I have saved countless hours of my life by simply watching YouTube videos and listening to podcasts at an increased speed. This strategy has not only allowed me to consume more content in less time, but it has also enhanced my ability to retain information. Years ago, a mentor of mine told me to watch YouTube videos of lectures at 2x speed, and I've never looked back. All it takes is clicking a few buttons and focusing a bit more on the content to reap the benefits.
To start, find the settings in your YouTube video player and change the speed to something higher than 1x. Experiment with different speeds to find the one that best suits your comprehension level. Many podcast players also have support for different speeds, so don't forget to utilize that feature. When starting out, I recommend using increased speeds with familiar or slower speakers and gradually working your way up.
It takes practice to get used to listening at a faster pace, but any speedup is still helpful. I've been doing this for a while, so it's hard to remember how difficult it was to learn, but I assure you, it's worth it in the long run. As you become more comfortable with faster playback, you'll find that you can process information more quickly and efficiently. Try it for yourself and see if you save time. If you find it helpful, continue to push yourself to even faster speeds. Remember that it's not a competition; the goal is to maximize your efficiency while still retaining the information you're consuming.
Additionally, consider these tips for further improving your video and podcast consumption experience:
In conclusion, I hope that readers can save time and increase efficiency in their learning by speeding up videos and podcasts. A simple setting change can make a big difference, and you might just find yourself with extra hours in your day to dedicate to other pursuits. As you become more adept at consuming content at a faster pace, you'll likely notice improvements in your overall learning and listening abilities.