Initially struggling after a failed start as a dating site, YouTube faced challenges including costly video streaming and copyright risks similar to Napster. However, after Google’s acquisition in 2006 and the introduction of ad revenue sharing with creators in 2007, YouTube transformed the media landscape with viral moments like the “double rainbows” and the “Ice Bucket Challenge.” By 2024, YouTube earned $36.3 billion in ad revenue and became the most-watched video platform in the U.S., surpassing not only streaming competitors but also cable and broadcast TV. Insights from CEO Neal Mohan and creators like Rebecca Black and Smosh highlight how YouTube continues to redefine television.
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