The idea of watching videos on your watch seems downright futuristic. With how much that Apple Watch can do, it seems like a pretty logical leap that you could use it to watch YouTube videos. There actually is a way to do just that, which we’ll explore below.
How Easy is it to Watch YouTube on the Apple Watch?
There is one caveat here. You cannot download the YouTube app directly onto the watchOS. Sadly, it’s not that simple.
However, Apple Watch users have found a workaround to be able to play YouTube videos on the Apple Watch.
The method is watching a video that’s embedded in a text message, which the Apple Watch allows. You simply send yourself or another person a video in the Messages app. You can then tap the video to play or pause it.
This is by far the easiest way to watch video on the Apple Watch, but it is also the only current way to do it. It can actually come in handy if you have a video you really enjoy watching and just want it along on your watch while on the go. For instance, a calming meditation video might be handy to keep on your Apple Watch via the Messages app. Or you might have on hand that funny video to show people in person.
There is one major tip on how to use this method, however:
The video file absolutely has to be embedded in the text message. It can’t just be a link that you copy and pasted from the browser’s URL box.
How to Embed a YouTube Video in a Text Message
To embed a video in a text message on the iPhone:
Go to Youtube either in the app or using your browser.
Tap the Share option right under the video:
This will give you something that looks like a URL:
Tap it and then navigate to your messages app.
Hold your finger on the message box until you see a paste option. Tap paste.
The embed link will show in the message:
You can send the message to yourself or someone else. Tap the send button.
The video will show embedded in the text:
Open the message in your Messages app on your Apple Watch to view the video. Tap to play.
As mentioned, this is the only way to watch YouTube videos on an Apple Watch as of now. There are some dubious-looking apps claiming to allow this functionality and some people have made comments about making apps to do this, but so far nothing seems available.
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