In the previous subchapter, we looked at official resources (documentation and Skill Builder), perfect for accurate information and structured training. But not all learning has to be “studying.” There are more lightweight, enjoyable, and comfortable ways to stay up to date and keep learning almost without realizing it: YouTube and podcasts. These are informal but extremely valuable resources that fit into the gaps in your day and keep you naturally connected to the cloud world.

There is formal learning (courses, documentation) and informal learning, which happens while you watch an interesting video or listen to experts chat. This second type is more relaxed but just as useful: it gives you ideas, context, news, and tips without the effort of formal study. And, above all, it fits into your life without needing dedicated time blocks.

YouTube is full of excellent (and free) content about AWS and the cloud: service explanations, step-by-step tutorials, demos, conference talks... Seeing someone do something or visually explain a concept can clarify things that are harder to grasp in text.

💡 The official AWS channel on YouTube publishes tons of content, including re:Invent talks (AWS’s big annual conference, where the most important news is announced). There are also great independent educators who explain AWS in a very didactic way.

Analogy: YouTube is like having access to infinite free master classes from teachers all over the world. Some are gentle introductions, others are advanced expert talks; you can choose what you need at any moment, pause, repeat... It’s like an open, free university, available whenever you want.

Podcasts are audio shows (like on-demand radio programs) about technology, cloud, AWS... Their big advantage is that you can listen to them while doing other things: walking, commuting, exercising, cooking. They turn dead time into learning time, with no extra effort.

They’re ideal for:

• Staying up to date with news and trends effortlessly.
• Learning from the experience of professionals who share how they solve real problems.
• Making use of times when you couldn’t read or watch a video.

💡 There are official AWS podcasts and many independent ones about the cloud and DevOps, in English and also in Spanish. Look for some, try several, and stick with the ones that give you the most and best fit your level.

⚠️ A balance tip: these resources are great for staying up to date and discovering things, but remember that the best way to learn is by building (like the projects in Chapter 33!). Don’t fall into just “consuming” content without ever practicing. The ideal balance: learn and get inspired with videos and podcasts, and then apply it by building your own projects.

Real-world example: someone with a job and little free time wants to keep growing in the cloud after the book, but finds it hard to carve out time to “sit down and study.” They find the solution in informal learning: they listen to AWS podcasts during their daily commutes (so, with no extra effort, they stay up to date with news and learn from the experiences shared by experts), and on weekends they watch YouTube videos on topics that interest them or tutorials on things they want to build. Without dedicating formal study blocks, they accumulate knowledge and stay connected to the industry. When something especially inspires them, they put it into practice with a small project. That combination of constant informal learning and occasional practice allows them to keep growing despite their lack of time.

• Not all learning is “sitting down to study”: informal learning (videos, podcasts) is relaxed but very valuable, and complements formal learning. It fits into your life without needing dedicated time blocks.
• YouTube: free and excellent content about AWS (tutorials, visual explanations, re:Invent talks, the big annual event). Like having infinite free master classes. 💡 The official AWS channel and good independent educators.
• Podcasts: you learn by listening while doing other things (walking, commuting, gym...), turning dead time into learning. Ideal for staying up to date and learning from experts’ experience. Available in English and Spanish.
• ⚠️ They’re great for staying up to date, but the best way to learn is by building (Ch. 33): don’t just “consume” content, apply it with your projects.

In the next subchapter, we’ll look at a resource that offers something videos and podcasts can’t: connecting with other people. We’ll talk about communities.