Did you know that on April 23, 2025, YouTube will celebrate its 20th anniversary? This information may not make us feel any younger, but it was indeed in April 2005 that the first video was uploaded to the platform by one of the founders of the online video service that revolutionized how we consume video content. In celebration of this milestone, we invite you to explore a selection of videos that have marked these twenty years of YouTube.
YouTube: Charlie Biting His Brother, Psy (Gangnam Style), Baby Shark, and the First YouTube Video
YouTube has truly transformed the Internet. On April 23, 2005, the first video was uploaded by platform co-founder Jawed Karim. This clip opened the door to a new form of entertainment. The following year, YouTube was acquired by Google for $1.65 billion. Initially, videos were viewed on computers, but YouTube successfully expanded its services to mobile devices. According to the current CEO, YouTube has become “the new television.” The site has also adapted to the rise of TikTok by introducing the Shorts format, which attracts over 2 billion users each month.
In addition to revolutionizing our video consumption, YouTube has fostered a new economy through monetization. Many content creators earn a living from their videos through the YouTube Partner Program.
To celebrate YouTube’s 20th anniversary, we present 15 videos that have shaped the history of the platform and the Internet.
#1 Me at the Zoo – 2005
This is the very first video uploaded to YouTube by Jawed Karim, showcasing him filming himself for 19 seconds at the San Diego Zoo.
#2 Evolution of Dance – 2006
This humorous video chronicles the history of dance and quickly went viral, marking the early years of YouTube.
#3 Charlie Bit My Finger – 2007
In this video, a child holds his younger brother, who bites his finger. This memorable moment garnered over 880 million views!
#4 Gangnam Style – 2012
The musical sensation from Korea, PSY’s Gangnam Style, became the first video to surpass one billion views, prompting YouTube to update its view counter.
#5 Despacito – 2017
The music video by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee smashed view records, accumulating 4 billion views in just 272 days.
#6 Baby Shark Dance – 2020
This children’s song holds the record for the most-viewed video in YouTube history, with over 15 billion views.
#7 Keyboard Cat
Funny and trivial, this video of a cat playing the keyboard became a beloved meme.
#8 David After Dentist
This iconic Internet moment features a young boy questioning life after anesthesia following a dental visit.
#9 Rickroll
Familiar with Rick Astley and his hit “Never Gonna Give You Up”? You’re likely aware of the Internet prank that redirects users to the music video.
#10 Susan Boyle – 2009
Susan Boyle’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent exemplifies how YouTube can unveil unknown talents to the world.
#11 Felix Baumgartner – 2012
In 2012, YouTube live-streamed Austrian Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking jump that broke the sound barrier at Mach 1.25, reaching a speed of 1,357.6 km/h.
#12 MrBeast
This YouTuber represents a new generation of content creators thriving on YouTube, known for his high-budget videos and generous giveaways.
#13 Star Wars Kid – 2002
The first viral video on the Internet was not meant for public viewing. Created by Quebec teen Ghyslain Raza, it featured him mimicking Darth Maul from Star Wars with a tennis racket. The video led to both ridicule and cyberbullying, prompting a discussion on Internet-related issues.
#14 Leave Britney Alone! – 2007
Originally known as Chris Crocker, Cara Cunningham gained fame for her passionate video “Leave Britney Alone!”
#15 Kaizen: One Year to Climb Everest – Inoxtag – 2024
French YouTuber Inoxtag embarks on an expedition to climb Everest, documenting his performance. This video became the fourth most viewed on his channel with 43 million views, earning congratulations from YouTube CEO Neal Mohan.
We do not support or promote any form of piracy, copyright infringement, or illegal use of software, video content, or digital resources.
Any mention of third-party sites, tools, or platforms is purely for informational purposes. It is the responsibility of each reader to comply with the laws in their country, as well as the terms of use of the services mentioned.
We strongly encourage the use of legal, open-source, or official solutions in a responsible manner.
Comments