The usability of YouTube

The app that I will be evaluating is YouTube. I use it for various purposes, finding it both useful and entertaining. You can find anything and everything on YouTube. 

Usability 

The ability to use YouTube is endless. You can access it on almost any device now a days from phones to tablets. The app allows you to subscribe to channels, and by doing so, it will notify you whenever those persons post a video, ensuring you never miss your favorite content. The app also features a fast-forward function by double-tapping the screen, enabling you to skip parts of the video you do not want to see. A newer feature making the app even more user-friendly is Shorts. Shorts are shortened videos that allow you to view small clips, providing insight into whether you will enjoy the full video later. The YouTube app offers a diverse range of videos, covering everything from how to change a tire to cooking a turkey. YouTube has also designed an app specifically for children, allowing parents to set up strict parental controls. YouTube is so user-friendly that even children can navigate it easily. 

Design 

The design of an app plays a huge role in its usability. YouTube's design is easy on the eyes and is organized to make it easier to use. It includes a Search option so that you can find a specific video, artist, or channel. At the bottom of the app, there is the home button that allows you to go to the home page. There is also the shorts tab, which takes you to the shorts videos. Next, there is the plus sign so that you can record your videos if you would like to post something. Then, the next tab is the subscription tab where you can see all the channels you have subscribed to. Lastly, there is the profile tab where you can view your history, playlist, your videos, and manage the premium app if you pay for it. After seeing all that is in the YouTube app, it can get a bit cluttered, but the design of the app helps group things together so that you do not get lost. 

Functionality 

The YouTube app functions very well. Various buttons enhance its functionality. Some of my favorites are the like button and the share button. When you like a video, related videos begin to be recommended to you. It could be a similar video or a video from the same channel. The Share button is also great. You can share the joy or laughter of a video with a friend or family with a simple press of a button. I love making someone else’s day after my day has been made by the functionality of YouTube. 

In conclusion, YouTube has been designed to be a good app. There is always something to do on the app with all the recommendations from the likes and types of videos you have watched. The app is easy to use, and even though it has so much on it, the design of the app is great. Lastly, the app functions well with no room for improvement from my perspective.