yt

YT is the abbreviation for YouTube, an American online video platform and social media service that enables users to upload, watch, rate, share, comment on, and create playlists of videos. It hosts a wide range of content, including entertainment, education, news, and user-generated material. The service also supports live streaming and short-form videos through YouTube Shorts, as well as music streaming via YouTube Music, and offers a personalized recommendation system.

YouTube was created in 2005 by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. It launched in February 2005 and quickly grew as a user-driven video site. Google acquired YouTube in 2006 for about $1.65 billion in stock, integrating it into Alphabet. The platform operates globally, offering content in many languages and regional variations.

Core features include user channels, subscriptions, comments, video uploads, and a robust search and recommendation system. It uses Content ID and other tools to enforce copyright and Community Guidelines. Monetization is available through the YouTube Partner Program, which shares ad revenue with eligible creators, as well as through channel memberships, Super Chat for live streams, and YouTube Premium.

Impact and governance: YouTube has influenced media, entertainment, education, and advertising by enabling direct creator-audience access. It faces ongoing debates over content moderation, misinformation, privacy, and copyright, and is subject to regional laws and platform policies.