Does YouTube Count As Social Media? A Look At Its Platform And Usage

When we think of social media, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) are usually the first to come to mind. However, you shouldn’t dismiss YouTube from this group.

Over the last several years, YouTube has become one of the most powerful platforms for sharing, consuming, and engaging with content online. So, does YouTube count as social media? The answer is a resounding yes—but why? Let’s look at what makes YouTube a key player in social media and explore its unique role as a video-sharing platform—and how it can benefit you and your medical practice.

YouTube As A Social Media Platform

First, let’s look at what defines social media. Social media platforms generally allow members to create content, share it, and interact with others. YouTube checks all these boxes and more. On these sites, you can upload videos, comment, like, share, and even follow creators, forming communities around interests, hobbies, or shared values. The level of interaction and connection fostered on YouTube is similar to that of other social media platforms, where engagement is a central theme.

Beyond sharing videos, YouTube has become a space for open discussions, debates, and collaborations. Channels build subscriber bases similar to followers on other social media, and audiences tune in to stay updated, just like they might on an X feed or Instagram story. This blend of content creation, community building, and engagement makes YouTube an undeniable member of the social media club.

Community Building On YouTube

One of the core elements of any social media platform is its ability to build and sustain a community. YouTube provides creators with the tools to do just that. Through comments, live chats, and the new community post features, YouTube allows creators to interact directly with their audience. This interaction isn't limited to the videos themselves but extends into the surrounding conversations, whether that's responding to comments, hosting Q&As, or engaging through live-streaming events.

Creators often use YouTube to cultivate a loyal community of subscribers who actively engage with their content, creating a personal and interactive relationship. Your plastic surgery practice or med spa can use this platform as a marketing tool to help keep pace with patient interests, share educational information, and form connections, expanding your reach to larger audiences.

How Audiences Engage with YouTube Content

Engagement on YouTube is multi-faceted. Beyond simple likes and comments, YouTube engagement includes sharing, subscribing, and actively watching videos. This active, engaged form of viewership sets YouTube apart. Audiences are often willing to spend more time on the platform compared to other social media. From learning how to cook a new recipe to following travel vlogs, people engage deeply with the content that resonates with them.

YouTube also promotes interaction by recommending videos based on preferences and viewing habits. This targeted content keeps audiences hooked and builds a cycle of engagement and exploration. For med spas and plastic surgery practices, YouTube isn’t just a platform to upload videos—it’s an avenue for sustained, meaningful connections with potential patients.

Why YouTube Is A Valuable Business Tool

So, does YouTube count as social media? Absolutely. With its combination of content creation, community building, and interactive engagement, YouTube embodies the core aspects of what a social media platform is.

YouTube’s unique format as a video-sharing platform may set it apart. Still, it remains a vital part of the social landscape where audiences go not only to watch videos but to connect, learn, and engage with a global community.

Whether you run a plastic surgery clinic and are looking to provide educational information about your services, or you have a med spa and are looking to expand your clientele, YouTube is a powerful tool to reach and engage with a diverse audience in ways that traditional social media channels might not offer.

Let the marketing team at realdrseattle help you manage your social media accounts so you can spend more time on what matters—taking care of your patients, employees, and practice. Schedule a call with us today to learn more about the marketing services we can offer you!