10 Ways to Use YouTube as a Language Learning Tool

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This guide was first published in November 2017. YouTube channels, videos, availability, captions and interface controls can change, so verify each resource in your region.

YouTube can be a useful tool for learning languages when you choose material deliberately.

That’s one of the reasons I have my own YouTube channel. In fact, I started posting videos on YouTube before I started this blog. Some of the videos were even in other languages!

There’s only one problem with YouTube…there’s just so much there!

The amount of content on YouTube is mind-boggling. But there is gold hidden among the videos of cute animals, wannabe pop stars and the amateur films. If you know what to look for, YouTube can become an excellent resource in your mission to learn a language.

Here are a few ways you can use YouTube to become a better language learner.

A note from the Fluent in 3 Months team before we get started: You can chat away with a native speaker for at least 15 minutes with the “Fluent in 3 Months” method. All it takes is 90 days. Tap this link to find out more.

1. Look for Online Language Courses

There are plenty of free language-learning lessons on YouTube, although a channel may also sell courses or memberships.

Finding a course is pretty simple. In the YouTube search box type ‘(your target language) online courses’ into the search bar. You’ll be surprised by how many videos come up.

Once you start watching videos in your target language, YouTube may recommend related material. The recommendation system does not reliably know your level, so check the title, sample and channel description yourself.

If you need help getting started, try Easy Languages, whose network covers multiple languages, or search for a specific language and lesson goal. Older channels and broad search results such as Travel Linguist or “Language Pod 101” may still surface useful archives, but check who made a lesson and when.

2. Look for TV Shows and Movies in Your Target Language

I’ve heard arguments that watching foreign TV shows or movies can be a waste of time for language learners. I disagree, provided you turn some of the viewing into focused listening rather than expecting passive exposure to do all the work.

The important thing is to really pay attention to the TV show or film. Look up and write down words you don’t understand, and be willing to play the video several times until you fully understand it. You’ll be surprised by how much you can learn by getting familiar with a single TV episode.

YouTube carries clips, episodes and some full films in many languages. Availability and rights vary, so favour official broadcasters, studios and licensed channels.

Studying German? At the time of this refresh, the linked Inspector Rex episode “Endstation Wien” was still available. Treat any individual upload as a lead, not a permanent catalogue promise.

Not sure where to get started? Do a quick Google search to find out the most popular TV shows in your target language. Then look for those shows on YouTube. Before you know it, you’ll have a pretty decent-sized queue of videos lined up to watch in your new language!

3. Follow Language Vloggers

Vloggers are people who blog using video. Just like me!

People vlog about just about anything. Whatever you’re interested in, chances are you can find a vlog in your target language about it. Your job is to find them.

Whatever your interest – beauty, travel, fashion, video games, etc. – translate it to your target language, enter it into the YouTube search bar, and see what comes up.

What to do when you’ve found the videos? Treat it as you would any listening exercise. Listen to pronunciation. Write down words you’re unfamiliar with. Try repeating sentences. Go out and buy that new blush they recommend (just kidding).

4. Comment On Videos in Your Target Language

This method takes courage. People really do love to share their opinions, so what’s stopping you from expressing yours? A mere language barrier? I think not!

Take the plunge. If you see a video you feel strongly about, then say what you’re thinking! Just be sure to say it in your new language. Think about phrasing and how best to express your opinion. Then, just put it out there.

A public comment may get a helpful reply, no reply or an incorrect correction. Keep the comment short, check it against a trusted reference, and do not treat strangers' reactions as your only feedback system.

If somebody corrects you constructively, verify the change and learn from it. Ignore abusive replies and use YouTube's moderation tools when needed.

5. Find Videos with Transcripts to Read as You Listen

Listening to a video online and finding it difficult to keep up with the pace?
Many videos offer subtitles or a transcript, which can make it easier to follow the audio. Check whether the captions were supplied by the creator or generated automatically, because automatic captions can mishear words, names and punctuation.

The key is to make sure you don’t end up relying too heavily on the transcript or subtitle.

Study what you listen to. Pause the video often and write down the translation, if it’s something that you’re not completely sure of.

6. Slow Down YouTube Videos

When you’re learning a language, native speakers talking at normal speed can seem fast-paced. Don’t feel bad if you’re finding it hard to keep up with the video you’re watching. The more you practise, the quicker you’ll learn to decipher what’s being said. It’s one of those skills that you pick up over time.

Until that moment comes, try slowing the videos down, so that the dialogue is being said at a pace you understand.

The easiest way of doing this is to press the < and > keys on your keyboard, which are the default keys for changing the video speed. But this may not be the case for you if you have a non-English keyboard or have changed your settings. In that case, click the “cog” symbol in the lower right corner of the video to open the settings, then click “speed”. You can then adjust the speed to whatever works best for you.

7. Search for Songs in Your Target Language

Music is a fun way to improve your listening skills and pick up new vocabulary.

Many popular songs have official music videos, lyric videos or live performances on YouTube, subject to region and rights restrictions.

Get to know the bands or solo artist who sing their songs in your target language, then look them up online. Once you’ve found the songs, get singing!

You can replay available songs and work with short sections. Check lyrics against an authorised source where possible, then practise singing along.

8. Upload Your Own Practice Videos

Here’s another step that takes a bit of courage to execute.

I believe it’s important to keep yourself accountable when undertaking a task like learning a foreign language. One of the ways of doing this is to start a blog. Another is to upload videos of your progress to YouTube.

Putting yourself on camera can feel daunting. Start privately or unlisted if you want the practice without a public audience, and only publish material you are comfortable leaving online. If fear is the main obstacle, this speaking project shows one way Benny worked through it.

Suddenly, all our hopes and dreams don’t seem so ridiculously out of reach.

Recording progress videos can create an accountability trail and teach you basic editing. A public upload may attract supportive, indifferent or hostile reactions, so choose public, unlisted or private visibility deliberately and avoid sharing personal details you want to keep offline.

Not sure where to start? I’ve been recording and uploading videos in other languages for years and have picked up practical filming tips along the way.

Once you’ve created your video, you can share it with the Fluent in 3 Months (Fi3M) community here.

9. Translate YouTube Comments

Sometimes, YouTube comments are more entertaining than the video (I should know – I’ve received stacks of comments on Fi3M over the years, many of which I’ve enjoyed).

If you happen to find a video in your target language that you feel confident you understand, try your hand at translating the comments underneath!

Comments often use slang, fragments, jokes and non-standard spelling, so treat them as informal comprehension practice rather than model prose.

Bonus points if you take the time to reply to a comment in your target language.

10. Subscribe to Polyglot Channels

Many multilingual creators share their methods online. Their experience can supply ideas, but compare advice with your own goals and evidence rather than treating any creator as an ultimate authority.

I’ve uploaded videos in many different languages over the years. The linked channels belong to Luca Lampariello, Susanna Zaraysky, Steve Kaufmann, Olly Richards, Lindsay Williams and Richard Simcott. Upload schedules change, but their archives remain possible sources of ideas.

We’ve each dealt with our own challenges in language learning, and have managed to overcome them to get where we are today.

Sample the channels that fit your goals, and subscribe if you want their new videos in your feed.