A Google account is required to sign in to YouTube. If you already have an email account (or just don't want a Gmail account), you can also create a Google account using a different email address. Go to Google's sign up without Gmail page and fill out the form (the mobile app does not have an option to create a Google account without Gmail, although you can use a mobile browser). You can also surf, watch videos and use other YouTube functionality without an account.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Create a Google account without Gmail
Step 1. Go to
You will be taken to a form where you can create a new account. Note that the email field does not have an '@gmail.com' watermark as it does on the normal login page.
You can also click 'Use my current email address' below the username field of the regular login page to be redirected to the 'Create your Google account' page
Step 2. Fill in the form
You must enter a first and last name, a (non-Gmail) email address, a password, date of birth and a mobile phone number.
The mobile number is used for password protection and recovery
Step 3. Click on 'Next'
If the form has been completed correctly, the 'Privacy & Conditions' window will appear.
You will be notified (and will not be able to proceed) when a field contains invalid data
Step 4. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and agree to the terms
The agree button will be disabled until you've scrolled through the terms. After clicking on it you will be redirected to a new page and you will receive a confirmation email.
Step 5. Click on 'Check'
This button opens a small window with a signup window for the email service you used to sign up.
You can also go directly to your email and click the link in the confirmation email you received
Step 6. Log in with the email account you used to sign up
Enter your email and password and click 'Next'. Your Google account will be confirmed and ready to use.
Step 7. Go to
Step 8. Sign in with your new Google account
Click on 'Login' in the top right corner and enter your email/password combination.
If you are already logged in by confirming, you can skip the login
Step 9. View your registered account privileges
With a YouTube account, you can now take advantage of certain features on the site that were previously unavailable. Some of the things you can do on YouTube right now are:
- Upload videos
- Sign up for Channels
- Commenting on videos
- Create custom playlists
Method 2 of 2: Using YouTube without an account
Step 1. Browse and watch videos
If you'd rather not create an account at all, you can still browse YouTube content and watch videos using the search bar and the list of recommended videos.
- Also, the mobile app does not require a Google account to view or search for videos.
- Your age is checked against the date of birth provided on your Google account, so it is required to watch videos with an age limit.
Step 2. Watch live video games streams at
You can use YouTube's gaming service to watch game live streams as well as game news.
Chat and subscriptions require an account
Step 3. Share videos with friends
Click the 'Share' button, under 'Subscribe' below a video for a menu with several links to social media sites, as well as a shortened URL to make sharing easier.
- On mobile devices, tap the video while watching it to get options, then tap the Share icon (a circular arrow) in the top right corner for a menu of options to share that video.
- You can link to a specific time in a video by pasting a '#t' followed by a time code after the URL of the video. (example: '#t=1m50s' links to 1 minute and 50 seconds in that video).
Step #4. Watch videos on your TV
You can use a TV-optimized version of the site when your computer connects to HDMI or another TV connection. If you have a chromecast, you can cast videos from your mobile device by tapping the 'Cast' icon (a screen with broadcasting waves) in the top right corner of a video.