Founding of YouTube
YouTube was founded by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim in February 2005. The site was initially developed as a platform for users to upload, share, and view videos.
2005
2005
First Video Uploaded
The first video, titled "Me at the zoo," was uploaded by co-founder Jawed Karim on April 23, 2005. The 19-second video features Karim at the San Diego Zoo.
2006
Google Acquires YouTube
In November 2006, Google acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion in stock. This acquisition allowed YouTube to expand its infrastructure and user base significantly.
2007
YouTube Partner Program Launch
YouTube launched the YouTube Partner Program, enabling content creators to monetize their videos through advertisements, thus encouraging more high-quality content.
2008
Introduction of HD Video
YouTube introduced support for high-definition (HD) video, allowing users to upload and view videos in higher quality.
2009
YouTube's First Major Redesign
YouTube underwent its first major redesign to improve user experience, including a new homepage layout and enhanced video discovery features.
2010
Launch of YouTube Leanback
YouTube Leanback was introduced, offering a simplified, TV-like viewing experience optimized for larger screens and remote controls.
2011
YouTube Live Streaming
YouTube launched its live streaming service, allowing users to broadcast live events and interact with viewers in real-time.
2012
Introduction of YouTube Channels Redesign
YouTube rolled out a significant redesign of its channels, focusing on a cleaner layout and better organization of content to enhance user engagement.
2013
YouTube Acquires Rights to Stream Major Events
YouTube secured the rights to stream major events, including the Coachella music festival, expanding its live streaming capabilities and audience reach.
2014
Launch of YouTube Music Key
YouTube introduced Music Key, a subscription service offering ad-free music videos and offline playback, which later evolved into YouTube Music.
2015
YouTube Red Subscription Service
YouTube launched YouTube Red, a subscription service providing ad-free viewing, original content, and offline video access, which was later rebranded as YouTube Premium.
2016
Introduction of 360-Degree and VR Videos
YouTube began supporting 360-degree and virtual reality (VR) videos, allowing users to experience immersive content through compatible devices.
2017
YouTube TV Launch
YouTube launched YouTube TV, a live TV streaming service offering access to major broadcast and cable networks, catering to cord-cutters.
2018
YouTube Stories Feature
YouTube introduced the Stories feature, allowing creators to share short, ephemeral videos with their audience, similar to Instagram Stories.
2019
YouTube Originals Made Free
YouTube made its original programming, previously exclusive to YouTube Premium subscribers, available for free with ads, expanding its audience reach.
2020
YouTube Shorts Launch
YouTube launched Shorts, a feature for creating and sharing short, vertical videos, to compete with platforms like TikTok.
2021
Introduction of YouTube Super Thanks
YouTube introduced Super Thanks, a feature allowing viewers to tip creators directly on their videos, providing an additional revenue stream for content creators.
2022
YouTube Handles Introduced
YouTube introduced Handles, a unique identifier for each user, making it easier to find and connect with creators and other users on the platform.
2023
Expansion of YouTube Shopping
YouTube expanded its shopping features, integrating more e-commerce capabilities to allow creators to sell products directly through their videos and live streams.
