YouTube? What Is The Point?

Although many people feel that YouTube is primarily a pastime for internet users looking for a quick laugh, YouTube can be a useful platform for those that use it properly. It is hard to ignore that the popularity of the video-sharing community is due to the 2-3 minute entertaining videos such as the one with the cat playing the piano or the one with the funny dancing guy. For that reason alone, it is not unexpected for someone to doubt that YouTube is being used to make lives easier for many people around the world. Many viewers jump on YouTube to listen to music. A lot of people, as stated earlier, simply like to watch comedic videos and share it with their friends. Yes, millions of people love YouTube for the entertainment provided, but for the open-minded, this website can be used for advantageous purposes as well.

For example, a young woman goes away to college that is hundreds of miles from her parents and she is craving some of her mom's home cooking. She calls her mom to get the recipe but her mom is busy pulling overtime at her job. In frustration, she hangs up after leaving a message begging her mom for the recipe. This young lady is hungry and feeling a bit lonely. So she calls her brother to vent out her current problem. Her brother replies, "Duh, YouTube it and type in zucchini casserole." She finds a video of Rachel Ray giving step by step instructions on how to cook the delicious meal.

Math can be quite challenging for many students. Sometimes the text book is just not enough. Sometimes a student's eyes are heavy and tired from reading. Sometimes students need to hear the concepts and formulas. Yes, the teacher is available at certain times and the student is responsible to absorb as much information as possible. But what if the student needs a little more? What if the math class is online? What if his teacher's teaching style does not accommodate his or her learning style? What if the tutor had an emergency? YouTube can be the answer. There are many math teachers that have capitalized on the power of YouTube. There are male and female math teachers on YouTube with various methods to hammer in the mathematic formulas in the minds of the student that gave this video platform a shot.

There are millions or even billions of people receiving large phone bills in the mail. Whether it is unexpected charges from going over the limit or paying for text messages, everyone has a story of that expensive phone bill. For some phone companies, the word unlimited has more than one definition. Those long distance phone calls can also be a nuisance to the bank account. Some people have decided to get creative. With families and friends spread across the globe, using YouTube to keep in touch with loved ones is starting to become the norm.

It is safe to say that YouTube is being used for professional purposes also. With updated privacy settings and customizable viewing options, big and small companies are using YouTube to archive presentations and proposals. For professionals that are conservative about their time, storing training sessions on YouTube for their group to watch at any time is an excellent option to have. Sure, someone can store their training video on a USB drive but it is good to prepare for all situations. What if the USB is lost? YouTube can accommodate your digital storing needs. So, imagine teaching a class and getting ready for your next project at the same time. Thanks to YouTube, this concept is very possible.

Self-promotion is considered mandatory buy a lot of successful people. The notorious funny girl I-Justine did it without shame, gaining millions of hits and subscribers, prior to landing roles on Law and Order and MTV Awards Show. Musicians everywhere are taking advantage of Myspace, YouTube, and Facebook to grow their fans and followings. The best part about using YouTube to promote a particular brand, person, or product is that it is free just as long the terms of service is followed. But for those that want to take a shortcut for a featured spot on YouTube, the choice to pay for a competitive edge is available.

The "how-to" videos are extremely cost effective and valuable. On YouTube, you can find videos on how to operate a swamp cooler, playing a guitar, drive a stick shift, write a script, or even how to throw a proper punch. If you want to learn how to ride a motorcycle, there are many of those videos too. There is practically a "how to" video on any topic you can think of. If you don't find it then it will be on there soon. You can even upload a video yourself to answer a particular question that you get asked a lot. There is information on YouTube, that people are paying thousands of dollars for in culinary schools, trade schools, business schools, and seminars. People are paying 20 bucks for "do it yourself" books when they can check out YouTube to get a helpful video demonstration.

As you can see, YouTube provides much more than entertainment. Not only do you have access to an endless amount of tutorials, you also have educational content at your fingertips. YouTube has videos on math, literature, science, politics, English, religion, and the arts. YouTube will never replace personal face to face communication. It will never make the cell phone industry obsolete. But it continues to help life easier for many people that see YouTube as a resource and not a silly past-time.