YouTube as a Learning Tool Among EFL Learners: A Systematic Review

This review paper examines the crucial impact of YouTube on learning English as a Foreign Language. Recently, learners’ interaction and development of their skills have been improved due to the integration of digital platforms into language education. YouTube is regarded as one of the most prevalent platforms due to its accessibility, multimodal content, and capacity to simulate real-life communication. This study tackles thirty selected research articles from various cultural and institutional backgrounds to identify the pedagogical benefits and challenges associated with using YouTube in teaching English. Conventional methods of teaching English as a foreign language encounter difficulties in improving students’ engagement and offering opportunities for real-life language use. These traditional approaches depend heavily on memorization and textbook-based instruction, limiting progress in essential language skills. This study seeks to address the following research questions: How can YouTube be effectively utilized to improve learners’ language skills? What are the key benefits of integrating YouTube into English as a Foreign Language instruction? How do cultural and educational contexts shape the implementation and results of using YouTube in English Language Teaching? The research explores YouTube’s potential in developing vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, and improving speaking abilities. Furthermore, it studies the obstacles and pedagogical considerations of incorporating YouTube in classroom settings. Several recommendations are proposed, such as incorporating YouTube as a supplementary means of teaching language, choosing relevant and high-quality video materials, promoting active learner engagement, and offering professional development opportunities to utilize multimedia effectively.