It’s hard to imagine a world without cat videos, makeup tutorials or viral music sensations. But 19 years ago, on April 24th, 2005, the internet witnessed the birth of a giant – YouTube. The very first video uploaded to the platform, a humble 19-second clip titled “Me at the Zoo,” may seem like a relic from the past, but it marks a pivotal moment in online history.
YouTube: where you never know what’s next.
In 2005, Jawed Karim, a co-founder of YouTube, uploaded the video featuring himself at the San Diego Zoo, marveling at the elephants’ trunks. Little did he know this simple act would lay the foundation for a platform that now boasts over 317 million views on that very first video.
The story behind YouTube’s creation is equally fascinating. Originally, the trio behind the platform – Jawed Karim, Steve Chen and Chad Hurley – envisioned a dating website. However, their vision shifted towards user-generated video content, a concept that resonated with the internet masses.
Launched a month before its official debut in May 2005, YouTube quickly rose to prominence as a platform for sharing videos. Its popularity skyrocketed, leading to its acquisition by Google in 2006. Today, YouTube remains a cultural force with a massive headquarters in San Bruno, California.
Also read: Bhuvan Bam Emerges As India’s Wealthiest YouTuber With Net Worth Exceeding ₹100 Crores
But YouTube’s impact extends far beyond entertainment. A recent Pew Research report highlights its dominance among teenagers with nearly one in five using it almost constantly. Over 30% visit the platform several times a day, solidifying its position as a go-to platform for the younger generation.
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