Registering to YouTube and becoming a part of its community is easy.

You just need to fill out a short form, which will ask you a few personal questions. In a matter of minutes, you can be on your way to rating or reviewing the YouTube videos you watch or even uploading your own videos! How fun does that sound? Pretty good most would agree.

Although YouTube is a lot of fun, whether you are only interested in watching videos or if you want to upload your own, YouTube, like all other online websites, have a number of rules and restrictions. It is not only important that you know those rules, but that you abide by them as if you don’t the consequences could get you into big trouble. Here are a few of the rules enforced on YouTube are outlined below.

One of the most common rules surrounds registering for a free YouTube account. Only a minimal amount of personal information is asked of you, like your name, country, zip code, birth date, and gender, but you are advised to be truthful. Should you forget your YouTube login information, you should be able to follow YouTube’s instructions to retrieve your YouTube sign in name, as well as your password. This is a good reason for you to use your true details as it may be vital for you if you come across any difficulties with your account.

Another rule that many YouTube viewers have should be aware of is leaving comments on YouTube video pages or participating in the YouTube forums. Whenever you leave comments for a YouTube video submitter, you are advised to use your best judgment. Of course, you are able to leave negative feedback, if you want, but you are advised to do so in a tasteful matter and make sure its constructive. Avoid foul language and definitely do not threaten any other YouTube members. Doing so, will likely not only get your message revoked, or worst case scenario you could have your YouTube account suspended.

As it was previously mentioned, if you are planning on uploading videos, you are more likely to find a larger number of rules to follow. One of those rules involves the content of your video. You are advised against posting content that is illegal in nature. YouTube encourages you to use caution when making your videos, as you never really know who will be watching them. For instance, now many police departments are starting to use the internet to help them solve crimes. So, not only do you have to worry about online predators viewing your YouTube videos, but you also have to worry about law enforcement doing the same thing. And if you want respect from your viewers, peers and other organizations, it is best to keep things legal.

In connection with your YouTube video content, you also need to make sure that your video content is actually yours. In recent times, there have been many instances where YouTube made it on the news for having a large number of copyright materials on their website. This is illegal. Make sure that videos you post online were actually made by you. Before using music clips, television clips, or movie clips, you need to get permission to do so. If you fail to get permission, you are, essentially, stealing someone’s work, and if they find out, they may take action.

The rules mentioned above are just a few of the many that you may be expected to follow when using YouTube. One consequence to violating the YouTube rules is having your account suspended. If you submit a video that goes against YouTube’s guidelines, your video may be removed. Should you be caught committing a crime, whether it is using drugs, drinking underage, or taping a robbery, you may also be prosecuted for your actions. That is why, for your own safety and wellbeing, you not only need to know all of YouTube’s rules, but you should follow them at all times.