In the age of social media overload, it can be hard to pin down what counts and what doesn’t. Instagram? Definitely social media. TikTok? No doubt. But what about YouTube? This is a question that keeps popping up in everyday conversations and on platforms like Reddit: “Is YouTube Considered Social Media?”
At first, YouTube might seem like just a video-watching site. You open it, watch a few clips, and move on. But once you start diving deeper—liking videos, commenting, subscribing to channels, and even uploading your own content—you begin to wonder if YouTube is more than it appears.
To get a clear answer to the question, “Is YouTube Considered Social Media?”, we need to explore how the platform functions, what social media means today, and what everyday users—like the Reddit community—are saying. So grab your coffee, and let’s break it all down.
What Actually Counts as Social Media?
Before we answer the main question, let’s understand what social media really is.
Traditionally, social media refers to platforms that allow users to:
- Create and share content
- Connect and interact with others
- Build communities
- Engage in conversations
- Follow trends and personalities
Examples like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok clearly fall into this category. But now, platforms like Reddit and YouTube are in the spotlight, and people are questioning whether they should also be labeled as social media.
That brings us back to our central question: “Is YouTube Considered Social Media?”
The YouTube Experience: Watching + Interaction
Most people think of YouTube as a video streaming platform. And it is—partly. But what makes YouTube unique is that it goes far beyond watching.
On YouTube, you can:
- Like and dislike content
- Comment on videos and respond to others
- Subscribe to favorite creators
- Join memberships and exclusive chats
- Upload your own videos
- Participate in live streams
- Vote in polls through the Community tab
That’s not just video consumption—that’s interaction. And interaction is what defines social media.
So when someone asks, “Is YouTube Considered Social Media?”, you might want to pause and think about your own experience on the platform. Chances are, you’ve used it in ways that go far beyond just watching.
What Reddit Users Are Saying
Let’s be real—Reddit is one of the best places to get honest opinions. When the topic “Is YouTube Considered Social Media” comes up on Reddit, the community gives thoughtful, nuanced answers.
Some Reddit users argue that YouTube is simply a content platform, not social media. According to this view, since YouTube doesn’t have features like status updates or personal profiles in the same way Facebook does, it can’t be called social media.
Others disagree. They point out that YouTube has:
- Public profiles (channels)
- A deep commenting system
- Messaging options (used to be more direct, now more through community features)
- Active subscriber interactions
- Influencer culture that’s on par with Instagram
Reddit user anecdotes often include statements like:
“I found a YouTube channel in 2020 that changed my life. The creator and fans made me feel like I was part of something. That’s social media.”
These real-life experiences are proof that YouTube fosters genuine online communities—just in a video-first format.
A Personal Anecdote: More Than Just Videos
Back in 2019, I stumbled upon a small channel on YouTube about personal budgeting. I wasn’t looking for social interaction—just tips on saving money. But soon, I found myself reading every comment, replying to people, even following some subscribers on other platforms. The creator began recognizing my name and even gave a shout-out during a live stream.
That moment made me pause. I wasn’t just watching videos—I was part of a community. We celebrated financial wins together, laughed at money mistakes, and shared resources.
When people ask, “Is YouTube Considered Social Media?”, I now say, “If it helped me build a network of friends and real conversations, what else would you call it?”
YouTube vs Traditional Social Media Platforms
To better understand YouTube’s place in the social media ecosystem, let’s compare it to the big names:
| Platform | Core Activity | Social Features | Community Engagement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text posts, images | Comments, likes, groups | High | |
| Short posts, links | Retweets, threads | High | |
| TikTok | Short-form videos | Comments, duets, follows | Very High |
| Visual sharing | DMs, likes, stories | High | |
| YouTube | Long-form video | Comments, live chat, subs | High |
| Text, links, questions | Upvotes, threads, subreddits | High |
While the form may be different, YouTube clearly checks many of the same boxes as its social counterparts.
Why the Confusion?
If YouTube acts like social media, then why is the question “Is YouTube Considered Social Media” still being asked?
The confusion mostly comes from YouTube’s original purpose. When it launched in 2005, it was a video hosting service. People uploaded home videos, music covers, and funny skits. It wasn’t about interaction—at first.
Over time, YouTube added:
- Comments
- Subscribing
- Live Streaming
- Community posts
- YouTube Shorts (direct response to TikTok)
These features blurred the lines. And now, we have influencers who only use YouTube, make millions, and maintain massive fan bases. The platform evolved—and so should our understanding of it.
The Creator Economy and Community Building
A key part of the modern social media landscape is the creator economy. This is where creators, influencers, and everyday users build brands, sell products, and share knowledge.
YouTube is arguably one of the biggest players in this space.
Here’s how:
- Ad Revenue: Creators earn money directly from YouTube
- Sponsorships: Brands partner with influencers
- Merchandise Stores: Integrated into channels
- Memberships: Viewers support channels monthly for perks
This shows that YouTube isn’t just about videos—it’s about building influence and community. And that makes it social media in every sense of the word.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using YouTube Like a Social Platform
If you’re still unsure how to use YouTube in a more social way, here’s a simple guide:
Step 1: Create a YouTube Account
This allows you to comment, like videos, and subscribe to channels.
Step 2: Find Content You Genuinely Enjoy
Look for creators in your interest areas—books, fitness, cooking, personal finance, travel, etc.
Step 3: Engage in the Comments
Leave thoughtful comments, ask questions, or reply to others.
Step 4: Subscribe and Join Live Streams
Subscribing helps you stay updated. Joining live streams brings real-time interaction.
Step 5: Use the Community Tab
Participate in polls and comment on text/image posts from creators.
Step 6: Start Uploading (Optional)
Even one video can start a conversation. Share your passion or opinion!
By doing these things, you go from passive viewer to active member of the YouTube world.
Why This Question Still Matters
So why is the question “Is YouTube Considered Social Media” still important?
Because it helps us understand:
- How people connect online
- Where influence comes from
- What platforms are most effective for communication and content creation
Whether you’re a creator, a marketer, or just someone curious about the digital world, knowing how YouTube fits into the broader picture helps you make better decisions—whether it’s what platform to use or where to focus your energy.
Final Thought: Bringing It All Together
So let’s bring this full circle. Is YouTube Considered Social Media? Based on all we’ve covered—the interaction, the communities, the creator economy, and even the Reddit debates—the answer is yes.
YouTube is not just a platform for watching videos; it’s a community builder, a conversation starter, and a space for human connection. Whether you’re commenting on a video, joining a live stream, or subscribing to a creator who inspires you, you’re engaging in social media behavior.
If you’re trying to navigate the digital landscape—whether for personal growth, job opportunities, or creative expression—understanding platforms like YouTube is crucial. And for those looking to dive even deeper into how modern media works, essoj.com is a valuable resource. It offers insights into platforms, content strategies, and the evolving world of digital communication—all in one place.
So next time you scroll through YouTube, remember: you’re not just watching a video. You’re participating in a global social conversation.
