You’ve probably spent hours scrolling through YouTube, but have you ever stopped to wonder: is YouTube considered social media? It’s a platform where you watch videos, leave comments, and share content. Nearly 62% users in the US alone access YouTube DAILY (thesocialshepherd)! Does that really make it social?
Where Does YouTube Fall In The List of Social Media Platforms?
When it comes to categorizing YouTube, it’s pretty clear where it stands. Unlike platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook, which are built for networking or messaging, YouTube falls squarely into the video-sharing category. This is where users upload, share, and consume video content.
But here’s the thing!
While it’s primarily a video-sharing platform, it doesn’t mean YouTube doesn’t have social elements. Viewers can comment, like, and share videos, which adds a layer of interactivity.
So, while it’s not a “social media” platform in the traditional sense, it certainly blends social features with its focus on video.
It’s the best of both worlds!
Reasons Why YouTube Is Considered a Social Media Channel
YouTube checks all the boxes when it comes to what makes a platform “social media.” Let’s take a closer look at why:
Interactive Content: Viewers are more than just passive watchers. They can like, comment, and even share videos, creating a dynamic environment where people engage with the content they consume. This is similar to what you’d find on platforms like Instagram or Facebook. And just like following someone on Twitter, subscribing to a channel on YouTube allows users to stay updated and engaged with the latest content from their favorite creators..
Free User-Generated Content: Whether it’s a DIY tutorial, a funny skit, or an unboxing video, anyone can upload content and share it with the world. And the best part? It’s free to watch.
Sense of Community: YouTube has built a vibrant community where viewers and creators interact. Fans of beauty influencers, gamers, and tech reviewers all gather in comment sections or form channels dedicated to niche topics.
Ability to Run Ads: Let’s not forget the advertising potential. YouTube is no different from other social media platforms when it comes to promoting content. The ability to run ads (pre-roll, mid-roll, or side banners) lets brands connect with targeted audiences. Even though YouTube ads don’t appear in a scrolling feed like Instagram or Facebook, they’re still effective for reaching people in a social environment.
Tips on How To Use YouTube To Boost Your Business
Here are a few tips to help you get started and really make the most of this powerful platform:
- You’ve got to think about what your audience is looking for. The competition on YouTube is fierce, over 500 hours of content are uploaded every minute! To cut through the noise, your content needs to stand out and deliver value.
- Ask yourself: What problems do my customers have, and how can my videos solve them? It can be tutorials, product demos, or behind-the-scenes looks.
- A great video deserves a great title. It’s the first thing people see when they scroll through YouTube, so you need to make it count. Your title should be clear, catchy, and make people curious about what’s inside.
- Don’t forget to sprinkle in relevant keywords to help your video show up in search results!
- Your thumbnail is like the cover of a book. If it doesn’t stand out, people won’t click Use bold colors, large text, and a clear image to showcase what your video is all about.
- Interactions are important! When viewers leave comments, make sure to reply! Plus, it shows your followers that you care about their opinions, which can lead to even more interaction over time.
Take-Home Message
YouTube may have started as a video-sharing platform, but its social features make it a powerful tool for business growth.
By creating valuable content, engaging with your audience, and optimizing your videos with catchy titles and thumbnails, you can use this platform to its full potential and boost your brand online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need help to manage my YouTube channel for growth?
It can be helpful to get assistance with managing your YouTube channel, especially if you’re looking to optimize content, grow your audience, and stay consistent with posting.
What qualifies as social media?
Social media platforms are online spaces where users can create, share, and interact with content, typically in the form of posts, images, videos, or messages.
Is TikTok social media?
Yes, TikTok is considered social media because it allows users to create and share short-form videos, engage with others through comments, likes, and follows.
