How to setup Youtube to work for you instead of against you

Youtube is an amazing resource bank.

But more often than not one ends up in a rabbit hole of mindless videos. The battle for your attention runs 24x7 and the algorithms usually win.

Use "Watch later" - a powerful approach to regain control of your attention.

Even a few minutes of delay in consumption allows your rational brain to take over. Improving the quality of what you watch.

Here is how I implement the "Watch later" approach and get Youtube working for me.

Setup

1. Go to Settings - History & Privacy on the Youtube app on your phone – Clear Watch and Search history (Skip steps 1, 2 if you are happy with what Youtube recommends currently).

2. Go to Home. Swipe down to refresh your feed.

The algorithm now will start to recommend based on your subscriptions and library.

3. Create playlists for the areas of your interest like writing, productivity, public speaking, coding, etc.

Capture

1. Whenever you come across a youtube video that you find interesting, click Save - Watch later (playlist).

2. Once a week, process the Watch later playlist and send the videos to the relevant playlist (your areas). I prefer to do this on my computer.

This completes your capturing and organizing phase.

Consuming

Anytime you are working on a project and need resources, go to the relevant playlist in your library and watch the videos you have already saved.

Never consume from Watch later folder. It is only an inbox for processing.

Never watch from the Youtube feed.

Remember to take notes. Happy viewing.