Chances are, if you’re reading this article you aren’t new to the internet. And YouTube is right up there with Netflix for things to keep you up at night. But if you’re still as overwhelmed and curious as I am about finding new channels and navigating this strange new world, here are some things to keep in mind as a YouTube beginner.
If you’re going to leave your kid with YouTube, make your own playlist. For some reason this video appeared on my feed. It basically boils down to the fact that there might still be some kinks in YouTube’s auto-play function. Additionally, the comments section is best left unread by those not ready to be assaulted with various stages of decaying grammar.
While educational videos on the Pythagorean theorem might not be the most enticing (or you might think they’re super cool, who knows) there are quite a few channels and videos out there like Crash Course, Overly Sarcastic Productions, and Fine Art Tips that will teach you everything from History to Hercules to drawing Heracles. Documentaries can also be a nice way to pass time, depending on how much time you have.
Studio C and JK! Studios are a great place to find clean, family friendly comedy. Places like College Humor and Buzzfeed can be funny if you don’t mind an f-bomb slipped in there here and there. There are also quite a few YouTubers who work independently and if you want to follow their lives then go for it!
Gratuitous videos on my list of favorites include TONS of videos of animals, a lot of quick and easy midnight snack recipes, a number of speedpaints, and sporadic CGI short films. Music videos and movie trailers are things that I hunt down on an ad hoc basis, and if you’re hunting for a good movie to watch it can be very hit or miss.
So good luck and happy hunting!