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| “ | Broadcast Yourself | ” |
―YouTube’s old slogan | ||
YouTube is an American video-sharing and social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. It is owned by Google LLC. The platform was founded on February 14, 2005, by former PayPal employees Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim. YouTube is widely used for uploading and viewing videos, with content creators on the platform commonly referred to as "YouTubers." Over the years, the platform has experienced significant growth, with a continuous influx of new videos and the emergence of popular new content creators.
Similar to most streaming services, YouTube imposes restrictions on video length to effectively manage bandwidth and data storage. As a result, many users utilize third-party services to download videos for offline viewing. This practice allows users to access content without an internet connection, providing flexibility in how and when they consume media.
Statistics[]
YouTube boasts over two billion users, making it one of the most visited websites globally. It consistently ranks among the top online sites, with an Alexa ranking of number 2.[1]. The platform is well-known for its subscription feature, allowing users to receive updates from their favorite channels through a personalized feed system.
Join date[]
The channel does not display a join date; however, by accessing the channel's information through the Wayback Machine or viewing its statistics on Social Blade, it appears that the channel was created on December 31, 1969, or January 1, 1970. This is likely a glitch, as YouTube wasn't officially launched until 2005, It Gets Better Project and Google itself wasn't established until 1998, making such a creation date impossible.
Display[]
When YouTube first launched in 2005, it only supported video streaming at a single resolution: 240p. As the platform evolved, it began processing newly uploaded videos in higher resolutions. Today, YouTube supports a wide range of resolutions, including 144p, 240p, 360p, 480p, 720p, 1080p, 1440p, 2160p, 2880p, and 4320p as of 2024. Videos are processed in their original resolution as well as in lower resolutions for accessibility.
Resolutions of 720p and above support 60fps and 50fps, provided the uploaded video is in those frame rates. Videos at 1080p and 1440p are classified as HD, while 2160p, 2880p, and 4320p are labeled as 4K, 5K, and 8K, respectively. Initially, most YouTube videos were encoded using MPEGLA's x264 format. However, YouTube has since transitioned to using the VP9 and AV1 codecs developed by the Alliance for Open Media, to which Google/YouTube is a major contributor.
Ownership[]
YouTube was acquired by Google on November 13, 2006. While some believe this acquisition led to changes in certain policies, the core functionality of the site has largely remained the same. Notably, ads on the platform were removed on October 13, 2022.
New Features[]
Several new features have been added to YouTube in the following years.
- Like/Dislike - Introduced in 2010, this rating system allows users to express their approval or disapproval of videos and comments. It replaced the earlier star rating system. On March 10, 2021, YouTube announced the removal of the public dislike count from videos to "protect creators' mental health" and "reduce dislike attacks." This decision was met with a negative response from the community. The removal of the dislike count was fully implemented on December 13, 2021.
- Insight - This feature provides detailed analytics about your video, including ratings, viewership locations, popularity metrics, and various other breakdowns. It offers insights into where the majority of your viewers are from and helps you understand the overall performance and reach of your content.
- Audio Swap - This feature allows users to add or change the soundtrack on their videos. It serves as an option for creators who receive copyright claims on their content, providing a way to replace copyrighted audio with royalty-free music from YouTube's library.
- Annotations - This feature allowed users to add interactive notes and links to specific parts of their videos. However, due to low usage and incompatibility with mobile devices, Annotations were deprecated as of May 2017. On January 15, 2019, all existing annotations were removed and replaced by End Screens, which provide similar interactive capabilities and are compatible with mobile viewing.
- HD (High-Definition) - Refers to video quality with higher resolution than standard definition. On YouTube, HD typically includes resolutions of 720p and 1080p, providing clearer and more detailed images compared to lower resolutions.
- Widescreen - Refers to an aspect ratio of 16:9, which is the standard for most modern displays and videos, providing a wider viewing area compared to the traditional 4:3 aspect ratio. While 16:9 is commonly used for high-definition content, the 4:3 aspect ratio was more prevalent in older TVs and monitors. Widescreen formats enhance the viewing experience by offering a more cinematic and immersive visual presentation.
