSS and JavaScript.

YouWatch [Broken URL Removed] - This extension enhances YouTube browsing by tracking watched videos, enabling advanced search filtering, and adding videos to Opera’s Speed Dial. It’s a valuable addition, even if you prefer YouTube’s default appearance.

3. Alternative Viewing Methods

Initially launched in 2006, YouTube was primarily accessible through web browsers. However, the YouTube platform has significantly expanded, especially in recent years. Content can now be enjoyed in numerous other ways, often without compromising the user experience.

We will now explore the various methods for accessing YouTube content, including browser viewing, mobile applications, and offline playback.

3.1 Utilizing Embedded Videos

A convenient way to experience YouTube content without directly visiting the YouTube website is through embedded videos. These are frequently found across the internet, integrated into platforms ranging from Facebook to personal blogs and websites.

When a video is embedded, the website owner controls the viewing parameters, but does not host the video file itself. Most sites utilize YouTube’s built-in embed code, readily available by clicking the Share button beneath any video, selecting Embed, and copying the provided code into the webpage’s HTML.

While embedding typically includes the entire video, it’s also possible to embed only a specific segment. This is particularly useful for longer videos, which are now supported by YouTube’s removal of video length restrictions. Further details can be found in our MakeUseOf article on this topic.

Browser extensions designed to modify YouTube’s behavior do not affect embedded videos. These extensions function by altering the YouTube website through custom code injected during page loading. However, they cannot modify videos displayed outside of the main YouTube site.

3.2 YouTube on Mobile Devices

YouTube Mobile is available as a pre-installed application on both Android and iOS devices. Alternatively, users can access YouTube on Windows Mobile through m.youtube.com/app. Other devices can utilize the standard mobile website, located at m.youtube.com, which officially supports Nokia S60, BlackBerry, Android, iOS, and Windows Mobile.

The official YouTube app experience varies across devices. It differs not only between Android and iOS, but also between Android phones and tablets. Each version features a unique interface tailored to the specific device. The mobile website, however, offers a consistent experience, and some iOS and Windows Mobile users have reported preferring it over the native applications. Experimenting with both options is recommended.

Android users can explore unofficial YouTube apps, such as NextVid, available on the Android Market. A key feature of NextVid is its streamlined playlist navigation, allowing users to easily swipe between videos. It also provides an interface comparable to the official app and supports background playback, a feature valued by those who enjoy audio podcasts on YouTube.

Unfortunately, high-quality unofficial YouTube applications are currently unavailable for iOS or other platforms.

3.3 YouTube on Home Theater PCs (HTPCs)

Android users have access to the YouTube Remote app, a free application not installed by default. This app enables the use of an Android phone as a remote control for YouTube content played on a desktop computer or an internet-connected television. While occasionally prone to glitches, it generally functions as intended.

Beyond traditional HTPCs, several other options exist for displaying YouTube on a large screen television.

Google TV is one such option, though it remains a developing platform. Purchasing a new television solely for YouTube access may not be practical for most readers. The Sony NSZ-GT1 Blu-Ray Player offers Google TV functionality, but at a cost of at least $200. Therefore, it’s not an inexpensive solution.

The Boxee Box, priced at $170 on Amazon, provides another avenue for YouTube access. It functions as a full HTPC with a customized interface. However, the quality of the YouTube app on Boxee is questionable, and purchasing it solely for YouTube is not recommended.

A potentially simpler option is the Xbox 360. Microsoft recently integrated a YouTube app that performs reasonably well. Optimal use requires either the Kinect sensor or a keyboard peripheral, as navigating with the controller alone can be cumbersome. Accessing the YouTube app necessitates an Xbox Live membership, costing $60 annually.

While these alternatives offer comparable video quality and user-friendly interfaces, they do not fully match the functionality of a standard Windows-based HTPC.

3.4 Downloading YouTube Videos

YouTube is primarily a streaming service, but offline viewing is possible with appropriate software. Downloading videos in advance allows for uninterrupted playback without an internet connection.

