what is youtube

YouTube is a global video-sharing platform and social media website founded in 2005. It allows users to upload, watch, like, share, and comment on videos. Users can create their own channels, subscribe to others, and organize videos into playlists. YouTube is accessible on computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Originally intended for sharing home videos, YouTube now hosts a vast array of video content including music videos, educational lectures, movies, TV clips, live streams, and much more. It has become a major part of online culture, providing entertainment, information, and opportunities for users to connect globally. Owned by Google since 2006, YouTube generates revenue primarily through advertising and paid subscriptions such as YouTube Premium, offering an ad-free experience. It is one of the most visited websites worldwide, with billions of active users and massive amounts of new content uploaded every minute. YouTube is free to use, but it also has a version designed specifically for children called YouTube Kids. Users typically must be at least 13 years old (or older depending on regional regulations) to create an account, though anyone can watch videos without signing in. In summary, YouTube is an influential and comprehensive video platform enabling billions of people to share and discover video content across countless topics, interests, and formats. It serves personal, entertainment, educational, and commercial purposes on a global scale.