YouTube was founded by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim in 2005 as a response to the challenges they faced in sharing videos online. The trio, who were former PayPal employees, sought to create a straightforward platform that would allow users to upload, share, and view videos without complex processes. Launched on February 14, the site quickly gained traction, attracting a diverse user base eager to share everything from homemade films to music videos. The minimalist design focusing on accessibility made it appealing to both everyday users and aspiring content creators.

Within months, YouTube became a hub for viral content, with users sharing videos that quickly garnered millions of views. The introduction of features like comments, playlists, and video ratings fostered an engaging community that encouraged viewer interaction. With the rise of broadband internet connections and advancements in digital cameras, video creation and consumption became more prevalent, contributing to YouTube's explosive growth.

The platform's success did not go unnoticed, attracting the attention of Google, which acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion in stock in late 2006. This acquisition played a crucial role in solidifying YouTube's position as the go-to destination for video content on the internet. The influence of YouTube expanded beyond entertainment; it became a powerful tool for education, marketing, and social movements, allowing voices from various communities to be heard globally.