YouTube University: Stay Home and Learn Something New
April 14, 2020| Written By: Dejai Yopp
YouTube is frequently referred to as YouTube University simply because users can learn almost anything their heart desires from watching a video. For example, if you’d like to know how to bake bread because your local grocery store is sold out, go to YouTube. Now that some people have more than enough time on their hands, it’s the perfect time to learn something new.
As most of the US is under stay-at-home orders and other countries continue to encourage social distancing, YouTube has stepped in with influencers to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Late March, the online video-sharing platform introduced a new global campaign using #StayHome and #WithMe to encourage its viewers to stay at home. The campaign includes PSA’s from various YouTube influencers and celebrities sharing videos of themselves saying a few words to their viewers while using the phrases “stay home” or “with me”. The PSA’s show during the video's ad break. PSA’s have increasingly been used by organizations and companies since the start of COVID-19. These celebrity-driven announcements have proven to be effective and with the global reach of YouTube’s viewership, they’re sure to be salient.
As a student of “YouTube University”, I can’t make it through a video without seeing a #StayHome ad. Some of my favorite YouTube creators including Alonzo Lerone and “With Wendy” have PSA's included in the campaign. Not only do I get to learn how to make delicious meals and create a bubble jacket from a sleeping bag, but I can do it in the comfort of my own home. The PSA’s made by YouTube creators reach pre-existing viewers, but to gain a larger audience, YouTube went to celebrities. Actresses and Athletes such as Reese Witherspoon and Venus Williams have shown their support by joining the campaign.
YouTube has taken an unfortunate event and created a powerful campaign. Not only does it bring people together through a shared experience, but it also encourages learning. With the new-found extra time on our hands, I recommend that everyone learn something new through “YouTube University”. Staying home and sharpening our skills or finding a new hobby will only benefit every party involved.