YouTube as a Medium for Accessing Da'wah Information among Students of the Islamic Communication and Broadcasting Department at STAIN Bengkalis

This study aims to analyze the use of YouTube as a medium for obtaining da'wah information among students of the Islamic Communication and Broadcasting Department at STAIN Bengkalis. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the study involved in-depth interviews with ten students from the department. The findings reveal that YouTube, as a video-sharing platform, has become a highly effective medium for conveying Islamic messages, particularly among students. With features such as time flexibility and accessibility, students can access da'wah content anytime and anywhere. Key findings from the research include: (1) Digitalization of Da'wah the digital shift enables students to conveniently seek Islamic content such as Friday sermons or religious lectures by prominent preachers like Ustaz Adi Hidayat and Abdul Somad; (2) Interactivity interactive features such as comment sections and live streams allow for real-time dialogue between preachers and audiences. (3) Media Convergence YouTube integrates various media formats including text, audio, and video, making religious content more engaging. (4) Decentralization and Democratization of Information anyone can become a content creator, contributing to da'wah dissemination. (5) Virtuality and Augmented Reality technology facilitates immersive da'wah experiences through platforms like Zoom and live YouTube sessions. And (6) Social Networking YouTube fosters digital da'wah networks that allow for global dissemination of Islamic messages, particularly by relatable young preachers.