How to Use YouTube: Search, Watch, Subscribe

Master YouTube — find videos, subscribe to channels, create playlists, and avoid scams and misinformation.

2 min read · 5 steps · Checked March 2026

1. Step 1. Search and watch videos

   Go to youtube.com or open the YouTube app. Tap the search icon (magnifying glass) and type what you want to watch — "how to knit a scarf," "Frank Sinatra best songs," or "yoga for beginners." Tap a video to watch it. Use the slider at the bottom to skip forward or backward. Tap the full-screen icon (bottom right) for a bigger view.

2. Step 2. Subscribe to channels

   When you find a channel you enjoy, tap the red "Subscribe" button below the video. Subscribed channels appear in your "Subscriptions" tab — this is your personalized feed of new videos from creators you follow. You can also tap the bell icon next to Subscribe to get notifications when they post something new.

3. Step 3. Create playlists

   Below any video, tap "Save" (bookmark icon) → choose an existing playlist or tap "New playlist." Name it something like "Cooking Recipes," "Exercise Videos," or "Relaxation Music." Playlists let you organize videos by topic and play them back in order. Find your playlists in LibraryPlaylists.

   Quick Tip

   Create a "Watch Later" playlist for videos you spot but don't have time for right now — you'll find them easily under LibraryWatch Later.

4. Step 4. Adjust settings for comfort

   Tap the gear icon on any video to adjust: Quality (lower it to 480p if your internet is slow), Speed (slow it down to 0.75x if someone talks too fast), Captions (turn on subtitles by tapping "CC"). In app SettingsGeneral, you can also turn on "Remind me to take a break" to avoid watching too long.

5. Step 5. Stay safe on YouTube

   Be cautious of: videos that promise "free money" or "government grants" (scams), links in video descriptions or comments asking for personal info, and health advice that contradicts your doctor. Stick to channels with verification checkmarks. Use "Not interested" (three dots → "Not interested") to hide videos you don't want to see.

   Warning

   Never click links in YouTube comments that promise prizes, free products, or ask you to "verify your account." These are always scams.