Everything You Need to Know About YouTube in 2025

Why YouTube Is a Must-Have for Brands

In the fast-paced world of social media, trends come and go—but one platform has not only stood the test of time but continues to grow in influence: YouTube. While other platforms like TikTok and Instagram are all key players in a brand’s digital presence, YouTube remains the undisputed heavyweight when it comes to long-form content, discoverability, and evergreen visibility. 

There are many benefits of using YouTube in a brand’s social media marketing strategy including:

• Increased brand awareness

YouTube videos can reach wider audiences and increase brand visibility.

• Improved traffic to website

Incorporate calls to action in YouTube videos to drive traffic to the brand’s website or other landing pages.

• Enhanced engagement

Video content is highly engaging and can lead to increased interaction with the brand.

• Cost-effective marketing

YouTube can be a cost-effective way to reach a large audience compared to traditional advertising methods.

• Building authority

By providing valuable and informative content, brands can establish themselves as thought leaders in their industry.

As a social media manager, understanding how to leverage YouTube is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic necessity. Here’s why:

1. YouTube is the Second Largest Search Engine

People don’t just scroll through YouTube—they search on it. Whether it’s tutorials, product reviews, behind-the-scenes content, or explainer videos, YouTube videos are often the first stop when users want answers. And because YouTube is owned by Google, videos have a high chance of ranking in search engine results—giving your brand added visibility outside the platform itself. Optimize YouTube videos with relevant SEO keywords, descriptions, and tags to improve search visibility and attract more viewers.

*From a social strategy standpoint: This is an opportunity to create high-value, searchable content that keeps working for your brand long after it’s published.

2. Long-Form Content Builds Authority

On platforms like TikTok or Instagram reels, you might only have a few seconds to make an impression. YouTube, however, allows brands to dive deepers. Longer videos mean more space to educate, entertain, or inspire—and more importantly, build trust. Think tutorials, case studies, interviews, behind-the-scenes, and product demos.

*From a social media management lens: YouTube videos can serve as cornerstone content that is then repurposed into shorter clips for other platforms. One solid 10-minute video can be turned into multiple Instagram Reels, TikToks, carousels, and tweets.

3. YouTube Content is Evergreen

Unlike Instagram Stories or time-sensitive TikToks, YouTube videos often have a long shelf life. A well-optimized video can continue to generate traffic, leads, and sales months—or even years—after it’s published.

*As a social media manager, this gives your brand a powerful asset that keeps delivering ROI. Instead of chasing viral trends, you’re investing in a content library that compounds in value.

4. YouTube Strengthens Cross-Platform Strategy

YouTube content can supercharge your brand’s presence on other platforms. Think of it as the foundation of your content ecosystem:

• Post full videos on YouTube

• Slice highlights for Instagram Reels or Tiktok

• Share teaser clips on LinkedIn or X (Twitter)

• Embed videos in blog posts or newsletters

*For social media managers, this means a single YouTube upload can fuel your content calendar across platforms, making your workflow more efficient and strategic.

5. It’s a Hub for Community and Engagement

YouTube is not just a broadcasting platform—it’s a community space. Through comments, livestreams, and community posts, brands can build deeper connections with their audience. Respond to comments and engage with viewers to build a strong community around the brand’s YouTube channel.

*From a management perspective: Engagement metrics on YouTube (like watch time, comments, and shares) are incredibly valuable for gauging audience sentiment and guiding future content direction.

6. It Drives Real Business Results

Whether you’re aiming for brand awareness, lead generation, or direct conversions, YouTube can support every stage of the funnel. Add in features like product tagging, link cards, and detailed analytics, and you’ve got a platform that’s not just about views—but real impact. Use tools like VidIQ to analyze YouTube analytics, identify trends, and optimize videos for better performance.

*Social media managers need platforms that convert—and YouTube delivers.

If your brand isn’t using YouTube, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful storytelling and marketing tools available. As a social media manager, advocating for a strong YouTube strategy isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about leading the way in a digital landscape where video content is king.

Looking for more? Schedule a discovery call with Media À La Carte today!