How to Use YouTube — A Beginner's Guide for Seniors

YouTube is one of the greatest free resources on the internet. Whether you want to learn a new recipe, listen to your favourite music, follow the news, or simply enjoy a good laugh, YouTube has something for everyone. Millions of people over 60 use it every day, and getting started is easier than you might think.

This guide will walk you through everything from opening YouTube to subscribing to channels and staying safe. No technical knowledge is required — just follow along at your own pace.

What Is YouTube?

YouTube is a free website and app where people upload and watch videos. It is the largest video platform in the world, with billions of videos on every topic imaginable. Think of it as a giant library of films, shows, tutorials, and clips that you can browse whenever you like.

You can watch videos about gardening, cooking, history, music, exercise, health, travel, crafts, and much more. There are also full documentaries, news clips, and old television programmes.

YouTube is a type of streaming service, which means you watch videos over the internet without downloading anything. As long as you have a WiFi or internet connection, you can press play and the video starts almost immediately.

The best part? YouTube is completely free to use. You do not need to pay anything or sign up for a subscription. There is a paid version called YouTube Premium that removes adverts, but the free version works perfectly well.

How to Open YouTube

YouTube works on just about any device you own. Here is how to find it on each one.

On a Phone or Tablet

Most smartphones and tablets come with the YouTube app already installed.

• On an iPhone or iPad: Look for the red and white play button icon on your home screen. If you cannot find it, open the App Store and search for "YouTube," then tap Get to download it for free.
• On an Android phone or tablet: The YouTube app is usually pre-installed. Look for the red play button icon. If it is not there, open the Google Play Store, search for "YouTube," and tap Install.

If you need help downloading apps, our guide on how to download apps safely explains the process step by step.

On a Computer

You do not need to download anything on a computer. Simply open your web browser (such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari) and go to www.youtube.com. That is it — you are on YouTube.

On a Smart TV

Most modern smart TVs have a YouTube app built in. Use your TV remote to navigate to the apps section, find YouTube, and select it. If it is not there, you can usually download it from your TV's app store for free.

How to Search for Videos

Once you have YouTube open, you will want to find something to watch. Searching is simple.

On a Phone or Tablet

1. Open the YouTube app
2. Tap the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen
3. Type what you want to find — for example, "easy bread recipe" or "Frank Sinatra greatest hits"
4. Tap Search on your keyboard
5. A list of videos will appear. Tap any video to start watching

On a Computer

1. Go to www.youtube.com
2. Click on the search bar at the top of the page
3. Type what you are looking for and press Enter on your keyboard
4. Browse the results and click on any video that interests you

Helpful tip: You do not need to be exact with your search. YouTube is very good at understanding what you mean. If you type "how to grow tomatoes" or just "growing tomatoes tips," you will get similar results. You can also search by asking a question, like "what is the best way to remove a stain?"

Using Voice Search

If typing feels difficult, you can use voice search instead. On the YouTube app, tap the microphone icon next to the search bar and say what you are looking for. For example, say "show me chair yoga exercises for seniors" and YouTube will find videos for you.

How to Watch a Video

When you tap or click on a video, it will begin playing automatically. Here is how to control what you see.

Play and Pause

• Tap or click anywhere on the video to pause it. Tap or click again to resume playing.
• On a computer, you can also press the spacebar on your keyboard to pause and play.

Adjust the Volume

• On a phone or tablet: Use the physical volume buttons on the side of your device to make the sound louder or quieter.
• On a computer: Look for the speaker icon at the bottom of the video. Hover over it and drag the slider left (quieter) or right (louder).
• On a smart TV: Use the volume buttons on your remote control.

Make the Video Fullscreen

To make the video fill your entire screen, tap or click the square icon in the bottom-right corner of the video. This is called fullscreen mode. To go back to the normal view, tap the same icon again or press the Escape key on a computer keyboard.

Watching in fullscreen is especially nice on a phone or tablet because it makes everything bigger and easier to see.

Skip Forward or Backward

If you missed something or want to skip ahead:

• On a phone or tablet: Double-tap the right side of the video to skip forward 10 seconds. Double-tap the left side to go back 10 seconds.
• On a computer: Press the right arrow key to skip forward 5 seconds or the left arrow key to go back 5 seconds.

You can also drag the progress bar at the bottom of the video to jump to any point you like.

Turn on Subtitles

If you find it hard to hear the speaker, you can turn on subtitles (also called captions). Look for the CC button at the bottom of the video and tap or click it. Words will appear at the bottom of the screen so you can read along.

How to Subscribe to a Channel

A "channel" on YouTube is like a person's or organisation's own page where they upload all their videos. When you find someone whose videos you enjoy, you can subscribe to their channel. This means their new videos will show up in your feed so you never miss one.

Here is how to subscribe:

1. Open a video you like
2. Look below the video for the channel name
3. Tap or click the red Subscribe button next to the channel name
4. That is it — you are now subscribed

To see videos from all the channels you subscribe to, tap or click Subscriptions at the bottom of the app (or on the left side of the screen on a computer).

Subscribing is completely free and you can unsubscribe at any time by going to the channel and tapping Subscribed, then confirming you want to unsubscribe.

