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YouTube is a massive platform, with millions of users and over two decades of content. It has kick-started the careers of countless influencers and set the precedent for modern content creation. But have you ever wondered, “What is the first video on YouTube?” The first one ever posted was by user jawed and is titled “Me at the zoo.”
Who Posted the Video?
The username, “jawed,” belongs to one of YouTube’s co-founders, Jawed Karim. He and his other co-founders, Chad Hurley and Steve Chen, created the platform in February of 2005 after meeting through their shared job at PayPal. He is a software engineer with a master’s degree in computer science from Stanford University. He designed many aspects of YouTube’s program, including the real-time, anti-fraud system.
When the three founded YouTube, Karim took a smaller share in the company so he could serve as an advisor and focus on school. Recently, he has been adding comments to the original video’s description, including remarks about YouTube removing the dislike feature and the dangers of microplastics.
Where Was the Video Filmed?
Karim filmed the video at the San Diego Zoo. Zoos are fun places for learning and interaction, which Karim capitalizes on in the clip. He directs the viewer to the elephant enclosure behind him and makes remarks about the animals’ long trunks. Karim finishes the video with a casual remark that’s all he wanted to say. He leaves some time for comedic pauses and makes relaxed gestures, reminiscent of some types of today’s content.
Nowadays, YouTube video production setups are more elaborate. Many creators film in big cities, such as Los Angeles or New York. Other influencers film in natural areas, like wide-open fields and forests. For more established YouTubers, they have production sets in actual studios, like the one famous podcaster Alex Cooper uses.
What About the Title?
The title “Me at the zoo” is simple, telling viewers exactly what the video will contain. This heavily contrasts the elaborate, sensational titles YouTubers currently use. MrBeast is one of the most popular YouTubers today. His more recent uploads have titles such as “Trapped On An Island Until I Build A Boat” and “Survive 30 Days Stranded With Your Ex, Win $250,000.”
Current YouTubers take a more businesslike approach to creating titles. They use strategic, emotional titles to increase engagement. Many creators are paid by their view count and audience interaction, making clickable titles all the more important.
How Long is the Video?
The video is just 19 seconds long, which is very short compared to today’s long-form, podcast-style vlogs. It resembles the clips you typically see on YouTube Shorts, a relatively new feature that lets users post smaller uploads. It was a technical test of the platform, not designed for lengthy, viral appeal, as most content is today.
You can view it here:
One of the most viral YouTube videos is “Baby Shark Dance” by Pinkfong. It’s a catchy children’s song about a shark family that has inspired many memes. The upload features an ocean-like background, elaborate costumes and some animated elements. While both pieces of content are about animals, “Me at the zoo” is much less high-tech.
Were There Other Videos on the Platform?
Karim’s video and a snowboarding one were uploaded on the same day, April 23, 2005, but “Me at the zoo” is accepted as first. YouTube was merely experimental during this time, not a place for extensively edited productions. Now, there are so many videos on the platform, dating back to 2005. Some examples of content include lengthy fishing trips, people getting ready for events, small animated shows and so many more.
Vlogs are especially popular today. Mostly, users post about what they do throughout the day, but brands have begun paying creators to use their products in these videos as well, highlighting YouTube’s growing marketing appeal. Many people and entire organizations are creating content, unlike the platform’s original, simpler posts.
How Many People Have Viewed the Video Today?
Currently, “Me at the zoo” has views and likes similar to those of the videos you see today. 385 million people have viewed it, and 18 million people have liked it. Its popularity stems from its legacy as the first YouTube video. Although short and simple, it’s an important piece of internet history.
Many subsequent videos have become internet classics. “Charlie Bit My Finger – Again!” was a 2007 upload featuring one young boy biting another’s finger. Audiences loved the brothers’ British accents and line delivery, adding to the overall comedic effect. Another popular series of posts is Vine compilations. Vine was a beloved video platform that shut down. Many people post old Vines on YouTube and give the iconic content a second life.
How Did This Video Change Content?
“Me at the zoo” marked the beginning of the YouTube era today. The platform allows anyone to upload a video of their choosing. In fact, Karim’s clip is remarkably similar to short-form videos you see today. He is making a joke about elephants with comedic timing and a monotone voice, which many creators still do. Nowadays, you would probably see content like this on TikTok or Instagram Reels.
YouTube continues to take advantage of new technology, like Artificial Intelligence. AI has shifted many industries, and content platforms are no exception. The platform has several AI features, including automatically generated summaries. Its videos are crisper, and it even offers YouTube TV, a streaming service.
Content creators have built their entire careers on YouTube. It was many people’s main source of income, including big names like PewDiePie and Markiplier. Without that first test upload, it may not have developed into the lucrative company it is today.
The Influence of One Video
The first YouTube video, a 19-second clip of a man at the zoo, kick-started the booming website that the platform has become. Modern content creation began after “Me at the zoo.” Other platforms, such as TikTok, also dominate the industry, but YouTube remains a classic.
