Since its launch in 2005, YouTube has become the world’s most popular online video-sharing platform. As of January of the new year, the website has about 2.5 billion users. While most people use it to watch funny cat videos, YouTube is a valuable learning tool. Millions of tutorial videos show everyday people how to play an instrument, cook an egg, or master a TikTok dance. We’ve compiled 15 skills you can learn from YouTube. Grab a pen and paper because we’re taking you to school.
Unclog Your Own Drain
Dealing with a clogged drain is not fun. Every time you use one, whether it’s your bathroom or kitchen sink, a drain that doesn’t drain is a pesky annoyance. Luckily, there is a simple solution before you spend money on a plumber—find a tutorial on YouTube. Get the satisfaction of unclogging your drain. Your wallet and loved ones will thank you.
Learn to Hang a Shelf
Believe it or not, not everyone’s born handy. Some people must rely on their friends or significant others to install a shelf, hang a picture, or assemble IKEA furniture. Thankfully, many YouTube users have posted instructional videos so you can learn to do it yourself. You are on your way toward becoming the ultimate DIYer!
Speed Up Your Work with Keyboard Shortcuts
With our dependency on technology, knowing keyboard shortcuts can make a difference. Say you want to save time by typing into a search engine. If your word is already on your screen, highlight the text and press ctrl + c. The shortcut will copy the text onto a “clipboard.” Drop the cursor where you want it to go and press ctrl + v. Congratulations! You have completed a simple copy-and-paste shortcut. Learn many more useful keyboard shortcuts on YouTube.
Learn to Play an Instrument
During the pandemic, many people learned new skills and took up new hobbies to pass the time during lockdown. Learning to play an instrument was among the most popular. Fortunately, YouTube has thousands of tutorial videos on playing anything from harmonica to guitar. You don’t need to spend money on lessons when you can learn from watching free videos. However, ensure the teacher is legit. There are just as many bad teachers out there as good ones.
Learn to Cut Hair
Men aren’t as particular about their hair as women. He will love you even more if you learn to cut hair. There are plenty of good tutorials on YouTube on how to cut men’s hair. Turn your kitchen into a barbershop and give that mop a trim. Mercifully, hair will grow back if you make a mistake. Get out the scissors!
How to Cook an Egg
There are dozens of ways to prepare an egg. It is unlikely you have mastered all of them. Looking to make the perfect poached egg? Or add more fluff to your scrambled eggs? Master the delicate art of making an over-easy egg? YouTube has you covered. Learn different ways to cook an egg and enhance your breakfast game.
Basic Car Maintenance
These days, many young drivers don’t know how to maintain their vehicles. Thankfully, there is hope for them. YouTube has many videos tailored to teach essential car maintenance, like filling up your tires, changing your oil, or replacing your air filter. Why spend money on basic car maintenance when you can do it yourself? Empower yourself and learn to care for your car properly.
Learn to Tie Various Knots
Unless you grew up as a boy scout, the average person will know only how to tie their shoes. But knots have many practical uses, and once you learn a few basic ones, you’ll already be more useful during a zombie apocalypse. Search on YouTube to learn the overhand, bowline, or square knot. You’ll find they come in use at unexpected times. You’ll never knot be prepared ever again.
Basic Programming
Our reliance on computers continues to increase as new technology emerges. Skills like computer programming are becoming increasingly valuable for businesses and companies. Learn the basics of Python, HTML, or Javascript and be ahead in your candidate pool. Learn to automate a redundant task by learning computer programming on YouTube. I sense a promotion coming!
Learn to Cook
Many people learn best by watching professionals. Reading cooking instructions is one thing, and watching a chef cook is another. YouTube has numerous videos of cooks, bakers, and chefs showing you the secrets to their favorite recipes. However, make sure the teacher in your video has credentials. You don’t want to take bad advice and overcook your dish. Use your best judgment.
Learn to Draw or Paint
Many people believe talent is something you are born with. However, science tells us this is not the case. Mastery comes with dedication and practice; anyone can improve if they put forth the effort. So stop saying you wish you could draw or paint and watch some YouTube videos. Plenty of tutorials will set you on the right course to becoming the next Leonardo Da Vinci or Vincent Van Gogh.
Learn a Foreign Language
While many Smartphone apps advertise the same thing, YouTube can be a good source for learning a foreign language. Whether you want to dust off a language you learned in high school or embark on the challenge of learning a new language, YouTube has some great tutorial videos to get you started. Learn the basics of Spanish, French, Russian, or Chinese right at your fingertips.
Edit and Take Better Photos
Now that everyone has a camera attached to their phones, amateur photographers have flooded social media. Little do people realize there is an art to taking good pictures. It depends on factors like lighting, angle, and exposure—variables a pre-configured filter can’t fix. If you want to take better photos and use professional editing software, YouTube can help. Search photo tutorials posted by the platform’s many users.
Save a Life with CPR
You never know when a medical emergency will arise. Be ready to save the day by watching a video on CPR and learning how to administer CPR when someone abruptly stops breathing. Seconds are crucial in these situations, and your assistance could mean the difference between life and death. Educate yourself so you can take charge of the situation before the paramedics arrive.
Learn to Dance
Impress your hot date with some new dance moves. Choose your style—salsa, waltz, swing, etc—and find an instruction video on YouTube. You’ll discover there are thousands of videos dedicated to helping people dance. Find one that speaks to you or fits the occasion—practice in the safety of your own home. You’re on your way toward becoming the next Kevin Bacon.
