How to Use YouTube for DIY Study Hacks

Not gonna lie, YouTube has saved my life more times than I can count. Especially during exams. I used to think it was just for music and random videos, but once I started using it for DIY study hacks and student how-to content, it was a game-changer.

It’s honestly wild how much helpful stuff is on there if you know what to look for. And no, I’m not talking about those overly edited videos with the perfect lighting and 20 highlighters on the desk. I mean real stuff that works when your brain just refuses to cooperate.

Let me just break down what’s helped me — no fluff, just real talk.

DIY study hacks: Youtube 

1. Unlock Wisdom: Real People’s Best Tips for Success

Forget the sponsored “top 5 productivity hacks” nonsense. The best study tips I’ve found are from random students filming on their phones. No script, no filters, just honest stuff that works for them.

I came across this girl who used sticky notes in a way I’d never even thought of — color-coded them by topic and stuck them on her closet doors. Tried it. Loved it. Still doing it. Learnt it.

2. DIY Study Stuff? Yes Please

There are videos out there that’ll show you how to make flashcards out of old notebooks, how to create a basic study tracker with literally just pens and paper, and even how to turn a cereal box into a note holder.

I thought it was silly at first, but making my own stuff actually made me want to use it. Weird, right? There’s something about using things you built yourself that makes studying feel… less annoying.

3. “Study With Me” Videos Help

Okay, this one sounded dumb to me at first. Why would I want to watch someone else study?

But I tried it one night at like 1 AM when I couldn’t focus, and it worked. Just having a video on with someone else quietly studying made me stay on track. No idea why. It just felt like I wasn’t alone.

There are ones with timers, music, and even rainy background sounds. Kinda cosy.

4. Keep Playlists for Every Subject

One thing I wish I did earlier — making separate playlists for different subjects. 

Every time I saw a useful video, such as one that at last clarified a mathematical idea in everyday English, I saved it.
I didn’t have to go back through my past to find that one guy who gave me a really good explanation when I needed to revise later. It was all just… there.

5. Don’t Get Distracted, Bro

Let’s be real — YouTube is a trap. One second you’re watching a history explainer, the next second you’re deep into conspiracy theories or watching a guy eat 100 burgers in a row.

So yeah, set a timer. Or just be strict with yourself. I’ve started using it only on my laptop (not my phone), with my notifications off. Makes a big difference.

Final Thought

You don’t need a fancy setup or expensive apps to study smart. YouTube has pretty much Try a few things. Keep what works. Ignore the stuff that doesn’t. And if you ever get stuck, just search it. Someone’s probably already explained it in a video — in better words than your textbook ever did.

Just don’t fall into the black hole of “just one more video.”

FAQs About Using YouTube for Studying

1. How can YouTube improve my study routine?
YouTube offers thousands of study tutorials, productivity hacks, and subject explainers, making learning more engaging and accessible for students of all levels.

2. Is YouTube a reliable source for academic information?
Yes — if you follow credible educational YouTube channels, you can access accurate explanations, expert interviews, and high-quality learning materials.

3. Can YouTube help with last-minute exam preparation?
Absolutely! YouTube has quick revision videos, summaries, and visual explainers that make it easier to grasp difficult concepts under time pressure.

4. What are “Study With Me” videos on YouTube?
These are real-time study sessions where YouTubers record themselves studying, helping viewers stay motivated and focused.

5. How do I avoid distractions while studying on YouTube?
Use playlists, set a timer, and stick to educational YouTube videos only. Turning off notifications also helps maintain focus.

6. Can I learn practical skills on YouTube apart from academics?
Yes, YouTube is packed with tutorials for skills like note-taking, presentation making, and even DIY study hacks.

7. Is YouTube better than traditional textbooks for learning?
Both have their strengths, but YouTube often provides visual explanations that help students understand concepts faster.

8. How do playlists on YouTube make studying easier?
Creating separate playlists for each subject ensures you can quickly revisit helpful videos without searching again.

9. Can I find free courses on YouTube?
Yes, many universities and educators upload full courses and lectures for free on YouTube.

10. Is YouTube good for group study sessions?
Definitely — you can watch educational YouTube videos together, pause for discussions, and learn collaboratively.

11. Are there subject-specific YouTube channels I should follow?
Yes, channels like Khan Academy, CrashCourse, and other niche educators on YouTube focus on specific subjects in detail.

12. Can YouTube help me learn languages?
Many language teachers use YouTube to post interactive lessons, pronunciation tips, and cultural insights.

13. How do I save my favorite YouTube study videos?
You can use the “Save to Playlist” option on YouTube to organize and store useful study content for later.

14. Is it worth subscribing to educational YouTube channels?
Yes — subscribing ensures you get regular updates on new learning videos from your favorite YouTube educators.

15. Can YouTube be a full-time learning platform?
While YouTube can’t replace formal education, it can serve as a powerful supplement to your studies when used wisely.