YouTube Hidden Features
 
As the second largest search engine and one of the largest social media networks, YouTube has a lot going for it. Whether you use it to watch, post, or share videos, there are a ton of cool things you can do with YouTube.
 
Below, we'll run through four hidden YouTube features that you may not currently know about and might find useful.

1. Create Links That Start Video at a Specific Time

 
If you’ve ever wanted to share a video and direct someone to a specific moment in it, this is going to blow your mind.
 
Instead of sharing that video, or posting it to your feed instructing your audience to fast forward to a part, you can actually share a link that starts the video at whatever time you choose!
 
To share a link that starts at a specific time, head over to the video and click the "Share" button beside the "Like" and "Dislike" buttons. From here, check the box next to "Start at:" and type in the time (in hours:minutes:seconds) you want the video to start at. You can also pause the video at the time you want it to start and that field will autofill.
 
Share YouTube Video with Timecode

2. Preview a Video by Hovering

Another neat trick you might not be aware of is the previewing feature. If you've searched for specific content, but not sure which to pick, you can hover your mouse over the video thumbnail to get a quick preview of its content.

This can also be especially helpful if you know what you're looking for and want to take a quick glance at the video without actually clicking on it.  

 

3. Rewind or Fast Forward by Double-Tapping

If you're watching a video on your mobile device and maybe just want to get to the point, you can easily skip past 10 seconds by double tapping on the right side of the screen. Maybe you got distracted and missed something, you can use the same double tap gesture on the left side of the screen to rewind by 10 second increments.

Here's an example: 

4. YouTube TV

This might not be new, but we're sure you've probably never seen this. If you have a smart tv chances are that you're familiar with YouTube's TV layout. There's a darker background offering more contrast, and a less cluttered layout.

What you might not know is that you don't have to use this only on your tv. You can head to Youtube.com/tv and you'll be taken to the same layout presented in your smart tv. This might not be something you want to set as your default YouTube page, but for the times a less cluttered and darker theme makes sense, this helps!

Youtube TV

Are there any YouTube features or tricks that you love to use that might not be known by everyone? Let us know via the Social Report Twitter (@thesocialreport)!