Remembering the First Youtube Video ‘Me at the Zoo’

On April 23, 2005, the world was introduced to YouTube, a video-sharing platform that has since revolutionized the way we consume media. The platform has gone on to become one of the most visited websites in the world, with over 2 billion monthly active users as of 2021.

The very first video uploaded to the site was a 19-second clip titled “Me at the zoo”, which was posted on April 24, 2005, at 3:31 PM. The video features co-founder Javed Karim standing in front of two elephants at the San Diego Zoo. In the video, Karim talks briefly about the elephants and their long trunks.

The video was shot by Karim’s friend Yakov Lapitsky using Karim’s camera. At the time, Karim was only 25 years old and had recently graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in computer science.

While the “Me at the zoo” video may seem insignificant in comparison to the billions of videos now available on YouTube, it is a significant piece of internet history. It marked the beginning of a new era in media consumption, where anyone with a camera and an internet connection could create and share content with a global audience.

Today, YouTube has become much more than just a platform for sharing videos. It has evolved into a powerful tool for creators and businesses alike, providing a platform for entertainment, education, and advertising. It has given rise to a new generation of internet celebrities and has become an essential part of popular culture.

As we celebrate the 16th anniversary of the first YouTube video, we can reflect on how far the platform has come and how it has changed the way we consume media. It is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of the internet to shape our world in new and exciting ways.