This insights post is a summary of the blog post published by PRohibition. View the full insight at: The Rise and Rise of YouTube: How to Use the World’s Go-To Video Platform.
YouTube isn’t just another social platform anymore. It’s where video consumption is heading—fast. With nearly three billion global users and younger audiences overwhelmingly choosing streaming over linear TV, YouTube has effectively become the default place to watch, discover, and engage with video content.
In markets like the UK, the shift is already decisive. Over 80% of children and teens are active on YouTube, and 16–24 year olds spend more than four times as long watching video platforms than traditional television each day. Most of that viewing happens on mobile—fueling the rise of formats like YouTube Shorts, which now compete directly with Instagram Reels.
Even traditional broadcasters are adapting. Major players like the BBC and Channel 4 are uploading full episodes and premiering shows on YouTube before linear or streaming TV. The signal is clear: the future of video is streaming, and YouTube is leading it.
What This Shift Means for Business Leaders
Broadcast TV still has value—but relying on it alone is a risk. Streaming platforms like Netflix are notoriously difficult to access for brand visibility, offer little editorial flexibility, and provide limited control over messaging.
YouTube flips that model. It’s open, scalable, and merit-based. Brands can publish directly, control their narrative, and succeed based on relevance and quality—not gatekeepers. If your content resonates, it gets seen. Simple as that.
The Types of YouTube Content That Actually Work for Brands
The opportunity is massive—but unfocused content goes nowhere. High-performing business channels tend to concentrate on a few proven formats:
- Advice & Explainers: Practical, expert-led content that answers real questions. Short-form clips, FAQs, and Q&As perform especially well.
- Brand Stories: Video is unmatched at explaining why your brand exists. Strong narratives build trust, emotional connection, and long-term loyalty.
- Behind-the-Scenes Content:Show how things really work. Transparency and process-driven stories humanize brands and increase engagement.
- Live Video & Discussions: Live content creates urgency and energy. Scheduled broadcasts are easier to promote and especially effective for debate, commentary, and thought leadership.
The Bottom Line
There’s no universal YouTube playbook—but there is a rule that never changes: know your audience, and build content specifically for them. Brands that invest the time to understand viewer intent and deliver genuinely valuable video will win visibility, credibility, and reach.
YouTube isn’t the future of video. It’s the present.
To explore how businesses can build a focused YouTube strategy that drives visibility, authority, and long-term impact, read the full article at: The Rise and Rise of YouTube: How to Use the World’s Go-To Video Platform.
