YouTube: From Startup Idea to Global Video Giant

How a Smart Brand Name Combiner and User-First Vision Transformed Online Video Forever

YouTube was founded on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2005, by former PayPal employees Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim. What started as a small experiment soon evolved into one of the most influential digital platforms in history.

Originally, YouTube was conceived as a video-based dating website, inspired by the popularity of “Hot or Not.” The early idea, internally called “Tune In Hook Up,” struggled to gain traction. However, once users began uploading personal and random videos, the founders quickly realized the platform’s true potential. This pivot transformed YouTube into a general video-sharing service, opening the door for creators worldwide.

The name YouTube itself is a classic example of a brand name generator done right. The word “You” emphasizes user-generated content, while “Tube” is slang for television, referencing traditional CRT TV sets. Together, the name works like a name combiner, symbolizing a shift from passive, top-down TV broadcasting to interactive, personalized media—essentially your television. This naming logic is often cited by entrepreneurs using a name generator to build strong digital brands.

On April 23, 2005, Jawed Karim uploaded the first-ever video, “Me at the Zoo.” Rapid growth followed, driven by viral hits such as “Lazy Sunday” and “Evolution of Dance.” In November 2005, Sequoia Capital invested $3.5 million, accelerating expansion.

In October 2006, Google acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion. Since then, YouTube has launched the Partner Program, mobile apps, subscription services, live streaming, and YouTube Shorts—proving that a powerful idea, paired with the right name, can redefine global media.