Here at Creative Digital, we often use Youtube for researching client projects, up-skilling ourselves on software and when we are bored… cat videos. Viewing a Youtube video is not rocket science. Click play and sit back. But did you know that you can use some really handy keyboard shortcuts to make it even easier!
Progress forward/backward on timeline – frame by frame
Use the greater than/less than keys to progress (or go backwards) frame by frame on the video timeline. This is really useful for sourcing an exact frame you need. Have used recently to match the walk cycle of a lion of all things (for 3D animation).
Fast forward or rewind (by 5 seconds)
Using your keyboard arrow keys, you can navigate through a video in increments of 5 seconds. Holding down the control key while you do this increases the increments to 10 seconds.
Use number keys to skip to a section
Using your number keys, you can skip to the relevant section; 0 = start, 1 = 10%, 2 = 20% etc. Very useful for getting through long tutorials. The end key will skip to the next video.
Switch between fullscreen and normal
Pressing the f key will switch between normal and fullscreen.
Adjust volume
Finally, when you are sitting in that cafe for your morning Flat White, use your up and down arrows to adjust the video volume.
If you’ve found any other handy shortcuts, let us know in the comments below.
Except that up/down arrow keys ALSO fast-forward as well as control volume, which is totally stupid.