Today, YouTube has over 6 hours of video uploaded every minute, resulting in more original content in one month’s time than the three major US networks have created in the last 6 years. Couple that with 4 billion videos watched each day and 8 million unique visitors per month, and you start to grasp the sheer impact YouTube has had on the entertainment industry.
Since its launch in 25, YouTube has been ahead of the curve and has led the pack with its forward-looking vision. Now, with the announcement of the expansion of their partner program, YouTube continues to lead in the entertainment industry as a source for great original video content.
Here are 7 insights from YouTube’s history, followed by an infographic presenting important events in the company’s history from 25 to today.
7 Insights from YouTube’s History
Early Adopters are Important
The first YouTube channel to hit one million subscribers was the Fred channel, created shortly after YouTube’s launch in 25. In 21, the channel Nigahiga, started in 2006, was the first YouTube channel to break the two million subscriber mark. Recently, however, channels such as Epic Meal Time have broken the one million subscriber mark in less than 1 months.
Figure out How to Build a Strong Base
YouTube quickly found a winning formula by making it easy to upload and watch videos online. By 2007, YouTube’s user base was thriving to the point that it is estimated YouTube consumed the equivalent bandwidth as the entire internet in 2000. With over one trillion views in 2011, YouTube is the 3rd most visited site on the internet, according to Alexa.
Ads in Videos Work
YouTube’s ad program launched in August of 26 and currently serves ads to around 3 billion video views around the globe per week.
Keep Improving Quality Level
The video service first launched support for 720p video in 2008 and 1800p in 2009. Today, ten percent of YouTube’s videos are available in HD. YouTube also licenses thousands of full-length movies from entertainment studies to provide additional high quality content.
Launch a Partner Program
In 27, YouTube launched a partner program with a select group of channels. Today, YouTube has over 3 thousand partners across 27 countries. By providing channels to share in advertising revenue, YouTube was able to increase its own revenue while providing a valuable incentive for the user base. According to YouTube reports, all of the top 1 channels in the partner program make six figures a year.
Invest in Exclusive Content
Over the years, YouTube has invested in people who create great content and operate popular channels. YouTube has also invested and built partnerships with innovative media and talent agencies, such as Maker Studios and Bigfra.me. In 2011, they made a lot of news with their continued investment in original programming for a number of shows and channels.
Integrate with Other Platforms
By integrating with other platforms, YouTube is able to extend its reach and create new revenue streams. In 2011, YouTube integrated with RightsFlow to aid in content licensing and sales. YouTube also integrated with xBox in December 2011. With this move to increase distribution across new platforms and improve content licensing capabilities, YouTube is positioned to really capitalize on their investments in exclusive original content.
Infographic courtesy of NewMedia Rockstars.