This week marked 20 years since the first video was uploaded to YouTube.
The platform was founded on 14 February 2005 by Jawed Karim, Steve Chen and Chad Hurley.
The first video to be posted on the site was titled ‘Me at the Zoo’. It was uploaded on 23 April 2005 and features Karim in front of the elephant exhibit at San Diego Zoo. Today, it has more than 355 million views.
Here, we have rounded up our favourite advertisements from the platform.
Birthday
In this offering, the social media giant celebrates its 20th birthday in style.
It features popular memes, moments and creators from the past 20 years, including the Rick Roll, Gangnam Style, BTS and Carpool Karaoke.
What moment do you remember best?
Covid 19
YouTube was one of the many platforms educating audiences on the benefits of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The series ‘Get Back to what you love’ encouraged viewers to get the vaccine so they could protect their loved ones.
It shows everyday people partaking in the activities they loved and the things they missed out on during lockdown, such as surprise parties and visiting the grandchildren.
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YouTube Rewind
YouTube Rewind used to round up the year on YouTube. The series was officially discontinued in 2021, but the last rewind was published in 2019.
This edition is from 2016 and features popular trends from the year, including ‘Dabbing’, Game of Thrones Hodor, and popular songs such as The Chainsmokers ‘Closer’ and Beyonce’s ‘Hold Up’.
YouTube Fashion
Our next instalment shows that YouTube sets fashion trends as well as internet ones.
The advert shows YouTube is the place to go for all your fashion updates, from the latest trends on the catwalk, to finding your next fashion inspiration.
The ad featured the biggest names in fashion at the time, including model Karlie Kloss and actress Sophie Turner.
There was even a blink and you might miss it cameo from US Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
