The "You" in YouTube

After you set up your YouTube account, you can begin uploading your videos. Move your mouse over your username in the upper right-hand corner and select "My Videos" from the drop-down menu. This opens a new page on which you'll find a light-blue "New" button in the top left section of the page. Move your mouse over this button and select the "Video Upload" option. You can also accomplish this by selecting the gold "Upload" button in the top right-hand corner.

You can upload up to 10 videos at the same time, but each video can't to be greater than 10 minutes long and bigger than two gigabytes in size. YouTube also asks that you don't upload "TV shows, music videos, music concerts, or commercials" or any other material that is copyright protected, unless you have created the content entirely on your own.

After a video is uploaded, it's vital to add key information to the video, especially if you want other YouTube viewers to find it. Many members upload fantastic content, only to forget to add a title, description, and keyword tags. The end result is that fewer people are able to find it. To add or edit information to a video you uploaded, go to "My Videos" again and select the "Edit" button for the video. You'll see a variety of options for editing, but the most vital ones are found under the "Video Information" box. Add a title and a description that gives the viewer a better understanding of what they're watching. When you add tags-keywords that describe the subject of the video-use as many applicable ones as possible. Separate each term with a comma. Then choose a category for your video. Review the other available options you want and then click the light-blue "Save Changes" button.

YouTube also allows you to perform advanced actions on your videos. While you're editing the information on any video, you should see additional options at the top: AudioSwap, Annotations, and Captions and Subtitles.

The audio swap feature allows you to remove the existing sound from a video and replace it with a music track. While you can't upload your own track, YouTube has a relatively wide selection of music to choose from.

The annotations feature allows you to add speech bubbles, notes, and spotlights to sections of your video. YouTube makes this easy with a timeline you can manipulate, allowing you to move to any specific point and add the new content.

Finally, the captions and subtitles option allows you to add a caption or transcript file in almost 140 different languages. This file is useful for both the hearing impaired and people who don't understand the language used in the video. YouTube alsooffers help on how to get started making caption files for your videos.

While YouTube isn't widely known as a social media tool, there are social aspects to the site. One of the easiest ways to use it socially is to comment on a video. Select the "Post a Text Comment" option below the video window and type your message, clicking the "Post Comment" button afterwards. You also have the ability to vote on someone else's comment by selecting the thumbs-up and thumbs-down icons.

It's worth noting that many people enjoy poking fun at YouTube comments. Read what the Urban Dictionary has to say about this. That said, try to keep your comments on topic and concise.

Channels (regular streams of videos by a provider) allow viewers and content providers the ability to communicate. To find and subscribe to channels, click the "Channels" link at the top-left of the page. Once you find a channel you like, you can interact with the channel owner and other members through the channel comments section of the channel. This feature helps a videomaker gauge interest in its programming.

Aside from comments, sharing videos with millions of people has its own social relevancy. Both YouTube and entrepreneurs have latched on to this social relevancy through YouTube's Partner Program. The program is tailored to those content providers that regularly upload original and fully-owned videos that receive thousands of views. Those accepted into the program are able to receive more information about the demographics of their audience and make money in the process. According to USA Today, some of those providers are making a lot of money by providing socially relevant content.

Regardless of money, YouTube has a way of drawing people together through its shared content. Whether at the water cooler or on Facebook, it's difficult not to hear about or see a link to a YouTube video these days. This "viral" aspect of the site draws in millions of viewers who want to share in the social experience. By knowing how YouTube works, you too can make the most of what the site has to offer.

Last update: Feb 25, 2010