Numerous YouTube downloaders are available for Windows, typically operating in a similar manner. Free YouTube Downloader is a recommended choice. Users can select desired quality settings, enter the video URL, and initiate the download process. Downloading high-resolution videos may take time and require significant disk space, but the downloader generally operates autonomously once started. Our MakeUseOf article on YouTube download options provides further recommendations.

Mac and Linux users can utilize ClipGrab, an excellent YouTube downloader featuring a user-friendly search interface. I find it particularly enjoyable to use on my MacBook. [note to editor – I have submitted an article about YouTube downloaders for mac. Once published, it should be inserted here).

4. Video Upload and Modification

The process of uploading videos is straightforward. Simply select the “upload” option, which will redirect you to the upload interface. From there, files can be uploaded via drag-and-drop functionality, a dedicated upload manager for multiple files, or direct recording from your webcam.

After choosing a video for upload, a display appears presenting various upload settings. While most options are intuitive, certain areas warrant specific attention. The configuration process is generally uncomplicated, allowing for a swift completion.

Title: This is the name associated with your video. It should be both descriptive and accurate to avoid misleading viewers and attracting negative feedback.

Description: This text field appears beneath your video and is ideal for including credits or relevant links. Alternatively, these can be added through annotations or directly within the video content itself.

Tags: These are keywords and phrases that characterize your video. Utilizing relevant tags can increase the discoverability of your clip by other users.

Category: A drop-down menu allows you to categorize your video according to YouTube’s predefined options, ensuring it’s appropriately classified.

Maintaining privacy is crucial. YouTube defaults to public visibility for all videos. However, you can choose between Unlisted and Private settings. An Unlisted video is viewable by anyone possessing the direct YouTube link, while a Private video requires explicit permission from the uploader, regardless of link access.

The license type is another important consideration. Google offers both a standard license and a Creative Commons license. Selecting Creative Commons grants others permission to copy, distribute, and create derivative works from your video, provided they give you appropriate credit. This also automatically lists your video in the YouTube Video Editor’s Creative Commons section, potentially increasing viewership through attribution.

4.1 Utilizing YouTube’s Video Editing Tools

YouTube provides not only upload capabilities but also a browser-based Video Editor for modifying your content. Access this feature through your Video Manager, selecting the “Video Editor” option located near the top of the page.

Within the Video Editor, uploaded video clips are displayed as thumbnails. These can be selected for viewing or dragged onto the video timeline below. Arranging multiple clips on the timeline allows you to combine them into a single, extended movie.

To apply effects to clips, utilize the tabs at the editor’s top: Creative Commons, Music, Transitions, and Text.

The Creative Commons section contains videos licensed for reuse, as previously discussed. A search function helps locate relevant content, which can then be integrated into your video by dragging its thumbnail onto the timeline.

The Music section offers a library of audio clips that can be added to the audio timeline. All music provided is free to use, although the quality is subjective.

Transitions, indicated by a bow-tie icon, are effects placed between video clips to create smoother transitions. These are applied by dragging them between clips on the timeline. While YouTube’s transition options are limited, they are sufficient for basic editing, such as combining vacation footage.

Lastly, the Text section allows you to add text overlays to your video, displaying any desired message.

The arrangement of video clips, text, and effects on the timeline is easily manipulated via drag-and-drop. Need to reposition text to the end of your video? Simply drag it to the desired location.

Overlapping elements are not permitted. You cannot place text directly on top of a video clip. To add text to a clip, hover over it and click the lowercase “a” icon. Hovering also reveals options for adjusting brightness, contrast, and rotating the clip in 90-degree increments.

4.2 Expanding Editing Capabilities

The YouTube Video Editor isn’t the sole platform for video modification. This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s how the system functions.

Within your Video Manager, an Edit button appears alongside each uploaded video. This button doesn’t lead to the Video Editor; instead, it opens a separate interface for modifying video information. Here, you can also add enhancements, annotations, and captions. The Info and Settings area mirrors the initial upload settings, which were previously discussed.

