Evaluation of the Reasons for Viewing an Educational YouTube Channel for Secondary School Students from the Perspective of Content Developers and Viewers

Abstract

In this study, it is aimed to determine the reasons for watching the videos of an educational YouTube channel that has reached a high number of views from the perspective of content developers and viewers. In the qualitative research method, interviews were conducted with the content creators and viewers of the channel. The study group consists of 113 participants in total, including 1 participant as the content producer of the channel and 112 participants as the channel viewers. A semi-structured interview form was used as a data collection tool. In data analysis, content analysis of the data of the interviews with the channel content producer and viewers was conducted. As a result of the research, according to the findings obtained from video content analysis, it was determined that the views of the viewers and creators on the reasons for watching the educational videos of a prominent YouTube channel support the design elements. In this regard, it was also observed that the views of the viewers and content producers overlapped with each other. In this context, it was determined that multimedia design principles and program elements should be taken into consideration in the production process of YouTube educational videos, as well as elements that will adapt to the nature of the YouTube platform should be included and suggestions were made to the content producers. The research is important for individuals who will produce educational content for the YouTube platform, content production processes and researchers working in the fields of content design.