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Registration of YouTube Trademark
According to Stumbles (2018), YouTube was founded by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. The platform allowed users to upload, share, and view videos. This marked the beginning of user-generated content on a massive scale. The launch of YouTube democratized media creation and consumption, providing a platform for anyone to share videos globally. It disrupted traditional media distribution models, empowering individuals and smaller content creators. -
First video posted to the site
A very short clip of co-founder Jawed Karim standing near some elephants at the zoo and describing their “really, really long trunks.” The video is appropriately titled “Me at the Zoo” and has since been viewed more than 45 million times. -
Google Acquisition
According to Stumbles (2018), Google acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion. This acquisition brought financial stability to YouTube and provided the platform with resources to expand its infrastructure. It also signaled the increasing importance of online video in the digital landscape. Attracting more content creators and advertisers. YouTube became an integral part of American pop culture, influencing entertainment, education, and social discourse. -
Introduction of Partner Program
YouTube launched its Partner Program, allowing content creators to monetize their videos through ads. This move attracted more creators to the platform and contributed to the rise of professional content production on YouTube. The Partner Program contributed to the rise of YouTubers as influential figures. It demonstrated that online content creation could be a legitimate profession, influencing how individuals perceive career opportunities in the digital age. -
Earning even more widespread recognition
With the 111th U.S. Congress launching its official Congressional YouTube channels in January 2009, many American citizens gained access to the government like never before, and YouTube became mainstream. The Vatican followed the lead and launched its own YouTube channel a month later (Stumbles, 2018). This move aligned with the broader trend of political engagement shifting to online platforms, influencing how Americans consume and participate in political discourse. -
1080p HD Support
By November 2009, YouTube introduced support for 1080p high-definition (HD) videos, enhancing the viewing experience. This technological advancement marked YouTube's commitment to improving video quality and catering to the growing demand for higher-resolution content. Higher-quality videos on YouTube became a standard, influencing viewer expectations across various digital platforms. This shift contributed to the broader trend of consuming media in high definition. -
YouTube Live Launch
YouTube ventured into live streaming with the launch of YouTube Live. This allowed content creators to engage with their audiences in real time and opened up new possibilities for live events, performances, and interactive broadcasts. Live streaming on YouTube became a popular form of entertainment, fostering a sense of immediacy and connection. It influenced how events, performances, and news were consumed, emphasizing real-time interactions. -
Reached its first one billion-hit video
The Korean pop artist’s video for ‘Gangnam Style’ brought in more than 1.3 billion views on YouTube, becoming its #1 most-watched clip. “Gangnam Style” had so many views that it “broke” YouTube. This highlighted the platform's immense popularity and influence in the American media landscape. Advertisers also recognized the potential of reaching a massive audience through online video, leading to a reevaluation of advertising budgets and priorities. -
Launch of YouTube Red
This subscription service provides advertisement-free access to YouTube content. It became YouTube Premium in 2018. This move marked a moment in YouTube history that aimed to allow access to viewers who wanted to pay to experience ad-free videos. -
Rebranding of YouTube Red as YouTube Premium
On May 17, 2018, YouTube announced the rebranding of the YouTube Red service as YouTube Premium. At the same time, YouTube announced the return of the YouTube Music subscription service in a new version. The impact on American media was the creation of a new player in the original content market, contributing to the ongoing transformation of the entertainment industry. It also positioned YouTube as a serious contender in the streaming industry. -
YouTube unveils Video Reach platform
YouTube launches a new ad service, featuring AI for advertising campaigns. Advertisers will no longer focus on managing individual categories. The AI-driven Video Reach campaigns platform may influence how users consume media on YouTube. With more tailored and relevant ads, users might experience a more seamless integration of advertising into their viewing experience, potentially impacting their perceptions of online advertising. -
YouTube begins to phase out the use of categories
The use of categories on YouTube has started losing relevance since they were created in times when algorithms weren’t as complex and intuitive as they are today. Back then, YouTube needed the users’ help to classify where their videos should appear. Now the algorithm takes care of categorizing videos and showing them to people who would be most likely to engage with the content (Stumbles, 2018). -
YouTube is ranked as the second most popular social network worldwide
YouTube maintains dominance as a video social media platform. According to statista.com, YouTube ranks currently as the second most-used platform, with 2.5 billion monthly active users (Stumbles, 2018). YouTube has become a significant influencer in shaping popular culture. YouTube's global reach has contributed to cultural globalization. American content creators can reach international audiences, and conversely, American audiences can access content from around the world.