- Channels Beta - This was an experimental redesign of YouTube channels introduced to offer a new layout and features. However, it received significant backlash from many users due to its unpopular design and functionality changes. As a result, it faced criticism and was eventually phased out in favor of more familiar and user-preferred channel layouts.
- Ban from YouTube button - This feature allows YouTubers with 1 billion views to block specific users from accessing their content. Once a user is banned, they are unable to view the channel’s videos, participate in livestreams or premieres, access the community tab, or view/write comments on the channel. Although the feature is intended to display a ban message to the blocked user, there are no screenshots or concrete evidence confirming the existence of such a message.
- YouTube Premium: (formerly YouTube Red) - YouTube's subscription service that offers several benefits to its members. These include an ad-free viewing experience, access to videos in 4K resolution (when available), and the ability to download videos for offline viewing, which is useful for travel or commuting. Members also receive early access to new YouTube features. For more information about YouTube Premium, you can visit the YouTube Premium page.
- End Screens - A feature that allows creators to add interactive elements to the final 5-20 seconds of their videos. These elements can include links to other videos, playlists, subscription prompts, and channel promotions. End Screens are accessible on computers, mobile devices, and TVs, providing a more versatile and user-friendly alternative to the deprecated Annotations. Along with Cards, End Screens replaced Annotations in 2017.
- Cards - These are interactive elements that appear as an "i" in a circle on the top-right corner of a video. Cards can feature a variety of content, including links to other channels, playlists, and external websites. YouTubers previously had the option to include polls as cards, but this feature was removed on June 1, 2020. Polls can now be posted through the community tab instead.
- Community Tabs - This feature allows YouTubers to post updates, polls, images, and other content to engage with their audience outside of video uploads. Initially, only channels with over 1,000 subscribers had access to the Community Tab. This threshold was later lowered to 500 subscribers, making it more accessible. In October 2022, YouTube announced that Community Tabs would soon be available to all channels, regardless of subscriber count. Following this announcement, many YouTubers with fewer than 500 subscribers began receiving access to the Community Tab, and it has since been rolled out more broadly.
- Stories - This feature allowed YouTubers to post photos or videos in a 9:16 aspect ratio, which would remain visible on their profile for up to 7 days. Stories were only accessible via mobile devices and were available only to YouTubers with more than 10,000 subscribers. On June 26, 2023, YouTube announced the discontinuation of the Stories feature to shift focus toward Shorts, YouTube's short-form video content.
- YouTube Studio - Launched in 2019, YouTube Studio consolidates features from the previous Video Manager, Dashboard, and Upload tools into a single, unified space. Designed to simplify channel management, YouTube Studio provides a comprehensive platform for creators to handle video uploads, track performance, access analytics, and manage their content more efficiently.
YouTube Services[]
YouTube Premium[]
YouTube Premium (formerly YouTube Red) is YouTube's subscription service offering ad-free streaming, access to YouTube Originals, and background and offline video playback on mobile devices. Initially announced on November 12, 2014, as "Music Key," the service was designed to replace the Google Play Music "All Access" service and focus on music streaming. It was rebranded as YouTube Red on October 28, 2015, expanding to include ad-free access to all videos and exclusive original content.
As of November 2016, YouTube Premium had 1.5 million subscribers, with an additional million on a free trial. By June 2017, the first season of YouTube Originals had accumulated a total of 250 million views.
YouTube Kids[]
YouTube Kids is an American children's video app developed by YouTube, a subsidiary of Google. Created in response to parental and government concerns about content accessibility for children, the app offers a child-friendly version of the service with curated content, parental control features, and filtering to ensure age-appropriate viewing.
First released on February 15, 2015, for Android and iOS mobile devices, the app has since expanded to LG, Samsung, and Sony smart TVs, as well as Android TV. On May 27, 2020, it became available on Apple TV. As of September 2019, YouTube Kids is accessible in 69 countries, including Hong Kong and Macau, and one province. Additionally, a web-based version of YouTube Kids was launched on August 30, 2019.
YouTube Music[]
On September 28, 2016, YouTube appointed Lyor Cohen, co-founder of 300 Entertainment and former Warner Music Group executive, as the Global Head of Music. In early 2018, Cohen began hinting at the forthcoming launch of YouTube's new subscription music streaming service, designed to compete with platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. On May 22, 2018, YouTube Music was officially launched, marking YouTube's entry into the music streaming market.
