HOW TO JOIN YOUTUBE AS A VIEWER ONLY IN 2024

Setting up a YT account is free (unless you want to remove ads) and is a great way to consume content on your tablet, mobile, PC or Smart TV without getting stuck in the scroll.
Having a YT account does not mean you have to upload any videos of your own, although it's also free for you to share your thoughts and passions too if you get the bug.
This post is all about setting up as a viewer of content rather than as a creator.

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WHY SHOULD I JOIN YOUTUBE AS A VIEWER ONLY?

1. Free content in any area of interest you choose
2. Up-to-date info about uploads from your favourite creators
   
3. To be inspired by regular, everyday people
   
4. Join communities in your areas of interest
   
5. Support independent creators in their work and life
   
6. Be served customised selections of high-quality content that YouTube thinks you'll enjoy
7. It's totally free and makes a change from binge-watching Netflix!
   

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HOW TO JOIN YOUTUBE AS A VIEWER ONLY? WITH A GMAIL ADDRESS

1. Go to YouTube’s Website
Open your browser and go to YouTube.com.

2. Click on "Sign In"
On the top right corner of the page, you’ll see a “Sign In” button. Click on it.

3. Sign In with Your Google Account

• If you already have a Google account (Gmail), sign in using your email address and password.
• If you don’t have a Google account, click on “Create account” and follow the steps to create a Google account.

4. Verify Your Account
If needed, verify your Google account by providing a phone number or other required details.

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HOW TO JOIN YOUTUBE AS A VIEWER ONLY? WITHOUT A GMAIL ADDRESS

1. Go to Google Account Creation Page:
Visit Google Account Signup

2. Select "Use my current email address instead":

• On the signup form, under the “Username” field (which usually prompts for a Gmail address), you’ll see an option that says “Use my current email address instead.” Click on that link.

3. Enter Your Non-Gmail Email Address:
In the email field, enter the non-Gmail email address you want to use (for example, Yahoo, Outlook, or any other provider)

4. Create a Password:
Choose a password for your Google account and fill in the required personal details (such as your name, birthday, etc.).

5. Verify Your Email Address:
Google will send a verification email to the non-Gmail address you provided. Open that email and follow the instructions to verify your account.

6. Complete Setup:
Once you’ve verified your email address, your Google account will be created, and you can now use it to sign in to YouTube.

7. Sign In to YouTube:
After your Google account is created, go to YouTube.com and click on “Sign In.”
Use your newly created Google account (with the non-Gmail email) to log in.

Now you can watch videos, like, comment, subscribe to channels, and use all other YouTube features as a viewer!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I Need to Create an Account to Watch Videos?

• No, you can watch videos on YouTube without creating an account. However, without an account, you won’t be able to like videos, comment, subscribe to channels, or save videos to watch later.

How Do I Sign Up for YouTube as a Viewer Only?

• You can sign up for a Google account (which is required for YouTube) and use it only to watch videos. Simply:
  1. Go to YouTube and click on "Sign In."
  2. Sign in with a Google account.
  3. Start watching videos without uploading content.

Can I Subscribe to Channels as a Viewer?

• Yes, once you sign in with your Google account, you can subscribe to your favorite channels. This helps you keep track of new videos and content from creators you like.

What Features Are Available to Me as a Viewer?

• As a viewer, you can:
  1. Like and dislike videos.
  2. Subscribe to channels.
  3. Leave comments.
  4. Save videos to watch later or create playlists.
  5. Use the YouTube app across devices (smartphones, tablets, TVs, etc.).

Can I Use YouTube's Premium Services as a Viewer?

• Yes, YouTube Premium offers additional benefits such as ad-free viewing, background play on mobile, and access to YouTube Music. You can subscribe to these services even if you're only watching videos.

Do I Need to Pay to Watch Videos?

• No, watching videos on YouTube is free. However, there are paid services such as YouTube Premium and YouTube TV that offer additional features.

Can I Control My Privacy as a Viewer?

• Yes, YouTube allows you to control your privacy settings. You can manage your history, subscriptions, and personalized recommendations under Settings.

What Happens if I Don’t Have a Google Account?

• To fully participate in YouTube (liking videos, subscribing, etc.), you need a Google account. You can create one using a Gmail or non-Gmail email address.

Will Other People Know What I’m Watching?

• No, your watch history is private unless you explicitly choose to share it or make playlists public. You can also pause or delete your watch history in your settings.

Can I Use YouTube on My Mobile Without an Account?

• Yes, you can watch videos on the YouTube mobile app without signing in. However, like the desktop version, you won’t be able to like, comment, or subscribe without an account.

By understanding these FAQs, you'll be able to navigate YouTube more efficiently as a viewer-only user.

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WHEN YOU'RE ALL SET UP,  PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!