YouTube

What YouTube does

YouTube is a video streaming and sharing app for watching everything from music and news to tutorials, commentary, entertainment and creator-led series. It suits viewers who want a broad, constantly changing video library, as well as people who follow particular channels and want their subscriptions, watch history and saved videos in one place.

How it works

The home screen recommends videos based on viewing habits, while search and topic sections help you find something specific. You can subscribe to channels, leave comments, use captions where available and continue watching across supported devices. The app also includes Shorts for brief vertical videos, alongside standard long-form playback.

YouTube is not only for watching. Creators can record, edit and upload videos from a phone, and eligible channels can stream live and interact with viewers through comments and live chat. Community features give channels additional ways to post updates and stay connected between uploads.

Who it suits

• Everyday viewers: A practical choice for on-demand video across a wide range of subjects.
• Channel followers: Subscriptions and recommendations make it easier to keep up with regular creators.
• New creators: The mobile app provides tools for making and publishing video without needing a separate service.

At a glance

YouTube is developed by Google LLC and listed under Video Players & Editors. Its scale is clear from more than 10 billion recorded installs and over 168 million ratings. The average rating is about 3.9, suggesting a widely used app with a mixed range of user experiences rather than universal approval. Its feature-packed interface can feel busy, especially with Shorts and creator tools sharing space with the main viewing experience, but the core job—finding and watching video—remains straightforward.