Summary: While you can’t currently buy YouTube stock directly, you have the opportunity to invest in Alphabet Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOGL), YouTube’s parent company. The most convenient way to enter the stock market is through a regulated online broker platform. Our go-to brokerage for buying GOOGL stock is eToro.
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About YouTube
Ever since its inception in 2005, YouTube has revolutionized the way we consume and share video content. It has evolved from a simple platform for uploading and viewing videos to a multifaceted ecosystem where creators can build their brands, advertisers can reach targeted audiences, and viewers can access a plethora of content ranging from educational to entertaining.
In 2006, Google recognized the potential of YouTube’s popularity and acquired it, integrating it into its suite of services. This move marked the beginning of YouTube’s rapid growth trajectory, sparking the attention of investors worldwide.
YouTube stock IPO
An initial public offering (IPO) is a significant event in a company’s journey. It’s the first time the company offers its shares to the public, allowing everyday investors to buy a piece of the company. As of now, YouTube has not gone public with an IPO. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t invest in it indirectly through its parent company, Alphabet Inc.
How to buy YouTube stock: Step-by-step
While you cannot directly buy YouTube stock at the moment due to the lack of an IPO, you can invest in Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., which owns YouTube. Therefore, feel free to follow these steps to become a shareholder in Alphabet Inc.:
Step 1: Research and educate yourself
Before you start investing, it’s crucial to understand how the stock market works and the basics of investing. So, take the time to explore reputable financial websites to gain a solid foundation before you venture into investing.
Step 2: Choose a broker
To buy Alphabet Inc. stocks, you’ll need to open an investment account with a stock brokerage platform. You should look for a platform that suits your needs, offers user-friendly interfaces, and provides access to educational resources.
Along those lines, our go-to broker for investing in Alphabet Inc. is eToro. Besides being fully regulated and licensed by authorities like FinCEN, it’s used by over 30 million investors worldwide. Much of its popularity comes from its many features, such as:
- Commission-free stock trading;
- 2,000+ stocks from 17 exchanges;
- Fractional shares;
- User-friendly platform.
Highly Rated Stock Trading & Investing Platform
-
Invest in 2,800+ stocks and other assets including 70+ cryptocurrencies and commodities.
-
0% commission on buying stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.
-
Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.
-
eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.
Step 3: Open an investment account
Once you choose a brokerage that suits your investment strategy best, you should sign up for an account. This process typically involves providing some personal information, verifying your identity, and, of course, funding your account.
Step 4: Deposit funds
With a newly-made account, you’ll need to transfer funds into it. Remember that the amount you deposit will determine how many shares you can buy. However, don’t get ahead of yourself here; don’t invest more than you can afford to lose.
Step 5: Search for Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL)
Once you fund your account, the next step will be to use the brokerage platform’s search function to find Alphabet Inc.’s stock. Again, this is rather simple. All you need to do is type in Alphabet Inc.’s ticker symbol, which is GOOGL.
Step 6: Place an order and monitor your investment
With the ticker symbol in place, you can continue and choose the type of order you want to place. However, note that market order execute immediately at the current market price, while limit orders allow you to set a specific price at which you’re willing to buy.
Once you purchase the stock, you’ll be an Alphabet Inc. shareholder. However, it’s key not to stop there. You should, instead, keep an eye on your investment’s performance and stay informed about company news and any developments that might affect its stock price.
Pros and cons of buying GOOGL stock
Pros
- Strong tech ecosystem exposure: Investing in GOOGL provides exposure to Alphabet Inc.’s diverse tech ecosystem, including Google, YouTube, and cloud services, tapping into their potential for future growth;
- Innovation and research: Alphabet’s commitment to innovation and research fuels the development of new technologies, enhancing the company’s long-term prospects and potential for disruptive advancements;
- Data monetization: The company’s ability to leverage user data for targeted advertising and insights presents a lucrative avenue for revenue generation, supporting sustained profitability.
Cons
- Regulatory scrutiny: Alphabet’s dominance in various tech sectors attracts regulatory attention, potentially leading to increased regulations that could impact its business operations;
- Market dependency: The company’s financial performance heavily relies on its advertising revenue, making it vulnerable to economic downturns that could affect ad spending;
- Valuation concerns: The stock’s valuation might reflect high investor expectations, leaving less room for significant price growth and potentially leading to volatility.
GOOGL stock price today
What to avoid when buying stocks
One of the most common investing mistakes newbies make is not doing enough research, which further leads to poor decisions. However, besides avoiding this, it’s key not to overlook these pitfalls as well:
- Emotional investing: Letting emotions drive your investment choices can result in impulsive actions;
- Overlooking fees: Some brokerage platforms charge fees for trades, so be aware of these costs;
- Putting all eggs in one basket: Diversify your investment portfolio to reduce risk;
- Ignoring long-term goals: Investing should align with your financial objectives, whether short-term or long-term.
Disclaimer: The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk.
FAQs about how to buy YouTube stock
Does YouTube have a stock?
As of now, YouTube has not conducted an IPO, so you cannot directly buy its stock. However, you can invest in Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), the parent company of YouTube.
How much money do I need to start investing?
The amount varies based on the price of the stock and the brokerage platform you choose. Some platforms allow you to start with a small amount, while others may have higher minimum deposit requirements.
Is investing in stocks risky?
Yes, investing in stocks carries risk. Stock prices can be volatile, and there’s a possibility of losing money. It’s important to do your research, invest within your risk tolerance, and consider a diversified portfolio.
Who owns YouTube?
Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, owns YouTube. Google acquired YouTube in November 2006.
What's Youtube's stock symbol?
YouTube does not have its own stock symbol because it is not a publicly traded company. YouTube is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., which trades under the stock symbols GOOGL and GOOG on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
Highly Rated Stock Trading & Investing Platform
-
Invest in 2,800+ stocks and other assets including 70+ cryptocurrencies and commodities.
-
0% commission on buying stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.
-
Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.
-
eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.
