YouTube

YouTube, founded on February 14, 2005, by former PayPal employees Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim, is an American online video-sharing and social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. Acquired by Google in November 2006 for $1.65 billion, YouTube has grown into a global powerhouse, becoming the second-most-visited website worldwide, trailing only Google. The platform allows users to upload, view, share, and comment on videos, encompassing a vast array of content categories, including music videos, educational tutorials, live streams, and vlogs. As of January 2024, YouTube boasted over 2.7 billion monthly active users who collectively watch more than one billion hours of video content daily. The platform’s expansive reach and diverse content have made it a central hub for entertainment, education, and information dissemination. Financially, YouTube has demonstrated robust growth, with advertising revenues reaching $31.7 billion in 2023, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. Under the leadership of CEO Neal Mohan, who assumed the role in 2023, YouTube has continued to innovate and expand its services, including the introduction of YouTube Shorts and strategic partnerships in sports broadcasting. Mohan’s leadership was recognized in 2025 when he was named TIME’s CEO of the Year, highlighting his transformative impact on the platform. YouTube’s commitment to supporting content creators, advancing technological capabilities, and addressing content moderation challenges underscores its pivotal role in the digital landscape.