Research from a multi-country European study reveals that YouTube leads as the preferred learning platform for teenagers, outpacing competitors in both academic and recreational educational content consumption.

European Teens Choose YouTube

YouTube stands as the leading platform for educational content among European teenagers, according to new research conducted by independent youth agency Livity and supported by Google. The “Future Report,” which surveyed more than 7,000 teens aged 13-18 across seven European countries, found that 74% of respondents use YouTube to learn new things for school, a higher rate than for TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, or other platforms.

The study, which gathered data from Ireland, Poland, Spain, Greece, France, Sweden, and Italy, also reveals that 71% of teens use YouTube to learn something new for fun or outside of school, again surpassing all other platforms. Additionally, 73% of teens reported watching video content at least weekly to help with schoolwork or for entertainment.

“I use (YouTube) a lot … purely for my homework, and it is so interesting, it brings me joy,” said Fryni, 18, from Greece, in one of the focus groups conducted as part of the research.

Teachers and Parents Embrace Video Learning

Research by Oxford Economics indicates that YouTube has become a key resource for both educators and parents. Across the EU, 84% of teachers surveyed incorporate YouTube content in their lessons or assignments, with two-thirds (67%) agreeing that YouTube helps increase student engagement.

Among parents who use YouTube, 80% believe the platform provides high-quality content for both learning and entertainment. The research shows that 71% feel confident in guiding their children on responsible platform use, while two-thirds (66%) believe it helps their children discover the world.

Digital Well-Being and Safety Concerns

The “Future Report” also examines the digital well-being and online safety practices of teens. The survey reveals that 80% of European teens believe they manage their online habits “well,” with 75% reporting use of various technologies and apps to support their mental or physical health.

Parents remain a trusted resource when teens encounter online challenges, with respondents indicating they ask parents for help with scams (68%), cyberbullying (63%), or issues with privacy settings (57%). However, only 31% of teens felt their parents understood online information “well.”

Social Media’s Growing Influence

The YouTube findings come as separate research from the European Parliament Youth Survey shows social media platforms now lead traditional outlets as primary information sources for young Europeans aged 16 to 30. Video platforms, such as YouTube, account for 23% of young Europeans’ news consumption, according to a European Parliament study. 

While social media dominates youth information consumption, platform trust varies significantly by age group, with those aged 16-18 more likely to consider platforms like TikTok and Instagram as reliable news sources compared to those aged 25-30.

While YouTube leads in educational content, with 74% of European teens using it for school-related learning, TikTok has reached 200 million monthly users. Although the platforms serve different primary purposes, both are competing for young Europeans’ attention and are increasingly overlapping in each other’s territory as TikTok expands its educational offerings and YouTube enhances its short-form video capabilities.

The complete “Future Report,” which will include additional statistics on well-being, algorithms, and the future of technology, is scheduled for publication in October. Google indicates that insights from the report will inform Google and YouTube programs and initiatives aimed at amplifying young people’s voices.

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