YouTube is a video streaming platform owned by Google that attracts millions of viewers every day. With over two billion monthly users worldwide, it is the second-largest search engine after its parent company.
Initially created to allow everyday people to share their videos, YouTube has significantly evolved since its launch. It has transformed into a comprehensive platform, introducing a variety of exciting features aimed at enhancing user experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 20 YouTube features you should try to make the most of your YouTube experience. Discover the incredible tools and functionalities this platform has to offer!
Top 20 YouTube features you should try out
YouTube offers a range of exciting features that you may need to be made aware of.
In this article, we’ll share some fantastic tricks, tips, and tools that will help you maximize your experience on this popular platform. Get ready to unlock the full potential of YouTube!
List of Top 20 YouTube Features:
- Create a GIF from YouTube Video
- Create a link to start a YouTube video at a particular time
- View the written transcript of a video
- Create, share, and collaborate on a video playlist
- Saving videos to watch later
- Use YouTube to make a written transcript
- Create your custom URL on YouTube
- Add a transcript to your Video
- Add an end screen or cards to promote similar content or Video
- YouTube’s free sound and music library
- Add creative effects with YouTube enhancement
- Playing videos in the background
- Live stream videos
- Upload and watch videos in 360 degrees and VR
- Ad free watching
- YouTube kids
- YouTube Search History
- Improved comments
- Subscriber notifications
- Creator Community
Create a GIF
One of the most excellent features YouTube offers is the ability to create a GIF from any YouTube video. With this feature, you can quickly turn a video into a GIF by simply using its URL.
You have the flexibility to customize your GIF by setting its duration, cropping the frame, and adding captions to make it more entertaining. Plus, you can share your GIFs directly or download them for offline use!
Create a link to start a YouTube video at a particular time.
Another intriguing feature of YouTube is the ability to create a link that starts a video at a specific time.
With this functionality, you can quickly generate a timestamp link in just a few simple steps, allowing the Video to begin playing at your chosen moment.
Instead of sharing the standard YouTube link, you can send these timestamp links to your friends, ensuring they start the Video exactly where you want them to!
View the written transcript of a video.
The third valuable feature YouTube provides is the ability to view the written transcript of a video.
This functionality allows you to access the automatically generated transcripts for videos uploaded to the platform. As long as the uploader hasn’t manually hidden the transcript, anyone can view it. This feature helps you understand the Video’s content more easily.
Create, share, and collaborate on a video playlist.
The fourth exciting feature of YouTube is the ability to create, share, and collaborate on video playlists.
This feature allows you to curate playlists based on your interests and favorite content. You can store and organize your videos, and you can choose to keep your playlist private or public.
Additionally, you can easily share your favorite playlists with others, making it convenient for people to browse and discover the content they’re looking for.
Saving videos to watch later
Another handy feature YouTube offers is the ability to save videos to watch later. This functionality allows you to bookmark videos for future viewing.
The “Watch Later” playlist provides easy access to your saved videos whenever you need them. However, please note that you cannot invite others to collaborate on this playlist.
You can also remove videos from the list at any time, making it convenient for managing your viewing preferences.
Use YouTube to make a written transcript.
The following intriguing feature YouTube provides is the ability to generate written transcripts.
With this feature, you can quickly obtain free transcriptions of your Video and audio files using YouTube’s built-in captioning system.
You can also edit and clean up the transcripts afterward. The automatic transcription can be found under the video title in the “More” tab.
Create your custom URL on YouTube.
The following helpful feature YouTube offers is the ability to create your custom URL.
This feature allows you to provide an easy-to-remember web address for your channel. Your customized URL can be based on your display name, YouTube username, existing vanity URLs, or the name of your linked website.
It’s important to note that once your custom URL is created, it cannot be changed or transferred.
To access this feature, you must meet specific criteria:
- Have more than 100 subscribers.
- Be at least 30 days old on the platform.
- Upload a photo as your channel icon.
- Have channel art.
Add a transcript to your Video.
The next lesser-known YouTube feature is the ability to add a transcript to your Video. This functionality allows you to upload or edit your transcript, which can enhance the discoverability of your Video in search results.
Having a transcript enables viewers to quickly understand the Video’s content. Additionally, you can use your preferred language and make adjustments while watching the Video by pausing it.
Add an end screen or cards to promote similar content or Video.
YouTube provides the fantastic feature of being able to add an end screen or cards to promote similar content.
This feature allows you to display visually appealing call-to-action cards in the last 30 seconds of your Video.
You can also create a customized end screen that suggests other videos to encourage viewers to continue exploring your channel.
YouTube’s free sound and music library
Next on the list is the ability to browse and download content from YouTube’s free sound and music library.
This platform provides a vast collection of high-quality, royalty-free sound effects and music that you can explore and download for personal enjoyment.
Additionally, you can use these sounds in your videos outside of YouTube as long as you follow the guidelines for sourcing them appropriately.
Add creative effects with YouTube enhancement.
