YouTube Turns 20 With 20 Billion+ Videos

Can you believe YouTube is 20 years old? What started as a grainy 19-second clip called “Me at the Zoo” has exploded into a cultural phenomenon — now home to over 20 billion videos. From music drops and makeup tutorials to conspiracy theories and cooking hacks, YouTube has become more than a platform — it’s the global stage. And South Africa? We’ve been right there in the spotlight, lighting it up in our own bold and beautiful way.

“YouTube is where South Africans go to be seen, heard, and felt,” says Kabelo Makwane, Google’s Country Director for South Africa. “We’re storytellers by nature — through music, dance, language, humour, and authenticity — and we’ve helped make this platform what it is today.”

It’s true. From kasi street dancers going viral to powerful voices reshaping global music trends, South Africa’s YouTube presence has been loud, proud, and unstoppable. In fact, 89% of South Africans say YouTube is their most loved video platform. That same number also trust the creators who make it all happen. That’s not just engagement — it’s a relationship built on love and loyalty.

To celebrate the big 2-0, YouTube is throwing a global birthday bash — and everyone’s invited. Look out for:

🎂 A limited-edition YouTube logo honoring its Bay Area roots

🎉 A fun birthday-themed progress bar and animation when you hit the “like” button

🎮 A celebratory welcome screen for Playables users

🎁 Special birthday gifts you can send to creators during livestreams (yes, even digital cake and party hats)

Feeling nostalgic? Try typing “bday” on the desktop watch page for a quirky YouTube Easter egg.

But it’s not just party tricks. YouTube is also rolling out some slick new features:

• A 4x playback speed for Premium users who love to zoom through content
• A fresh new TV experience dropping later this year
• And little-known feature tips from across YouTube’s 20-year history to make your binge-watching even better

This milestone is more than a look back — it’s a leap forward. And for creators in Mzansi, it’s another signal to dream big.

“As we look ahead,” says Makwane, “we’re deeply thankful for our South African community — the creators, the viewers, the educators, the fans. Your energy, passion and creativity are at the heart of YouTube’s success, and we can’t wait to see what the next 20 years bring.”

So here’s to 20 years of rewinds, uploads, and unforgettable moments. And to South Africa — the country that doesn’t just watch the culture, we create it.