The experience and knowledge that a new trader can gain by actually trading will definitely be much deeper and more effective, you can never gain deep and effective knowledge by reading books or watching videos, which you can gain through real trading first. However, one thing is definitely important that after gaining general knowledge in the initial stage, you have to do real trading with a limited amount of money. Because general knowledge must be gained, there is no alternative to gain general knowledge in the first stage, only after general knowledge will you move towards gaining deep knowledge.
There are two aspects of trading for newcomer, first is to learn and second is to practically start trading. I would advise everyone to start trading only after getting basic knowledge about trading. Once you have basic knowledge and understanding of trading you can jump with small money or money you can afford to lose. In start ever trader made mistakes that's why it's important to keep initial capital very small, secondly one must not get disappointed with initial loses as they are life lessons that can help in becoming a successful trader.