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Youtube was founded
YouTube was founded by three former PayPal employees—Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim. Before YouTube, there were no good online video-sharing platforms. So, they made a plan to create a website where people could share online recordings of their experiences.
The original idea was a video dating site called "Tune In,Hook Up". It was meant for users to share videos of themselves talking about the kind of partner they wanted. This idea was quickly abandoned and became the YouTube we know. -
First ever Youtube video was uploaded
On April 23, 2005, Jawed Karim uploaded the first-ever YouTube video, "Me at the Zoo,". -
First million view video
The viral video that contributed to YouTube breaking this record was a Nike advertisement depicting Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho collecting his Golden Boots. In September 2005, the video received its first million views. -
Rapid Growth
By the end of 2005 (roughly November), YouTube’s beta version was attracting millions of users, as it allowed anyone to easily upload, share, and watch videos without needing technical expertise. -
Officially emerged from beta
On December 15, 2005, the site officially emerged from beta. Due to Sequoia Capital’s $3.5 million investment, YouTube launched its website by strengthening its servers and expanding its bandwidth. -
Content Verification Program
YouTube started its Content Verification Program after a copyright violation claim by NBC. -
Google acquires Youtube
Google purchases YouTube for $1.65 billion in stock, recognizing its massive growth potential. This acquisition provided the infrastructure and resources needed to scale the platform globally. -
YouTube Partner Program launch
YouTube launched its Partner Program, enabling content creators to monetize their videos through ad revenue. This transformed YouTube from a hobbyist platform into a viable career option for creators. Therefore, some individuals have made six-figure salaries via YouTube by converting their interests into a career. -
Localization Efforts
YouTube launched localized versions of its platform in various countries, including Brazil, Japan, and the UK, allowing it to cater to international audiences. -
High definition videos (2008 - 2009)
YouTube introduced HD video streaming, starting with 720p and later 1080p, meeting the growing demand for higher-quality content. -
Launching YouTube Live
Live-streaming was introduced, and thus, YouTube began broadcasting concerts, royal weddings, news, and the Olympics. -
First billion-hit video
“Gangnam Style” was YouTube’s most-watched video until June 2020, when “Despacito” topped it with 6.8 billion views. Also, YouTube “broke” from “Gangnam Style” views. The view counter was modified to a 64-bit integer to record values more significant than 32 bits. -
Music Key is introduced
In 2014, YouTube introduced Music Key, allowing users to stream ad-free music and watch official music videos. This marked the beginning of its focus on competing with Spotify and Apple Music. -
YouTube Red launch
YouTube Red offered ad-free viewing, exclusive original content, and offline playback. It was the precursor to YouTube Premium. -
Content Moderation changes
The platform faced scrutiny over controversial content, leading to the "Adpocalypse," where advertisers pulled out due to ads being displayed on inappropriate videos. This forced YouTube to implement stricter monetization policies. -
YouTube headquarters shooting
38-year-old Nasim Najafi Aghdam shot down the YouTube headquarters. She killed herself after injuring three people, one seriously. -
YouTube Premium
On May 17, 2018, YouTube rebranded YouTube Red to YouTube Premium. YouTube also relaunched its YouTube Music subscription service. -
YouTube launches Video Reach.
YouTube introduces AI-powered ads. At Advertising Week in New York, its new Video Reach marketing platform employs machine learning to find the best ad combinations. Advertisers will stop controlling categories which leads to better outcomes, ad format flexibility, better audience engagement and reach, and cheaper advertising expenditures. -
YouTube eliminates categories
YouTube categories become less relevant as algorithms get more complicated and understandable. YouTube relied on people to categorize videos back then. So, they got rid of this inefficient system and now use advanced technology for the algorithm. -
YouTube shorts launched
In response to TikTok’s explosive popularity, YouTube launched Shorts, a feature for 15-60 second videos. Shorts quickly gained traction, garnering billions of daily views. -
Present
YouTube now focuses on:
- AI and Accessibility. Features like multi-language audio tracks and AI-powered editing tools to make the platform more inclusive and creator-friendly.
- Creator Economy. Offers the most robust monetization options compared to competitors like TikTok and Instagram.
- Sustainability Initiatives. YouTube began highlighting sustainability, offering carbon-neutral initiatives for streaming and promoting content related to environmental awareness.