Do you know what the first ever YouTube video was? It might surprise you to learn that it was not a music video, a movie trailer, or a viral prank. It was actually a very simple and short clip of a guy at the zoo.
Who is the guy at the zoo?
The guy at the zoo is Jawed Karim, one of the co-founders of YouTube. He was 25 years old at the time, and he was visiting the San Diego Zoo with his friend Yakov Lapitsky, who recorded the video using Karim’s camera. The video is titled “Me at the zoo” and it was uploaded on April 23, 2005. It is only 19 seconds long, and it shows Karim standing in front of two elephants, commenting on their long trunks.
Why did he upload the YouTube video?
Karim uploaded the video as a test of the new platform that he and his partners had created. YouTube was launched in February 2005 as a website where anyone could upload and share videos online. Karim wanted to demonstrate how easy and fast it was to upload a video to YouTube, without any editing or special effects. He also wanted to show that YouTube was not just for professional or polished videos, but for ordinary and everyday moments.
What is the impact of the YouTube video?
The video may seem mundane and unremarkable, but it has a huge significance in the history of online media. It was the first step in creating a global community of video creators and viewers, who could express themselves and connect with others through YouTube. It also set the tone for the type of content that would become popular on YouTube, such as vlogs, tutorials, reviews, and reactions. The video has now over 90 million views, and it is considered a historical artifact and a cultural phenomenon.
What does Karim think of the video?
Karim has not uploaded any other videos on his channel since “Me at the zoo”. Also has been mostly out of the public eye, focusing on his education and career. He has occasionally used the video’s description to voice his opinions on YouTube’s policies and changes, such as requiring Google+ accounts for commenting or removing dislikes from public view. Also expressed his pride and gratitude for being part of YouTube’s creation and success.
