YouTube

What YouTube is for

YouTube is a video viewing and publishing app for Android. It suits people who want access to a very broad range of videos, from music and news to lessons, reviews, entertainment and live broadcasts. Users can search for channels and individual videos, follow subscriptions, leave comments and upload their own recordings.

What to expect

The app combines video playback with a personalised home feed. Recommendations are based on viewing activity, so the material shown can change significantly from one user to another. YouTube also includes short-form videos, live chats and creator updates, making it more than a simple video player.

• Watch videos in different quality settings and use captions where they are available.
• Subscribe to channels and keep track of viewing history through the account library.
• Upload videos or broadcast live from a supported mobile account.
• Use it across phones, tablets and other connected screens with the same account.

Ratings and reach

YouTube is listed in Video Players & Editors and is made by Google LLC. Its current rating is about 3.89 out of 5, based on more than 168 million reviews. With 10 billion-plus installs, it is likely to be familiar to many people who receive an Android phone.

Before handing it over

YouTube can serve very different purposes depending on the account, subscriptions and viewing history. A shared phone may therefore show recommendations shaped by someone else’s activity. The large amount of user-uploaded material also means that suitability varies from video to video. It is worth checking the account settings, subscriptions and recent recommendations before another person starts using the app.