YouTube: Students’ Film House in a Digital Age

By: Precious Omotayo

It is no news that for many students , YouTube has become the new cinema, class room and entertainment hub serving different purposes simultaneously. Even the working class are not left out. For many students it has become a go-to destination in achieving different aims. Unlike traditional cinemas or paid streaming apps, youtube offers affordability.

It is accessible to see any movie of your choice, research and learn any topic in any field of study, as a matter of fact it serves religious purposes. Varieties of fields and niches like health, communication, agriculture, business, economy, music, arts and culture are not left out, making it especially appealing to young audiences.In a world where digitalisation and technology is on high consumption rate, YouTube has evolved into more than just a video sharing platform, it is more!

The origin: How YouTube came to be

YouTube is an American social media and online video sharing platform owned by Google. It was founded on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim, three former employees of PayPal. Headquartered in San Bruno, YouTube was birthed as a result of an unpleasant experience, they found it difficult to share videos. Their vision was simple but revolutionary – a platform where people could easily upload and share videos online.On October 9, 2006, Google announced that they had acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion in Google stock.The deal was finalized on November 13, 2006. The first video ever uploaded,“me at the zoo” by Jawed Karim marked the beginning of what became a global media powerhouse. In 2006, Google bought YouTube providing the financial and technological boost needed to transform it into the world’s largest video-sharing platform.

Evolution: From short clips to global platform

In its early days, YouTube was known for amateur videos and lighthearted content. Clips at the time were limited to 100 megabytes, as little as 30 seconds of footage. Over the years, however, it has evolved seriously. Today, YouTube hosts everything from short films and documentaries to full-length movies and live streams. The introduction of monetisation options turned casual users into professional content creators, giving rise to influencers and YouTube celebrities, another way to earn extra income.Features like YouTube Premium, YouTube Shorts, YouTube kids and personalised recommendations have further levelled up user experience, making the platform more engaging and diverse than ever before.

Why Students Choose YouTube

Students tends toward YouTube for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s free. Unlike Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video, YouTube doesn’t require a subscription for access to a vast amount of content. It’s also available on virtually any device, from smartphones to iOS and laptops, making it highly accessible.

The platform is also incredibly versatile. Whether a student is looking for a tutorial to understand a complex topic, a documentary for a school project, or just a comedy sketch to watch and unwind, YouTube does not disappoint.Its user-friendly interface allows easy navigation, quick searches, and the ability to pause, rewind, or skip content—something traditional cinemas and even some streaming apps lack.

Many students share similar sentiments.

Tolu, a 300-level student , says, “YouTube is like my everyday companion. I watch everything from class tutorials to movie reviews there. I don’t even bother with Netflix anymore.” Another student, Ada, a student of classics notes, “I can find everything I need there, and it doesn’t cost me a dime. Plus, I love being able to comment and interact.”

Gregory, a Theatre Arts student, has a counter opinion though “despite the fact that YouTube is versatile, no doubt, there are still some movies you will never find on it because the producers believe they won’t make enough money as they should, that’s where cinemas and paid apps come in.”

YouTube against Paid Streaming Apps and Cinemas.

The advantages of YouTube over cinemas and paid apps are obvious and significant: YouTube stands out as a go-to platform for students due to its affordability and accessibility. Unlike cinemas that require expensive tickets or streaming platforms that require monthly subscriptions, YouTube is free, making it budget-friendly for students.

It also offers convenience—videos can be watched anytime, anywhere, whether during a lunch break, while in transit, or in between study sessions. It is data friendly in the sense that the option to download videos for offline viewing helps students manage their data usage and stay entertained or informed even without a constant internet connection.

Not only that, asides convenience and cost, YouTube offers interactivity and an incredible range of content that suits student interests. From commenting and liking to sharing videos and creating playlists, students can actively engage with creators and communities. The platform’s smart algorithm curates recommendations based on individual viewing habits or interests, making it easier to discover content that aligns with academic needs or personal hobbies. Educational videos, tutorials, motivational talks, and study-with-me sessions, movie trailers, and vlogs—making YouTube not just a source of entertainment, but also a flexible learning tool that supports both academic growth and personal development.

However, while YouTube is a great platform, it also has some downsides that users, especially students, should keep in mind. One major issue is the number of ads that interrupt videos, which can be annoying unless you pay for YouTube Premium. Also, not all videos are reliable—some educational content may be wrong or poorly made, which can be confusing for students.

Sarah, a final year Philosophy student shared her experience “our tutor for a GES course in 100 level told us to go watch his videos on YouTube where he explained some topics, the video quality was nothing good to write home about and I found it difficult to understand what I was watching.” Unlike cinemas, YouTube doesn’t offer the big-screen and surround sound experience that makes watching movies feel special. Also, many blockbuster movies and exclusive shows are only available in theaters or on paid streaming apps, so YouTube can’t replace them completely.

Another problem is the issue of theft of intellectual property. Some people upload videos that don’t belong to them without giving credit. A recent example is actress Bimbo Ademoye, who called out some Ghanaian YouTubers for copying her original videos and posting them on their own channels without permission. This kind of behavior takes away views from the real creator and can hurt their income and recognition. For creators who depend on YouTube to earn money or build their careers, this is a serious problem.

The Bigger Picture: What This Shift Says About Us

The growing popularity of YouTube reflects a broader shift in how people consume media. Convenience, accessibility, and user control are more valued than ever. For students, YouTube is not just entertainment; it’s a tool for learning, exploring interests, and even building careers as content creators.

The Future of YouTube in Our Lives

As technology continues to evolve, YouTube is likely to remain a central part of our media landscape. While it may not completely replace cinemas or paid apps, it certainly challenges them by offering a more flexible and democratic viewing experience. For students, YouTube is more than just a video platform—it’s a digital companion in both education and entertainment.