YouTube Movies & TV[]
YouTube Movies & TV is a video-on-demand service that provides users with the option to purchase or rent movies and television shows, depending on availability. Additionally, it offers a selection of movies for free streaming, supported by intermittent ad breaks. YouTube began offering free-to-view movies in November 2018, with new titles being added and older ones removed on a monthly basis.
In March 2021, Google announced plans to phase out the Google Play Movies & TV app, transitioning users to the Movies & TV store within the YouTube app for viewing, renting, and purchasing content. This transition began with Roku, Samsung, LG, and Vizio smart TV users on July 15. The Google Play Movies & TV service officially shut down on January 17, 2024, with its web version migrating to YouTube's Movies & TV store, which now serves desktop users. Other features of Google Play Movies & TV were integrated into the Google TV service.
YouTube Primetime Channels[]
On November 1, 2022, YouTube launched Primetime Channels, a channel store platform that allows users to purchase third-party subscription streaming services a la carte directly through the YouTube website and app. This service competes with similar add-on stores operated by Apple, Prime Video, and Roku. Users can buy these add-ons through the YouTube Movies & TV hub or via the official YouTube channels of the available services. Subscribers to YouTube TV add-ons available through Primetime Channels can also access content via the YouTube app and website. Initially, 34 streaming services, including Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, Epix, AMC+, and ViX+, were available for purchase.
On August 16, 2023, NFL Sunday Ticket was added to Primetime Channels as a standalone add-on, following a broader residential distribution deal with Google signed in December 2022, which also made the service available to YouTube TV subscribers. Additionally, the ad-free tier of Max was introduced to Primetime Channels on December 12, 2023, aligning with YouTube TV's transition of its separate HBO and HBO Max add-ons into a unified Max offering.
YouTube TV[]
On February 28, 2017, YouTube announced the launch of YouTube TV, an over-the-top MVPD-style subscription service priced at $65 per month for U.S. customers. Initially available in five major markets—New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco—starting April 5, 2017, YouTube TV offers live streaming of programming from the five major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox, and NBC) along with selected MyNetworkTV affiliates and independent stations in certain markets. The service also includes approximately 60 cable channels from companies such as The Walt Disney Company, Paramount Global, Fox Corporation, NBCUniversal, Allen Media Group, and Warner Bros. Discovery, featuring channels like Bravo, USA Network, Syfy, Disney Channel, CNN, Cartoon Network, E!, Fox Sports 1, Freeform, FX, and ESPN.
Subscribers can add premium cable channels (including HBO through a combined Max add-on with in-app and log-in access, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, and MGM+) and other subscription services (such as NFL Sunday Ticket, MLB.tv, NBA League Pass, Curiosity Stream, and Fox Nation) for an additional fee. They also have access to YouTube Premium original content. In September 2022, YouTube TV began allowing customers to purchase most premium add-ons separately from the base package, with the exception of certain services like NBA League Pass and AMC+.
YouTube Go[]
In September 2016, YouTube Go was announced as an Android app designed to improve YouTube access on mobile devices in emerging markets. This app was separate from the main YouTube app and allowed users to download and share videos, preview videos before viewing, share downloaded videos via Bluetooth, and offered enhanced mobile data control and video resolution options.
YouTube Go was launched in India in February 2017 and expanded to 14 additional countries, including Nigeria, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa, in November 2017. It became available in 130 countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, and Iraq, on February 1, 2018. The app reached approximately 60% of the world's population before it was announced for shutdown. Google officially discontinued YouTube Go in August 2022.
YouTube Shorts[]
In September 2020, YouTube announced the beta launch of YouTube Shorts, a platform for creating 15-second videos similar to TikTok. Initially tested in India, Shorts expanded to other countries, including the United States, by March 2021. The international version extended the video length limit to 1 minute. Integrated into the main YouTube app rather than being a standalone app, Shorts offers users built-in creative tools, including the ability to add licensed music to their videos. The global beta launch of YouTube Shorts occurred in July 2021.