YouTube’s next handy tool is the YouTube enhancement feature, which allows you to add creative effects to your videos.
For your video editing needs, you can typically choose from nine different effects. These effects can be applied on both desktop and mobile devices, although the options may be limited on mobile.
Playing videos in the background
Another exciting feature of YouTube is the ability to play videos in the background on mobile devices.
With this handy option, you can keep YouTube running while using other apps. YouTube offers different settings for iOS and Android devices.
Now, you can enjoy your favorite artist’s performances or any music without leaving YouTube!
Live stream videos
Next on the list of YouTube’s handy features is the ability to live-stream videos.
To access this feature, you must have a verified YouTube channel and have been free of any live stream restrictions for the past 90 days.
You can create live streams from your desktop and mobile devices. This feature has grown significantly in recent years and continues to gain popularity.
The live streaming capability is particularly favored by gamers, making it one of YouTube’s top 20 features.
Upload and watch videos in 360 degrees and VR
The next exciting feature YouTube offers is the ability to upload and watch videos in 360 degrees and VR.
These videos can be enjoyed in both live and pre-recorded formats. Desktop users can click and drag the Video to explore different angles while it plays, while mobile users can move their device to change the viewing perspective.
To utilize this feature, you need a camera that supports 360-degree Video and is compatible with YouTube.
Ad free watching
YouTube also offers an ad-free watching experience through a minimal monthly subscription.
With this feature, you can enjoy your favorite music and videos without interruptions from ads. Additionally, you can save videos and music for offline viewing or listening in the background, enhancing your overall experience.
YouTube kids
YouTube Kids is one of the app’s most valuable features, providing a secure environment for its youngest users. This safer version of YouTube employs algorithm-driven filters to curate videos appropriate for children.
Parents can also customize their child’s experience by turning the search feature on or off, ensuring a tailored and safe viewing environment.
YouTube Search History
The YouTube Search History feature allows you to clear all your YouTube searches and watch history.
You can also pause your history, preventing the platform from recording what you search for and watch. Additionally, this feature enables you to delete specific videos from your history. It is accessible to both desktop and mobile users.
Improved comments
The next feature that enhances the YouTube platform is improved comments.
This update reduces the likelihood of spammy comments, providing a cleaner and more engaging layout for viewers. Additionally, it has contributed to a decrease in dislikes by over 36% across the platform.
Subscriber notifications
YouTube’s subscriber notifications feature enables content creators to inform their loyal followers whenever they upload a new video.
Subscribers can opt-in to receive notifications via email or mobile phone each time a new video is published, ensuring they never miss out on fresh content.
Creator Community
YouTube’s new Creator Community feature plays a significant role in the platform’s current success. As a social media platform, it thrives on the active participation of its user community.
This feature serves as an online forum that encourages collaboration, allows users to share advice, and provides feedback to the company for ongoing improvements.
These are the 20 best YouTube features you should take advantage of!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top YouTube features that can enhance my viewing experience?
The top YouTube features include ad-free watching, 360-degree video support, live streaming, and YouTube Kids. These features improve accessibility, personalization, and overall user experience.
How can I create a GIF from a YouTube video?
To create a GIF, you can use specific online tools or websites that allow you to enter the YouTube video URL, set the duration, and customize your GIF with captions before downloading it.
What is the YouTube’ Watch Later’ feature?
The ‘Watch Later’ feature allows you to save videos to a dedicated playlist for easy access later. You can manage this playlist to curate your viewing experience.
How can I livestream on YouTube?
To live stream, you need a verified channel and no live stream restrictions for the past 90 days. You can then start a live stream from either your desktop or mobile device.
What is the benefit of YouTube Kids?
YouTube Kids provides a safer viewing environment for children. It uses algorithms to filter content and allows parents to control search capabilities.
Can I access YouTube offline?
Yes, with a YouTube Premium subscription, you can download videos for offline viewing, allowing you to watch them without an internet connection.
What are subscriber notifications?
Subscriber notifications inform your followers when you upload new content. Subscribers can opt-in to receive these notifications via email or mobile alerts.
How does the improved comments feature work?
The improved comments feature reduces spam and junk comments, enhancing the viewing experience and increasing engagement by fostering more meaningful discussions.
Conclusion
YouTube continues to evolve, offering a myriad of features designed to enhance user experience and empower creators. From ad-free viewing and live streaming to immersive 360-degree videos and the safety of YouTube Kids, these features not only cater to diverse viewing preferences but also provide tools for creators to engage their audience more effectively. The ability to customize URLs, create GIFs, and manage playlists reflects YouTube’s commitment to personalization and user-friendly functionality.
As we move into 2024, familiarizing yourself with these 20 best features will help you maximize your YouTube experience, whether you are:
- A casual viewer.
- A dedicated content creator.
- A parent is seeking safe viewing options for their children.
Embracing these tools can lead to a richer, more interactive engagement with the platform, ensuring that you make the most of what YouTube has to offer
