Users can post updates with the latest information that other users can see just seconds later. YouTube now has a feature that allows users to link their Twitter, Facebook, and Google Reader accounts to send out an update as soon as a new video is uploaded.

Linking Accounts

The first step to posting YouTube updates is ensuring that your account is linked to either your Twitter, Facebook, or Google Reader account. You can choose to link your YouTube account to just one of these accounts, or all of them. If your accounts are already linked, you can skip this step.

In order to link accounts, you must have a Google Account (if you have Gmail, you already have a Google Account.) First, log out both YouTube and Google accounts. Then, go to the YouTube sign in page and log in using your Google account user name and password. You will be directed to a page where you can fill out your YouTube username and password. After you add the account, you will be brought to the main YouTube page where you will see a message stating that your YouTube & Google accounts have been successfuly linked.

How to Update

When you visit the Video File Upload page, you will see an "add services" option where you can select Facebook, Twitter, and Google Reader. When you select one of these accounts, you will be asked to fill in your username and password. Once you have your choice(s) of accounts, upload your video as you normally would.

After your video is uploaded, an automatic update will appear on your account that is linked, accompanied with a link to your video. For example, on Twitter, your update will say: I uploaded a YouTube video – (title). A http://bit.ly/ link will appear next to your update, shortening the link to your YouTube video.