YouTube celebrates 20 years with new features

YouTube, the world’s largest video-sharing platform, has marked its 20th anniversary since the first-ever video—“Me at the zoo”—was uploaded in April 2005. To celebrate this digital milestone, the company unveiled a set of new features, revealed compelling user statistics, and highlighted some lesser-known tools that continue to shape the user experience across the globe.

Over the past two decades, YouTube has transformed from a startup curiosity to an internet cornerstone. As of 2024, the platform boasts some truly staggering figures. According to Viraj Manesh, YouTube’s Senior Product Manager, users now upload over 20 million videos each day. In the same year, the site saw more than 100 million daily comments, while creators “hearted” comments from around 10 million viewers daily—a testament to the scale and engagement of the YouTube community.

One subtle but symbolic change also arrived this year: for the first time, viewers may now see the label “20 years ago”beneath older videos—an indication of the platform’s impressive longevity in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

Among the biggest announcements are a range of upgrades for YouTube TV and Premium subscribers, aimed at enhancing both entertainment and usability. YouTube TV, which already offers a broad array of live content, is expanding its multiview feature beyond sports, allowing users to watch multiple channels at once, including fan favorites like ESPN and Food Network.

Another anticipated addition coming in 2025 is the voice reply to comments feature. Creators will soon be able to respond to their viewers’ messages using voice messages, making interactions more personal and dynamic.

For YouTube Premium and Music subscribers, personalization is a key focus. Users on both iOS and Android can now create mood-based personalized radio stations by simply describing how they feel. Although currently limited to English, the feature marks a notable step forward in AI-driven content curation.

Playback experience is also seeing improvements. Premium users on mobile can now increase playback speeds up to 4x, catering to fast-viewers or those reviewing content in detail. Meanwhile, long-pressing the video screen on mobile will instantly activate 2x speed playback, making content consumption quicker and more intuitive.

YouTube also used its anniversary to remind users of some under-the-radar tools that have been quietly shaping the experience behind the scenes. One standout feature for Android users is the Song Search by humming or singing—a clever way to identify tunes stuck in your head without needing lyrics or artist names.

Additionally, the app now offers a screen lock function to prevent accidental touches during playback, as well as a sleep timer to auto-stop videos during bedtime viewing. These practical tools add a layer of user-friendliness often overlooked in favor of flashier updates.

In a playful nod to the occasion, YouTube also temporarily added a cake icon on the video progress bar—an Easter egg for long-time fans commemorating two decades of video history.

While many social platforms rise and fall, YouTube continues to evolve—adapting to shifting viewer habits and advancing technologies. With AI-powered features, growing personalization, and tools that cater to both casual watchers and professional creators, the platform shows no signs of slowing down.

As YouTube enters its third decade, its focus remains clear: blending innovation with community, ensuring that both creators and viewers find value, engagement, and entertainment in every click.