How to Learn English with Your Favorite YouTube and Netflix Videos
If you've been studying English for a while, you've probably hit a wall at some point—that feeling of "I've studied so hard, but I still feel like I don't know anything."
"I know the grammar and vocabulary, but when I'm in front of a native speaker, I can't understand what they're saying and can't speak either."
The most effective breakthrough at this point is video content-based English learning!
Why Video-Based English Learning is Effective
When you study English with video content, your brain processes language not as a "problem" but as a "medium full of information, emotions, and context."
- Real Language Exposure
Unlike artificial textbook English that focuses only on key expressions, English in dramas and YouTube contains the actual speed, intonation, omissions, and emotions of native speakers. - Context-Based Understanding
Instead of short example sentences, each word and expression comes with the situation, facial expressions, and narrative in the video, making it stay in your memory longer. - Sustainability
Instead of "forced studying," you encounter English through "interesting videos," allowing you to continue learning for a long time.
In summary, learning English through videos not only helps you acquire more natural and rich expressions but also makes learning English more enjoyable!
How to Study English with Dramas and YouTube Videos
Dual Subtitles
The most basic yet powerful way to study English with video content is dual subtitles—showing both English and your native language subtitles simultaneously.
Try this approach
- Start by enjoying the video comfortably with English + native language dual subtitles.
- Once you're familiar, watch with English subtitles only to get used to English expressions.
- Finally, watch without subtitles to build your listening skills!
The point of dual subtitles isn't "checking translations" but
👉 Building the ability to instantly connect expressions in the video with their meanings.
To watch YouTube or Netflix with dual subtitles, you need to use an extension or app that provides dual subtitle functionality.
Using the Chrome extension (PC) or mobile app (iOS, Android) provided by Langflix, you can easily watch YouTube and Netflix with dual subtitles and learn unfamiliar words and idioms.
Shadowing
Shadowing is a learning method where you watch a video while repeating exactly what the characters say, like a shadow.
By training listening and speaking simultaneously, you can naturally internalize pronunciation, intonation, and expressions all at once—a method recommended by many English education YouTubers and influencers!
BTS RM and actress Han Hyo-joo have also said they learned English through dramas and foreign news videos, showing just how effective shadowing can be!
Shadowing isn't difficult!
- Play one sentence from the video.
- Listen to the audio and immediately repeat the expression exactly.
- Don't just read the lines—try to mimic the intonation, rhythm, and stress!
Tips
- Don't try to be perfect from the start
- Prioritize rhythm and breathing over pronunciation accuracy
Shadowing isn't simply about memorizing lines or correcting pronunciation—
It's training to create a circuit for speaking English without thinking!
The great advantage of shadowing is that you can try it immediately on YouTube or Netflix without complex preparation.
If you plan to collect your favorite expressions and videos for serious shadowing practice, it's effective to use services like Langflix that provide expression bookmarking and shadowing features.
Learning Expressions and Culture
The biggest advantage of video-based English learning with YouTube and Netflix is undoubtedly being able to learn "expressions and culture actually used by native speakers"!
- "That's on me."
- "Status quo"
- "One in a million"
Expressions that are ambiguous about which situation or relationship to use them in when simply memorized
can be learned accurately in content because you understand them along with tone, facial expressions, and context.
No more worrying before speaking, "Is it okay to use this expression in this situation?"
With video-based learning, you'll naturally understand:
- When to use these expressions
- What emotional nuance each expression conveys
However, for those unfamiliar with English-speaking culture, it's not easy to understand cultural background or humor embedded in sentences just by looking at subtitles.
Using English learning apps (like Langflix) that provide expert comment features explaining the context within the video as a supplement can maximize the effectiveness of studying English through videos.
YouTube Content-Based English Learning Services
-
Langflix
- Translation AI-based high-quality YouTube dual subtitles
- Word and idiom highlighting, save features
- View example sentences of words and idioms used in other videos
- Create learning content from any YouTube video you want
- Various practice features including writing quizzes and shadowing
-
Language Reactor
- Dual subtitles for YouTube videos (using YouTube auto-generated subtitles)
- Sentence-by-sentence repeat playback, word saving
- Chrome extension format
-
YouGlish
- Feature to search for YouTube videos where specific expressions are used
- Helpful for comparing pronunciation and intonation
Netflix-Based English Learning Services
-
Langflix
- Netflix dual subtitles and word, idiom highlighting, save features
- Expert comment feature explaining context within the video
- View example sentences of words and idioms used in other videos
- Various practice features including writing quizzes and shadowing
-
Language Reactor
- Dual subtitles, sentence repeat, word saving also supported on Netflix
- Scene-by-scene shadowing feature
- Large Reddit-style user community
Conclusion
The biggest advantage of learning English with your favorite videos is clear:
Not seeing English as a painful subject to study, but absorbing it as 'content' you already consume.
Just by adding tools that enhance learning effectiveness through dual subtitles and shadowing practice to the content you already enjoy daily,
one YouTube video or one drama episode becomes a practice ground that pushes your English listening and speaking skills forward.
What matters isn't "how much you studied" but
how long and naturally you've kept English by your side.
Langflix supports 8 languages including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and more. Try it now on the App Store and Play Store!
