If I'm being honest, I never really understood the appeal of YouTube until recently, when I realised how it all actually works. Hear me out.

Every time I opened YouTube, it was logged in to my partner's account, playing videos about alien abductions, conspiracy theories (like “The Why Files”, featuring a talking goldfish), or synth tutorials. Don't get me wrong – I love this for him, but it's not my vibe. I’d half-watch, while zoning out or scrolling on my phone. That is, until he created my own profile.

After just a couple of searches, my recommendations completely changed. Suddenly, I had everything from fashion week content to tiny home tours and New York street-style videos. Alexa Chung interviewing someone about their vintage Levi's collection? Now that is my cup of tea. My feed became a little world of inspiration, comfort and nostalgia, all curated for my viewing pleasure. It felt like the algorithm knew me better than I knew myself.

Who knew I'd become obsessed with watching people empty their handbags and explain in detail what they carry around in those “What’s in my bag?” segments? There’s something deeply satisfying about the slow, monotonous commentary and the simplicity of these videos – like watching a stranger declutter their home or go through their morning beauty routine. This kind of long-form content feels like a refreshing break from the attention-grabbing clips on Instagram and TikTok.

There is also such an insane amount of incredible music performances that take listening to your favourite artist to a whole new level, thanks to channels like Tiny Desk Concert which posts intimate live music performances (behind a literal tiny desk). I even love those cheesy jazz loops, where an animated cosy café scene – usually featuring a stack of steaming pancakes and a cat – plays on repeat. It’s perfect for when you're working or reading.

Lately, I’ve been feeling a constant yearning to revisit New York, where I lived in my 20s. I discovered there are entire channels where you can just follow people around the city – like you’re sitting in their pocket, going along for the ride. Suddenly, I am transported back, walking down my favourite streets, visiting my go-to cafés and bars. And if I feel like visiting Paris instead? I’m only one click away from browsing vintage stores or wandering through the Louvre Museum. It’s such an escape, and it’s very easy to spend hours vicariously living through someone else when you’re stuck at home and can't afford to travel (screw you, Aussie dollar).

For me, YouTube has almost entirely replaced other streaming services like Netflix. Gone are the days of endlessly scrolling through murder mysteries, only to end up feeling paranoid and anxious. As soon as I log in to YouTube, I’m in my own world. I feel inspired and uplifted by the content I watch. I guess it depends on what you’re into, but for me, it feels similar to Pinterest – a beautifully curated capsule of all my favourite hobbies and interests.

And the best part? You can learn so much. Whether it’s sewing a DIY dress from The Essentials Club or opening up your mind with a TED Talk, there are endless options for picking up new skills and knowledge. If you’ve ever wondered about how to do literally anything, I assure you – someone has made a YouTube video about it.

Which brings me to the community. YouTube has all these little niche pockets of creators, and once you find the right ones, you get it. I’m always surprised by how one particular YouTuber can just click with me. All of a sudden, I’m deep-diving into their channel, trying to figure out what curly hair products they use, or third-wheeling on their Valentine’s date.

If you’ve been telling me for years to get on the YouTube bandwagon – I get it now. Better late than never.