Seeking castling advice

I was taught castling, so long ago, as an "emergency" move. I wasn't even taught the moves properly (which I was able to learn yesterday in the video lessons.)

The impression I am forming now is that castling is almost a must (or should be in a proper strategy.)

I'd like some comments on the proper use of castling- do you use it every game, is it the top priority in the beginning of the game, is one side or the other more advantageous, etc? I'd love to see a video dedicated to the topic if anyone feels up to the task.

Thank you for your time.

Castling is one of the three golden rules.
These are three of the most important guide lines to maintain during a chess game.

1. Pawns in the center
It is important to place atleast one pawn in the center.
2. Develop ur pieces.
3. Bring ur king in safety.
Basically this mean in 99% of all games to castle.
Castling gives your king safety.

So basically it is important. Your king must always be safe. And most time the way to protect ur king is by castling. Rather too early then too late for beginnining players I think.

Castling gets your king away from the center (where's all the heat of the battle). Leaving your king on the center when it's going to be opened can lead to some nasty tactics.

Castling is a must in almost every game. It follows basic opening principles, bringing your king to safety. And generally the king is most safe on the wing behind a row of pawns. This goes for both sides and is quite a high priority. 

An old saying: Castle quick and castle often (of course you can only castle once, but it emphesises the fact that you need to castle!)

1 in 1,000 games castling won't be advantageous early on, and even in that game castling won't be especially bad.

Do it.