Since its inception in 2005, YouTube has become one of the
most popular and widely used social media platforms. It has transformed from a
platform for music and video streaming to a global communication and community
tool. It has also grown into an educational and entertainment hub.
In the early days of YouTube, the platform was a wholesome
place that welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds to share their videos.
Many of the earliest videos were created by independent creators motivated by
their desire to make art rather than money. In this era, YouTube was not
well-known, but it had a huge audience that loved to see creative ideas come to
life.
During this era, it was easy for anyone to create a
successful video on YouTube. They just needed to have a creative idea that
could catch on with people.
The influx of new content creators in this era was a big
part of the growth of YouTube. This included musicians and cover artists who
started to get a lot of attention on the platform. It also included tutorial
videos, where charismatic hosts would teach practical DIYs or give inspiration
for crafts.
These video content creators quickly became the stars of
YouTube, and they were responsible for millions of views and even merch sales.
However, the power dynamic on YouTube changed dramatically in 2006.
After these creators, there was a group of creators that
started to dominate the platform. These creators were a small group, but they
ruled the platform for years. These creators were incredibly influential and
made their way to the top of YouTube’s popularity chart by using click-bait
content or controversy.
This type of content was very popular during this era and
brought millions of dollars in tours and merch sales. It was also a key way for
the creators to make a living, since they were often paid through ads on their
videos.
With the arrival of smart phones in the late 2000s, it was
possible to easily receive YouTube videos on your mobile device. This led to a
cultural shift in how people used the platform.
Today, YouTube has become an important tool for education
and democracy. It provides free access to a vast library of educational videos,
including Khan Academy, Crash Course and MIT OpenCourseWare. These videos are
often watched by students at a young age, helping them learn crucial subjects
and skills that can help them later in life.
It is also a great way for people to discover new brands and
products, as YouTube is one of the world’s largest marketplaces. In fact, 90%
of users say they find a brand through YouTube.
In the past few years, the platform has evolved to include a
range of additional features that have allowed it to be more than just a video
sharing site. These changes have improved the functionality of YouTube and made
it easier for users to enjoy the content. The website has also been more
interactive with its users and has incorporated social media functions, such as
the ability to upload comments on videos. It has even introduced mobile video
uploading functions to its platform.