10 YouTube improvers

 

Ten years ago today, YouTube cofounder Jawed Karim uploaded the site's first video, an 18-second clip called Me at the Zoo shot at the elephant enclosure. In the decade since, we've seen far more engaging videos, from the Evolution of Dance to Leave Britney Alone to "Gangnam Style." Now boasting over a billion users worldwide, YouTube has become a place to learn how to do things, break new recording artists, and document social unrest. Whether you want to upload your own video or take greater control over your viewing experience, the following 10 apps and browser add-ons will help you make the most of YouTube. Also, visit the Download.com YouTube channel to see our software walkthroughs.

Apps

YouTube Capture (iOS)

You don't have to be a professional moviemaker with a crew and expensive equipment to produce the next hot Web series. Even if you're new to production, Google's official YouTube Capture app enables you to shoot, edit, and upload your video, as well as share it over social media -- all right from your phone.

YouTube Creator Studio (iOS, Android)

Once you've uploaded your first few videos, you'll need Google's YouTube Creator Studio to manage your channel. With this comprehensive app, you can change video details and settings, control notifications, interact with your audience, and analyze video performance.

If by IFTTT (iOS, Android)

If by IFTTT (short for If This, Then That) enables you to automate your activities with simple recipes. Popular recipes include bookmarking your favorites to Delicious, saving videos to Pocket, or posting your uploaded videos to Facebook or Twitter.

Video Ghost (Windows)

Do you like to multitask while watching YouTube videos on your PC? Right-click Video Ghost's toolbar icon to make video transparent so you can work over it. You can also use hotkeys to set your video's transparency, lock it in the background, or bring it to the front.

5by (iOS, Android)

With so many must-see videos on YouTube, how can you catch them all? Award-winning 5by offers hand-picked videos by interest, or you can search by keyword or person who posted it. For a more social experience, trade and discuss your favorite clips with friends.