What is YouTube?
Last updated: July 12, 2025 • 5 min read
YouTube is the world's largest video-sharing platform where users can watch, upload, like, comment, and share videos. It was founded in 2005 and later acquired by Google in 2006. Today, it has over 2.7 billion logged-in monthly users, making it the second most visited website after Google.
How Does YouTube Work?
YouTube allows:
- Content creators to upload videos
- Viewers to watch, like, comment, and subscribe
- Advertisers to run ads on videos
- Monetization for creators (through ads, memberships, etc.)
Key Features of YouTube
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Search & Discovery | Find videos by keywords, trends, or recommendations |
| Channels | Personal pages for creators to upload content |
| Subscriptions | Follow favorite creators for updates |
| Playlists | Save and organize videos |
| Live Streaming | Broadcast in real-time |
| YouTube Shorts | Short-form videos (like TikTok) |
| Monetization | Earn money from ads, Super Chats, and memberships |
Why is YouTube So Popular?
- Free to Use – No cost to watch or upload videos.
- Endless Content – From education to entertainment.
- User-Friendly – Easy to navigate on phones, TVs, and computers.
- Monetization – Creators can earn money.
- Global Reach – Available in 100+ countries and 80+ languages.
How to Start Using YouTube?
For Viewers:
- Search for videos using keywords.
- Subscribe to favorite channels.
- Like & Comment to engage with creators.
For Creators:
- Create a Google Account (if you don't have one).
- Set up a YouTube Channel.
- Upload Your First Video (use good thumbnails & titles).
- Grow Your Audience (SEO, consistency, and engagement).
Ready to Start Your YouTube Journey?
Whether you want to watch or create, YouTube has endless possibilities!
Conclusion
YouTube is more than just a video site—it's a search engine, entertainment hub, and career platform for millions. Whether you want to watch, learn, or create, YouTube has something for everyone.