YouTube’s Milestones: From Gangnam Style to Baby Shark

YouTube has officially turned 20, marking an incredible journey. From its humble beginnings, YouTube has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. This online video platform has witnessed countless iconic moments that have shaped the global entertainment landscape. Notable highlights include the viral sensations ‘Gangnam Style’ and ‘Baby Shark.’

In July 2012, Psy released ‘Gangnam Style.’ This video quickly broke records and became the first to surpass 1 billion views by the end of that year. In a 2022 interview, Psy reflected on this achievement. He noted that while he maintained a consistent style in writing and performance, ‘Gangnam Style’ uniquely resonated worldwide.

Fast forward to November 2015, when SmartStudy uploaded ‘Baby Shark’ under the Pinkfong brand. Initially a simple children’s song, its catchy remixed version released in June 2016 boosted its popularity. By November 2020, it became the most viewed video on YouTube, amassing an astonishing 15.8 billion views. These viral sensations illustrate how YouTube has transformed the music industry and changed global content consumption.

Another remarkable figure in YouTube’s history is MrBeast, known off-screen as Jimmy Donaldson. With over 200 million followers, he creates engaging content focused on philanthropy. His 2021 video, ‘I Spent 456,000 Dollars on Real Life Squid Game,’ inspired by the Netflix series, showcased his unique style. He entertains while contributing to social causes, making him a standout among popular content creators.

The New York Times highlighted pivotal moments in YouTube’s rich history. This includes the first-ever video, ‘Me at the zoo,’ by co-founder Jawed Karim. Justin Bieber’s rise to fame was also largely facilitated by the platform. Reflecting on these transformational 20 years, it is clear that YouTube is more than just a video-sharing site. It serves as a reflection of cultural trends, a launchpad for aspiring creators, and a cornerstone of modern entertainment.

The combined legacies of viral hits like ‘Gangnam Style’ and ‘Baby Shark,’ along with creators like MrBeast, continue to shape YouTube’s narrative. As we celebrate this milestone, we eagerly anticipate the next chapters in YouTube’s story. The future promises even more innovative and groundbreaking moments.

This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.