YouTube celebrates 20 years

YouTube is celebrating its 20-year anniversary since its first 19-second video was uploaded to the platform.

To date, over 20 billion videos have been uploaded on YouTube, which includes videos, music clips, Shorts, and podcasts.

YouTube arrived in South Africa 15 years ago and Kabelo Makwane, Google South Africa’s Country Director says: “South Africans inherently value music, dance, self-expression, and authenticity. As both users and creators, we have been integral to YouTube’s impressive journey for the last fifteen years, since YouTube was officially launched in the country, fostering a creative and dynamic community.”

The company says there’s a deep connection between South Africans and YouTube, represented in love and trust.

A whopping 89% of South Africans agree that YouTube is the video service they love the most. The same 89%  agree that YouTube creators’ content is trustworthy, shared the company in a media release.

For its 20-year anniversary, YouTube is rolling out a series of festive features and fun surprises for its global community.

• It includes an introduction of a new, limited YouTube logo in honour of the 20th year anniversary, a subtle nod to YouTube’s Bay Area beginnings, it said.
• Users might also spot some birthday cheer on select videos with a special birthday-themed scrubber and animation when they hit that like button.
• And for those on their desktop, they can try typing ‘bday’ anywhere on the watch page for a quick blast from the past.
• Playables users will be greeted with a celebratory welcome screen, setting the perfect mood before diving into their favorite games.
• For a limited time, users can even send some birthday love directly to their favorite creators with special birthday gifts, like a slice of cake or a party hat, available during livestreams.

YouTube will also roll out new features, such as a 4x playback speed for YouTube Premium members; and a refreshed TV viewing experience (easier navigation, playback, quality tweaks, plus streamlined access to comments, channel info, and subscribing).

YouTube fun facts

• On average, there are over 20 million videos uploaded daily to YouTube.
• It’s not just YouTube celebrating a birthday this year. Both YouTube Music and YouTube Kids are turning 10.
• In 2024, YouTube users averaged over 100 million comments on videos on a daily basis, and creators hearted comments from an average of 10 million viewers every day.
• Last year, on average, YouTube videos received over 3.5 billion likes from users per day.
• More than 300 music videos on YouTube are in the billion views club, but did you know that the five fastest music videos to hit the milestone are: Adele – Hello (88 days); Ed Sheeran – Shape of You and Luis Fonsi – Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee (tied at 97 days); J Balvin, Willy William – Mi Gente (103 days); ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT. (105 days).
  via the Google Blog

“As YouTube embarks on its next chapter, we extend our sincere gratitude to the vibrant community in South Africa for their unwavering support, creativity, and passion. Your contributions have been invaluable to the platform’s growth and success, and we look forward to many more years of connection, innovation, and shared experiences together,” concludes Makwane.