Is YouTube Considered Social Media? (How You Can Combine YouTube and Social Media for Your Business)

When the word “social media” comes up, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X come to mind. Where does YouTube fit into all of this? Is YouTube considered social media?

In this article, we’ll look closer at whether YouTube falls under being a social media platform or not. We’ll also discuss how small business owners can channel the power of YouTube and how it meshes well with social media marketing. 

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Definition of Social Media

Social media refers to online platforms or tools that allow users to create, share, and interact with content, information, or other users in a virtual environment.

The term “social media” encompasses a wide range of platforms, including social networking sites, video-sharing sites, microblogging sites, and blogging sites. Social media platforms provide users with the ability to create and share content, connect with others, and build communities around shared interests or identities.

Is YouTube Considered Social Media?

Yes, YouTube is considered social media. While it’s primarily known as a video-sharing platform, YouTube ticks many of the same boxes that define social media. 

In terms of statistics, YouTube shares the same characteristics with some of the biggest social media platforms. 

• As of January 2025, YouTube has over 2.70 billion active users, making it the second-largest social media network in the world next to Facebook. 

• 62% of internet users based in the US use YouTube every day

• A study in 2021 by Notta shows that 81% of all internet users in the US prefer using YouTube over other social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

  
  

Let’s look at more reasons as to why YouTube falls under the social media category.

1. Content Creation and Sharing

YouTube allows sharing of different types of content to a global audience. Examples include reels, long-form videos, vlogs, music, and many others. Just like posting on Facebook or sending a tweet on X, users can post videos and reels on YouTube and reach millions of people across the world.

To engage a global audience effectively, it is crucial to maintain a consistent schedule and produce quality videos.

2. Engagement Features

Just like other social media platforms, the YouTube social media platform allows users to like, share, and comment on different types of content. Both creators and viewers can respond to each other fostering a two-way conversation.

3. Community Building

YouTube channels allow creators to build communities around their content. Features like subscriptions, community posts, live chats, and memberships strengthen the connection between creators and their audiences.

4. Algorithmic Content Discovery

Similar to platforms like Instagram or TikTok, YouTube uses algorithms to recommend videos based on user interests, making content discovery dynamic and personalized.

Initially created solely as a platform to watch videos, YouTube has evolved to include features that enhance user interaction.

5. Social Sharing Integration

YouTube videos are easily shareable across other social platforms, increasing their reach and accessibility. This integration allows YouTube to function similarly to other social media networks, enhancing its reach and accessibility.

6. The Power of User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is a key aspect of social media platforms, and YouTube is no exception. UGC refers to any content created and shared by users, rather than by the platform itself. 

On YouTube, UGC can take many forms, including videos, comments, and community posts. The power of UGC lies in its ability to create a sense of community and engagement among users. When users create and share content, they are more likely to feel invested in the platform and its community. 

UGC also provides valuable insights into user behavior and preferences, which can be used to improve the platform and create more engaging content.

7. Monetization Opportunities

YouTube offers various monetization opportunities for content creators, making it an attractive platform for individuals and businesses looking to earn revenue from their online presence. One of the primary ways to monetize YouTube videos is through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which allows creators to earn money from ads displayed on their videos. 

Additionally, creators can earn revenue from sponsorships, merchandise sales, and affiliate marketing. YouTube also offers features like Super Chat and Memberships, which allow creators to earn money from live streaming and exclusive content. Furthermore, YouTube’s video-on-demand service, YouTube Premium, provides creators with an additional revenue stream.

How You Can Combine YouTube and Social Media for Your Business 

If you’re ready to merge your YouTube efforts with your social media strategy, here are some practical tips to get started:

1. Teasers and Previews

Share enticing snippets from your YouTube videos as teasers on social media platforms. These short clips should grab attention and leave viewers curious about the full video. Teasers are an excellent way to generate excitement and anticipation, especially when promoting new content. Pair them with compelling captions and a strong call-to-action (CTA) to encourage your audience to click through to your YouTube channel. 

• A 10-second clip of a recipe reveal posted on Instagram Reels with a CTA, “Watch the full tutorial on YouTube!”

• A suspenseful trailer for a new product demo shared on Facebook Stories.

• YouTube short talking about an upcoming product or service to be offered

2. Repurpose Content

Maximize your video content by breaking it into smaller, platform-friendly pieces for different social media sites. Each segment should deliver standalone value while pointing back to the full video. Repurposing extends the lifespan of your content and allows you to reach different audiences across platforms. This strategy also saves time and effort by leveraging existing material instead of creating new content from scratch.

• Share key takeaways from a 10-minute marketing tutorial as a series of 1-minute TikTok clips.

• Use quotes or insights from an interview video as static posts on Instagram with links to the full episode.

3. Community Posts on YouTube

Engage your audience by utilizing the YouTube social media Community tab for interactive posts. These updates keep your subscribers connected and informed about your latest activities. Use the tab to share exclusive content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or interactive polls to boost engagement. Enhance connections by linking back to your social media efforts and fostering a multi-platform presence.

• Create a poll asking followers what type of content they’d like to see next, then share the results on Instagram Stories.

• Post a “behind-the-scenes” photo with a caption like, “Check out more fun moments from this shoot on our Twitter feed!”

4. Live Streams and Q&A Sessions

Build excitement for your YouTube live streams by promoting them on your social media platforms. This is a great way to engage with your audience in real-time and answer their questions. Before the event, create countdown posts, reminders, or sneak peeks to boost attendance. Afterward, repurpose the highlights into shareable moments on other platforms to extend their impact.

• Announce a live Q&A session on LinkedIn and Instagram a week in advance to attract viewers.

• Share a 1-minute highlight reel from the live stream on Facebook with a link to watch the full event on YouTube.

5. Collaborate With Influencers

Boost your visibility by partnering with influencers who align with your brand. Co-creating content not only introduces your business to a wider audience but also enhances credibility through association with trusted creators. Use social media platforms to cross-promote these collaborations and maximize their reach.

Highlighting your partnerships also shows your audience that you’re actively engaging within your industry. Social media platforms consist of diverse content and interactions, making collaborations a powerful tool for reaching wider audiences.

• Film a product review with a lifestyle influencer and share their Instagram Stories tagging your brand.

• Co-host a giveaway promoted both on YouTube and the influencer’s TikTok page.

Boost Your Social Media Presence with Alkai

Searching for a way to manage your social media marketing without having to compromise growing your business? Meet Alkai, the world’s first AI social media assistant that does all the heavy lifting for you, so you can focus on other parts of your business. Here’s what Alkai can do for you:

• Generate content ideas for you based on your business goals and preferences

• Create eye-catching posts. 

• Keep you on track by building a schedule for you.

• Automatically post on all your social media channels based on your posting schedule.

If you’re a small business owner looking to take your social media presence to the next level, try Alkai today.

Final Thoughts

YouTube is undoubtedly a social media platform, offering robust features for content creation, sharing, and interaction. By combining YouTube with other social media platforms, you can amplify your reach, engage with diverse audiences, and enhance your brand’s online presence.

Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or marketer, integrating YouTube into your social media strategy can unlock new opportunities and drive growth. With the right approach, you can turn your YouTube channel into a cornerstone of your digital success.