YouTube Stories[]
In 2018, YouTube began testing a feature initially called "YouTube Reels," which was similar to Instagram Stories and Snapchat Stories. The feature was later renamed to "YouTube Stories." It was available only to creators with more than 10,000 subscribers and could be posted and viewed exclusively through the YouTube mobile app. On May 25, 2023, YouTube announced that it would be removing YouTube Stories on June 26, 2023.
YouTube Rewind[]
- Main article: YouTube Rewind
YouTube Rewind is a series of annual videos created by YouTube's official channel to highlight significant events and trends from the year. These videos feature popular celebrities from pop culture and YouTube dancing and acting to themes representing the year's trends. The Rewind videos often include a mashup of popular songs from the year, along with visually engaging content filled with Easter eggs.
Originally, YouTube Rewind was highly anticipated as a tribute to creators and viewers alike. However, the series began receiving criticism, particularly after the 2018 Rewind, which was widely disliked for not accurately representing the year's content and trends.
These are all of the YouTube Rewind videos:
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YouTube Rewind was canceled in 2020, making YouTube Rewind 2019 the final installment in the series. The decision to end Rewind was likely influenced by the negative reception of Rewind 2018, which received substantial criticism for not accurately reflecting the year's trends and for its overall execution.
Trivia[]
- Currently, the YouTube channel page does not display a joining date, even though it uses the layout that typically includes this information.
- YouTube Rewind 2018 holds the record for the highest number of dislikes on the platform. It became the most disliked video within six days of its upload and had accumulated over 20 million dislikes as of January 2023.
- The YouTube Spotlight channel frequently interacts with its viewers through the community tab on their channel.
- They are the only non-user generated most subscribed channel.
- Before Google+ shut down in 2019, YouTube Spotlight had the most followers on the platform. The second most followed page was Google+ itself.
- There is a glitch where watching certain videos causes the app to crash, an issue not present in older versions. This problem also affects YouTube Kids.
Channel milestones[]
Subscriber milestones[]
- 100,000 subscribers: January 23, 2010[2]
- 1 million subscribers: January 15, 2013
- 2 million subscribers: March 10, 2013
- 3 million subscribers: March 29, 2013
- 4 million subscribers: April 15, 2013
- 5 million subscribers: May 7, 2013
- 6 million subscribers: May 28, 2013
- 7 million subscribers: June 20, 2013
- 8 million subscribers: July 9, 2013
- 9 million subscribers: July 24, 2013
- 10 million subscribers: August 9, 2013
- 11 million subscribers: August 27, 2013
- 12 million subscribers: September 12, 2013
- 13 million subscribers: September 29, 2013
- 14 million subscribers: October 16, 2013
- 15 million subscribers: November 1, 2013
- 16 million subscribers: November 14, 2013
- 17 million subscribers: November 29, 2013
- 18 million subscribers: December 14, 2013
- 19 million subscribers: December 30, 2013
- 20 million subscribers: January 16, 2014
- 21 million subscribers: February 5, 2014
- 22 million subscribers: March 22, 2014
- 23 million subscribers: July 14, 2015
- 24 million subscribers: February 3, 2016
- 25 million subscribers: December 10, 2016
- 26 million subscribers: December 7, 2017
- 27 million subscribers: December 15, 2018
- 28 million subscribers: December 31, 2018
Decline[]
- Below 28 million subscribers: January 29, 2019
Regrowth[]
- 28 million subscribers: March 14, 2019
- 29 million subscribers: December 9, 2019
- 30 million subscribers: April 8, 2020
- 31 million subscribers: November 13, 2020
- 32 million subscribers: October 3, 2021
- 33 million subscribers: May 1, 2022
- 34 million subscribers: November 3, 2022
- 35 million subscribers: December 17, 2022
- 36 million subscribers: June 8, 2023
- 37 million subscribers: August 22, 2023
- 38 million subscribers: October 15, 2023
- 39 million subscribers: January 6, 2024
- 40 million subscribers: April 10, 2024
- 41 million subscribers: July 22, 2024
Video view milestones[]
- 1 billion views: December 14, 2015
- 2 billion views: December 28, 2019
- 3 billion views: June 10, 2023
Gallery[]
See Icons, iOS Icons, Yoodles for alternate logos and icons.
References[]
