How YouTube Works

OUR MISSION

To give everyone a voice and show them the world

We believe that everyone deserves to have a voice, and that the world is a better place when we listen, share and build communities through our stories.

Explore this site to learn more about how YouTube makes all this happen.

WHAT'S NEW

Helping children and teens to learn and grow online on Safer Internet Day image

For more than a decade, Google and YouTube have launched products, supported programmes and implemented built-in protections that support children and teens on our platforms, while also giving parents the tools and resources to make empowered technology decisions for their families. This Safer Internet Day, we’re sharing the latest updates that support children and teens in the digital world.

From the CEO: What's coming to YouTube in 2026 image

As we enter 2026, the lines between creativity and technology are blurring, sparking a new era of innovation. This inflection point requires ambitious bets. YouTube is the undisputed epicentre of culture. Our creators are reinventing entertainment and building the media companies of the future. We continue to be the best place for them to grow a business. YouTube has the scale, community and technological investments to lead the creative industry into this next era.

New ways to support teens and families on YouTube image

YouTube is where teens come to watch what they love – everything from brushing up on their studies, to their favourite creators, to buzzworthy podcasts, to epic sports highlights.

Sesame Street: Now streaming on YouTube and YouTube Kids image

We are happy to announce that YouTube is now the largest digital library of Sesame Street content, bringing a treasure trove of iconic episodes, original videos, unique Shorts and thematic programming directly to families everywhere.

Protecting teens in the digital world, not from the digital world image

The rise in popularity of new technologies among teenagers, from gaming to smartphones to streaming platforms, has understandably raised important questions about not only the right way for parents to help their children navigate the changing tech landscape, but also the role that regulation should play in both protecting and empowering young people.

20 ways that we're celebrating two decades of YouTube image

Pop the confetti, because YouTube is turning 20! From the 19-second clip that started it all, to now over 20 billion uploaded videos,1 including music, Shorts, podcasts and more, we've grown so much in just two decades. We're kicking off our birthday with plenty of ways to celebrate. Take a peek at some of our new features, stats, hidden gems and easter eggs below to help you join in on the festivities: