Should you be on YouTube?

Unless you are Amish or live under a rock, you know that YouTube is a website used for sharing videos and viewing content. It is the second largest search engine after Google.

How to sign up for YouTube

One must follow these concise and precise steps to sign up. First, go to YouTube and at the top right, click on sign in. An option will appear asking you to create an account; click on it. Having done that, two other options will appear. First, you must specify whether you are creating the account for “myself” or “To manage my business.” Select the appropriate one. You will be required to fill in your details, and once you have completed the steps, your YouTube account will be ready for use.

Format/Focus

The quality of the video is also crucial when it comes to content creation. A high-quality video is likely to be appealing to the eyes of consumers. However, if the video is low quality, most consumers will simply bypass it. That is why it is important to note the video formats that YouTube supports. One of the best formats for YouTube is MP4, which is standard HD that produces a better quality than other forms that YouTube supports. Audio is also crucial when thinking about your YouTube content. I would recommend for appropriate audio sound are MP3 or ACC format, which should not be less than 192 kbps with a recommended codec of H.264, MPEG-4. The resolution should be 640 x 480(4:3) or 1280 x 720 (16:9). Add vertical black bars as needed while uploading the video.

Number and type of users

YouTube has two different kinds of users. The first category comprises video creators, while the second one consists of video viewers. Video viewers, also known as content creators, mainly focus on creating channels and uploading content or videos on their channels. On the other hand, video viewers are a group that watches videos and 480 to the YouTube channels.

Those with access to computers and mobile phones (smartphones) have the leeway to watch YouTube content or share their own on the same platform. The only thing they would require is to ensure that their devices have internet connectivity.

Although everyone across the ages uses YouTube, it is undoubtedly the most popular among the younger generation who would want, as the dynamism of time demands, a variety of content. Most would prefer it for entertainment, following up on their favorite music, as a platform for tutorials, or even catching up with their most adored role models and artists. This age bracket mostly ranges from 15- 35 years. YouTube has been availed in almost all countries with at least fifty languages making it the second most used Search Engine in the world.

Regarding the number of users, two billion people are approximated to have used YouTube in 2021, up from 800,000 million in 2012. Therefore, the number of users significantly improved, both creators and viewers, in the past decade.

Statistics estimate that India has the most significant number of YouTube users, with 225 million, closely followed by the United States of America at 197 million. It has also been established that, on average, more women use YouTube than men. It is estimated that 96.6% of channels have less than ten thousand subscribers. Revenue of about $5 Billion is collected on ads. It is also approximated that an average content creator earns about $2.9 – $5 for one thousand views.

The uniqueness of YouTube

Several things make YouTube unique when compared to other social media platforms. Like other platforms, it helps you stay connected to your audience, and you can get their immediate feedback. However, YouTube is more video-based than most platforms, except for Tik Toc. It differs from Tik Toc because it has more informative and educational content. This is helpful, especially when it comes to commercialized creators.

Some compare YouTube to a traditional Television channel that might be broadcasting static programs. Static programs are likely to make the audience bored or want to change. YouTube content on demand in short bites beats traditional TV any day. Also, for business creators, it helps you tag and brand your products. Consistent branding confidence can be built with consumers of your product or content.

The pros and cons of YouTube

YouTube has quite some advantages. First, it is easy to use YouTube. Creating content on this platform is free, and so is watching. YouTube Premium is the only paid subscription that enables you to watch videos with no ads. That is the only expenditure while using YouTube.

Secondly, YouTube helps you earn through the content you create and upload to your channel. This is only possible if you have a Google AdSense Account. Nonetheless, there are other ways you can use to earn money through YouTube, such as marketing digital products, offering services, and sponsorships, among others.

Thirdly, it is easy to use YouTube. One does not require training to know how to watch or share a video on YouTube. The easiest way is to look at a tutorial on how it is done.

However, as they say, a coin usually has two sides. YouTube, too has its disadvantages. To begin with, whatever you share is public. That, therefore, means your privacy can easily encroach. As such, copyright issues are likely to arise. Secondly, advertisers can incorporate their ads into your video. Thirdly, the account can be deleted if; your publication is against the Terms and Conditions and the Community Guidelines or copyright issues. All in all, YouTube is a decent option for creators and consumers, unlike some of the other social media platforms.