Enhancements provide tools for adjusting the visual aspects of your video. You can modify brightness, contrast, color saturation, and temperature. Cropping and stabilization features are also available to improve video quality. Video effects can be applied to alter the overall look, and music clips can be added for ambiance. The available music is the same as in the video editor, but a “recommended tracks” section is a unique addition.

The Annotations section contains tools for adding text overlays to your video. Unlike the text added within the editor, annotations can be linked to other videos and positioned dynamically using drag-and-drop. The timeline view controls the duration of each annotation’s display.

Finally, Captions provide accessibility for viewers with disabilities. These are similar to closed captions on television. While not essential for casual users, professional content creators should consider adding captions to their videos. Tools like Easy YouTube Caption Creator can simplify the captioning process.

5. Monetization and Analytics on YouTube

For many individuals, YouTube serves primarily as a source of entertainment. It’s often utilized for casual viewing, such as during downtime. The platform is renowned for its vast collection of amusing videos, including popular kitten clips. It’s also a space where users can explore a diverse range of content, sometimes discovering hidden gems with limited viewership.

However, YouTube’s potential extends beyond mere entertainment. The platform offers advertising opportunities, enabling content creators to generate revenue from their videos. While only a small percentage achieve a sustainable income through YouTube, many leverage it as a promotional tool to increase visibility for themselves or their businesses.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that creating high-quality videos is the foundational step to success on YouTube. Without compelling content, even the most sophisticated understanding of analytics and promotion will be ineffective. If you possess the necessary skills, the following information will detail the technical aspects of monetization.

5.1 Implementing Advertisements

As is widely known, YouTube empowers content creators to earn income through advertisements integrated into their videos. These advertisements can be displayed either before or during video playback.

YouTube maintains stringent eligibility criteria for monetization. A comprehensive list of guidelines is available on the platform, but the core requirement is that all content must be entirely original.

If your content meets this criterion, you can initiate the advertisement insertion process by accessing the Settings menu and navigating to the Monetization section. A valid Google AdSense account is required; if you don’t have one, you’ll need to create one. Linking your AdSense account to your YouTube account typically takes up to 48 hours after signup, after which you can begin displaying advertisements.

To activate advertisements, go to the Video Manager and select the “Edit” option next to the desired video. A new “Monetize” option will appear on the subsequent screen. Clicking this option and selecting “Monetize with Ads” will enable advertisements. You can also access this setting through the “Monetize” link located above an uploaded video.

Overlay ads are one option, appearing over the video during playback and partially obscuring the content. Viewers can click on these ads, generating revenue, or dismiss them. They are a straightforward solution, particularly well-suited for shorter videos.

Alternatively, TrueView ads are available in InStream and InSlate formats. InStream ads play at the beginning of your video and can be skipped after five seconds. InSlate ads allow for the insertion of additional advertisements into longer videos, functioning as commercial breaks. Both formats can be effective for longer content, but revenue is only generated if the viewer chooses to watch the entire advertisement. Note that InSlate is currently a pilot program, potentially limited to established channels with significant viewership.

Additional options focus on ensuring you possess the necessary rights to profit from your video. If your video includes product placements, you must disclose this information. Furthermore, you must declare any copyrighted material used in your video and provide justification for its use. Using clips from television shows or copyrighted music without proper authorization is prohibited.

YouTube rigorously enforces these policies and may remove videos found to contain unauthorized copyrighted material.

5.2 Interpreting Analytics

YouTube provides extensive data regarding your videos’ performance. You can view not only the number of views but also viewer demographics, traffic sources, and more. This information is invaluable for planning future content.

Basic analytics are accessible directly below videos on YouTube. However, for comprehensive data, navigate to the Video Manager. A statistics summary is displayed to the right of each video listing. Clicking this summary opens the full analytics report, beginning with the Overview.

The Overview provides a general summary, including view counts, likes, dislikes, and other key metrics. The left-hand menu offers access to more detailed reports. Let’s examine some of the most important ones.

