Welcome to YouTube
Welcome to YouTube! We’re here to help you learn—with inside tips and expert advice for creators like you. This Quickstart guide covers all the essentials to get your channel up and running. We know you’re excited to explore your creative potential, so let’s do it!
Share your stories with the world
What stories would you like to share? At YouTube, we believe everyone deserves to have a voice, and the world is a better place when people listen, share, and build community through stories.
YouTube is an open platform. Our values are based on four essential freedoms: freedom of expression, freedom of information, freedom of opportunity, and freedom to belong.
One of the best things about YouTube is that you can engage with and grow a community no matter what you’re passionate about—whether it’s comedy, sports, fashion, gaming, food, or simply everyday life.
Through YouTube, you have the power to connect with a large and diverse audience. Over 1.9 billion people log into YouTube every month—and YouTube has local versions in more than 90 countries.
Also, people can discover your content in multiple ways. While many viewers access YouTube on their mobile phone, tablet, or computer, it’s also popular to watch from a television screen.
Welcome to YouTube—we want to help you share your stories, connect with your audience, and pursue your creative passions.
Did you know?
- Viewers can navigate YouTube in a total of 76 different languages (covering 95% of the Internet population).
- The YouTube Go app—available in 130 countries—allows users to download, watch, and share videos even with limited data or a slow connection.
See it in action
YouTube: Our Brand MissionYouTube’s mission is to give everyone a voice and show them the world.
The A-Z of YouTube: Celebrating 10 YearsThis 2015 video celebrates YouTube’s evolution from an ambitious idea to a global movement.
Pursue your creative passion
As you begin your journey on YouTube, it’s important to be authentic. Viewers are more likely to connect when they see you’re passionate about the topic.
People have a variety of reasons for becoming a YouTube creator. For example, it could be to connect with a similar community, show off a unique talent, spark social change, or promote a business. Many creators join YouTube to share knowledge and skills. Think about your mission on YouTube:
- How would you like to have an impact?
- What do you want to say?
- What knowledge can you share with others?
- Who are your favorite YouTube creators and what makes them memorable to you?
On YouTube, there are few limits to what you can share. Just keep in mind our Community Guidelines, which help to keep the platform safe for everyone.
See it in action
Hallease tells personal stories with her cameraHallease is a digital storyteller and video editor based in Texas. Her channel consists of documentary-style vlogs, tutorials, and more. She declares that her goal for 2018 is to “be a chaotic good.”
Singer Vidya Vox explores new directions in musicWhile in university, Vidya Vox indulged in her passion for music and soon began to upload videos. Her channel fuses the intricacies of Indian music with elements of electronic and hip-hop.
Set up your channel
It’s simple to get started on YouTube. If you haven’t done so already, follow these steps to create a new channel (you’ll need a Google account):
- Sign in to YouTube or create an account.
- Try uploading a video.
- If you don't have a channel, you'll see a prompt to create one.
- Check the details (Google Account name and photo) and confirm.
Click here if you need help with your channel setup. Select a channel name that you like and represents you (similar to a social media handle).
Next, there are some account settings that you may want to update straightaway, like connecting your social media accounts, setting privacy levels for your videos, and deciding how you'd like to receive notifications.
To enable some features, such as custom thumbnails and longer uploads, you may be asked to verify your account. That’s it. You’re ready to make your YouTube debut! Check out the next lessons for more information on how YouTube works and ways to customize your channel.
Connect with YouTube through these resources:
- Get answers to your questions in the YouTube Help Center.
- Opt in to important emails from YouTube.
- Tweet @TeamYouTube for updates and troubleshooting and check out @YTCreators for YouTube news.
- Watch the Creator Insider channel for informal YouTube updates and more.
See it in action
Learn about YouTube from other creatorsSubscribe to the YouTube Creators Channel for all things “Creator”—including education and inspiration from YouTube experts and fellow creators.
Jumpstart your channelCassandra Bankson and sWooZie share what inspired them to start a channel on YouTube and offer tips for kickstarting your own channel.
Measure success
Who is watching your first video?
Try it nowCheck your Demographics report after you upload your first video. Are you surprised by who is tuning in to watch? Click on other reports that interest you in YouTube Analytics and come up with some goals.