[@Mesonyx] The biggest thing I'll say about bard is that Bardic Inspiration is your bread and butter. Since it's a bonus action, you can use it pretty frequently (although until lvl 5, you're very limited on number of uses since it recharges on a long rest instead of a short rest... that changes at lvl 5 with Font of Inspiration). However, you want to make sure that you aren't using your bonus actions for other things, like spells or an offhand attack. 

There's a pretty in-depth chapter for how spells work, and each spell explains what exactly you need to cast it (components, casting time, duration, etc). If the spell says Concentration, you may only have one Conc spell active at once, so keep that in mind. You don't want to load up on buff spells that are all Concentration and only be able to cast one at a time. 

Bards generally won't be dealing much damage (or really feel very useful) for the first few levels. However, they get extremely powerful in terms of spells and Inspiration as time goes on. They have access to only one damaging cantrip (lvl 0 spell that you can cast an unlimited number of times). Taking Spell Sniper as a feat would give you the ability to get an additional damaging cantrip and extend your spell range, as well as other useful things. The War Caster feat is also extremely useful if you go College of Valor, as it will allow you to cast spells that have an S component (most of them) with a shield or weapon in your offhand, and gives advantage on Concentration saves (which you would have to roll whenever you take damage while concentrating on a spell - very useful). 

Of course, since you're watching Critical Role, you already know a bard. Scanlan is a Lore bard, and is probably the best example of the stereotypical bard I can think of. Bards are often known for their hedonistic tendencies, and they generally either sing or play an instrument. Since they have a lot of Charisma (needed for their spell casting), they are usually fairly good at Cha-skills like Deception, Persuaasion, Intimidation, etc. They also get the Jack of all Trades ability which means they're pretty decent at almost every skill, unless they have a low ability score for that skill. Generally, they end up having to put the least points in Strength, Intelligence, or Wisdom (not necessarily in that order), so they are often seen as weaker and not the wisest or brightest in the bunch (Scanlan shows that beautifully in several cases). Constitution is useful for Concentration checks and HP, and Dex is useful for several skills, Initiative, AC, and any finesse or ranged weapon's attack and damage. This is all just standard or typical info... feel free to deviate to match your character.