Learning French on your own: where to start

I’d like to say that the first step in learning a language is to be absolutely clear about why you need it. But let’s assume the ideal starting point: you have a goal, yet you’re torn between textbooks, courses and YouTube lessons.

Here's a list of what you'll actually need to get started.

Choose one tutorial for beginners.

Required with an audio course and answers for self-test. French phonetics and reading rules are something that cannot be neglected. This is important! Find a list of the best French textbooks by link.

Get a grammar workbook.

To practice grammar with exercises and answers.

Subscribe to one, maximum two channels about French on YouTube or another social network.

Don't go crazy with quantity. You'll still watch at most three.

Find one channel with podcasts for beginners and one site with movies.

Here you can find lists with films and cartoons.

Don't try to choose the best textbook or blogger that will make you talk. There are no such people. Often searches become one of the ways to deceive ourselves, creating the appearance of vigorous activity, instead of doing something truly useful. This approach is not for you.

Each textbook has its compilers; they have already thought about the order in which to present the material. Therefore, do not bother your head with unnecessary thoughts - go through all the topics sequentially, complete tasks, test yourself. Or use apps that will do the verification for you. You will find a list of assistant applications here.

I am sure that if you have a goal and you feel personally responsible for the result, then with systematic study it will not take long to arrive, even if you decide to learn the language on your own.

And if you feel that it is difficult for you to organize yourself, select material and prioritize, ask your teacher for help.
You can always take one lesson and then decide which format is best for you.