As we earlier discussed, YouTube is a video sharing service where users can watch, like, share, comment and upload their own videos. The video services can be accessed on PCs, laptops, tablets and using mobile phones where Internet connection is mandatory. YouTube is the second most-visited website after Google Search, according to Alexa Internet rankings.
YouTube allows users to upload, view, rate, share, add to playlists, report, comment on videos, and subscribe to other users. Contents available on YouTube includes- video clips, TV show clips, music videos, short and documentary films, audio recordings, movie trailers, live streams, video blogging, short original videos, and educational videos.
Most content which is available on YouTube is generated and uploaded by individuals, but some media corporations including CBS, the BBC, Vevo, etc also offer some of their material via YouTube as part of the YouTube partnership program. Registered users can upload the videos on the
YouTube while unregistered users can only watch the videos.
YouTube and selected creators earn advertising revenue from Google AdSense, a program that targets ads according to site content and audience. The vast majority of videos are free to view, but there are exceptions, including subscription-based premium channels, film rentals, as well as YouTube Music and YouTube Premium, subscription services respectively offering premium and ad-free music streaming, and ad-free access to all content, including exclusive content commissioned from notable personalities.
YouTube is a great place for discovering new things where one can freely watch videos, comedy shows, how to guides, recipes, listen music and many more. With several advantages and facilities there are some severe risks of using unsupervised/unguided YouTube, such as- watching/viewing inappropriate Content, Cyber bullying, etc. Cyberbullying or cyberharassment is a form of bullying or harassment using electronic means. Cyberbullying and cyberharassment are also known as online bullying.
Some of the key functions performed by users on YouTube are-
• Users can search for and watch videos.
• Create a personal YouTube channel.
• Upload videos to your channel.
• Like/Comment/share other YouTube videos.
• Users can subscribe/follow other YouTube channels and users.
• Create playlists to organize videos and group videos together.