The Demographics report reveals information about your audience, including their gender, age, and geographic location. You can adjust the time frame to broaden your perspective beyond the default 30-day view. Understanding your audience is essential for tailoring your content effectively.

Playback Locations provides insights into where viewers are watching your videos – on the YouTube website or elsewhere. If you promote your videos on external platforms, such as a personal blog, this data helps assess the effectiveness of those promotional efforts compared to organic YouTube traffic. This section also displays mobile device usage, informing video formatting decisions.

Traffic Sources details how viewers are discovering your videos, indicating the proportion arriving from Google Search, external websites, and other sources. If you’re optimizing your videos for specific keywords, this information helps gauge the success of your keyword strategy.

Audience Retention is another valuable metric. It presents a graph illustrating viewer engagement throughout the video’s timeline. For instance, a significant drop in viewership at a specific point may indicate a problem with that section of the video. YouTube provides both absolute and relative metrics; “absolutes” show the percentage of viewers retained, while “relative” compares your video’s performance to others.

The remaining categories track video activity, such as comments and favorites. While useful, these are less actionable than the areas previously discussed.

While obsessive analysis isn’t necessary, reviewing your analytics monthly can reveal unexpected issues or inform content targeting. This information is freely available, making it a valuable resource.

5.3 Channel Customization

All videos you upload are associated with your personal YouTube channel, which, as previously mentioned, serves as the foundational element of your presence on the platform. A channel allows visitors to view your content in a manner you define.

You can modify your channel’s appearance by clicking the “Edit Channel” button in the upper right-hand corner (visible when logged in). This allows you to add a background and an avatar. I recommend avoiding overly elaborate designs, as they can be distracting and deter viewers. Visitors may watch multiple videos directly from your channel page, so a clean and inviting presentation is crucial.

The Featured Tab section allows you to adjust the overall layout of your channel. The Creator and Blogger layouts are generally best for content creators, as they prioritize new videos and playlists. The Network layout focuses on a single featured video, with the remaining content sourced from other channels you select. Everything is a combination of these layouts.

For those aiming to build a loyal audience, the Creator and Blogger layouts are often the most effective. Creator is ideal if you focus on several distinct content categories, allowing you to organize them into playlists for easy access. The Blogger layout is better suited for channels with a single focus or a diverse range of unrelated content.

6. Final Thoughts

It is my hope that the YouTube tips presented within this guide will prove beneficial for both viewing and creating content on the platform. YouTube’s prominence continues to increase daily. Despite its longevity, a genuine competitor has yet to emerge.

For the foreseeable future, YouTube is poised to remain the leading online destination for video content. Should any questions arise, exploring MakeUseOf Answers is highly recommended.

This platform offers a space for readers to pose questions, answered by both contributors and fellow users. It’s an invaluable resource for inquiries not already addressed in our extensive article collection.

Furthermore, consider this guide not as a conclusion, but rather as a stepping stone in your exploration of YouTube. We offer a wealth of supplementary content that you may find useful.

This further reading delves into topics extending beyond the scope of this guide, yet remaining relevant to the YouTube experience. Here are some examples:

• 2 Tools To Load The Lyrics Next To Music Clips On YouTube
• 3 Different Ways To Control YouTube Video Volume
• 3 YouTube Tools To Create An Easy Lean-Back Experience
• 4 Common YouTube Annoyances - And How To Get Rid Of Them
• 4 Quick Ways To Download YouTube Videos Off The Net
• 4 Ways To Easily Embed Part Of A YouTube Video
• 8 Solutions To Loop YouTube Videos And Watch Them Again
• 10 More Cool Things You Can Do With YouTube
• Easily Convert YouTube Video To GIF Animations Online
• How To Add YouTube Videos To Your Website With YouTube Custom Player
• How To Find Out Which Sites Have Embedded Your YouTube Videos
• How To Use The New YouTube Video Editor

These resources can further enhance your understanding and utilization of YouTube’s capabilities. Continued exploration will unlock even more potential.

Guide Published: February 2012