YouTubevideos

YouTube videos are digital video files hosted on YouTube, a video-sharing platform launched in 2005 and acquired by Google in 2006. They encompass a broad range of content created and uploaded by individuals, organizations, and media companies, and they are the primary unit of content on the platform.

Video formats vary, but most are uploaded as MP4 or WebM and delivered in resolutions from standard definition to 4K. Content categories include music videos, educational tutorials, vlogs, gaming streams, live events, documentaries, and user-generated content. Authors can broadcast live streams or publish prerecorded videos.

Each video has metadata such as title, description, thumbnail, and tags, along with options for captions, languages, and chapters. Creators can use end screens and cards to promote other content, and chapters to segment the video. Videos can be embedded on other sites and made available for offline viewing through YouTube Premium.

Viewer interaction includes likes, comments, shares, and addition to playlists or subscriptions. YouTube uses a recommendation algorithm to surface videos based on watch history and engagement, and creators can monetize videos through the YouTube Partner Program, advertising revenue shares, channel memberships, and other programs.

Copyright protection is managed using Content ID, which helps rights holders identify and manage their content on YouTube. YouTube enforces policies against copyrighted material, hate speech, violence, and other violations, which can result in age restrictions, removals, or channel penalties.

History and impact: YouTube was founded by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim and later acquired by Google. It has become a primary platform for digital video distribution, influencing media, advertising, education, and online culture.