How to Create a Playlist

A playlist is a collection of videos you group together. For example, you might create a playlist called "My Favourite Recipes" or "Relaxing Music." This makes it easy to find your saved videos later without having to search for them again.

To create a playlist, you will need a free YouTube account. If you have a Google account (a Gmail email address), you already have one.

Steps to Save a Video to a Playlist

1. Open the video you want to save
2. Tap or click the Save button below the video (it looks like a small flag or bookmark icon)
3. Choose an existing playlist or tap Create new playlist
4. Give your playlist a name and tap Create
5. The video is now saved to your playlist

To find your playlists later, go to the Library or You section in the YouTube app, or click Library on the left side of YouTube on a computer.

How to Use YouTube on a Smart TV

Watching YouTube on a big television screen is one of the most comfortable ways to enjoy videos, especially for longer programmes and documentaries.

Getting Started

1. Turn on your smart TV and open the YouTube app from your apps menu
2. You can browse recommended videos using your remote control
3. Use the search option to type in what you want to watch (this can be a bit slow with a remote, so be patient)

A Faster Way to Search: Use Your Phone

Here is a handy trick. Instead of typing with your TV remote, you can search on your phone and send the video to your TV:

1. Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same WiFi network
2. Open the YouTube app on your phone
3. Find the video you want to watch
4. Tap the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with WiFi waves in the corner)
5. Select your TV from the list
6. The video will start playing on your television

This is called "casting" and it makes searching much easier because you can type on your phone's keyboard instead of using the TV remote.

Safety Tips for Using YouTube

YouTube is generally very safe, but it is worth knowing a few things to protect yourself.

Avoiding Scams

• Never click on links in video comments that promise free prizes, money, or ask for personal information. These are almost always scams.
• YouTube will never ask for your password through a video or comment. If you see a message like this, ignore it.
• Be cautious of videos that promise miracle cures or "secret" health remedies. Always check with your doctor before following medical advice from online videos.
• If a video asks you to call a phone number or send money, it is very likely a scam.

Managing Inappropriate Content

Most of YouTube is perfectly safe and family-friendly, but occasionally you might come across something you do not want to see. Here is what to do:

• Tap the three dots next to any video in your recommendations and select Not interested or Don't recommend channel. YouTube will learn your preferences over time.
• If you see something truly inappropriate or offensive, you can report the video by clicking the three dots and selecting Report.

Protecting Your Privacy

• You do not need to post any videos or comments to use YouTube. You can simply watch and enjoy.
• If you do leave comments, avoid sharing personal details like your full name, address, or phone number.
• You can watch YouTube without signing in at all if you prefer, though you will not be able to subscribe or save videos.

Recommended YouTube Channels for Seniors

Here are some wonderful channels to get you started:

• BBC Food — Thousands of recipes from trusted chefs, clearly explained
• SilverSneakers — Gentle exercise routines designed for older adults
• Rick Steves' Europe — Beautiful travel videos across European destinations
• Tasty — Quick and easy cooking tutorials with clear, overhead filming
• TED Talks — Short, fascinating talks on science, history, culture, and more
• ClassicArts Showcase — Free classical music, opera, and ballet performances
• National Geographic — Stunning nature and wildlife documentaries
• Yoga With Adriene — Calm, beginner-friendly yoga sessions you can do at home

Simply search for any of these names in YouTube and you will find their channels right away. Hit Subscribe on any that catch your eye.

Quick Tips to Make YouTube Even Better

• Use the "Watch Later" list. If you see a video that looks interesting but you do not have time right now, tap the three dots next to it and choose Save to Watch Later. You can find it in your Library whenever you are ready.
• Adjust video quality. If a video looks blurry or keeps stopping and starting, tap the settings gear icon on the video and choose a lower quality like 480p. This uses less internet and plays more smoothly.
• Try YouTube Music. If you love music, search for your favourite songs or artists on YouTube. You can listen to almost any song ever recorded, completely free.
• Dark mode. If you find the white screen too bright, go to your YouTube settings and turn on Dark theme. This changes the background to black, which is easier on the eyes, especially in the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is YouTube really free?

Yes, YouTube is completely free to watch. You will see short adverts before or during some videos, but you never have to pay. There is an optional paid plan called YouTube Premium that removes adverts and adds a few extra features, but it is not necessary at all.

Do I need to create an account to use YouTube?

No, you can watch videos without an account. However, if you create a free account (using a Google or Gmail address), you can subscribe to channels, save videos to playlists, and get personalised recommendations. Creating an account is optional and free.

Can I use YouTube without the internet?

YouTube requires an internet connection to play videos. You need either WiFi or mobile data. If you have YouTube Premium (the paid version), you can download some videos to watch later without the internet, but this is not available on the free plan. For most people, a reliable WiFi connection at home is all you need.

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YouTube is a wonderful tool that puts the world at your fingertips. Whether you want to learn something new, revisit old memories through classic music and television, or simply relax with a good documentary, it is all there waiting for you. Take your time exploring, subscribe to channels you enjoy, and before long, YouTube will feel like second nature. Happy watching!