Two decades after its launch, YouTube has redefined digital culture, evolving from a platform for grainy desktop recordings to a hub for high-production talk shows and feature films. The video-sharing giant has not only shaped the creator economy but also transformed the way people consume content. Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, reflects on last year’s achievements and shares his vision for 2025, highlighting his four big bets for the year.

He highlights YouTube’s influence on culture through music, viral Shorts, and long-form content. Leading the U.S. podcast market, the platform is expanding monetization and discovery tools. It also fuels global cultural exchange—95% of views for French creator Sarah Lezito came from abroad, and Australia’s The Amazing Digital Circus became a worldwide hit. Ahead of the 2024 U.S. election, it became a key hub for political discourse, with Joe Rogan’s Trump interview hitting 55 million views and 45 million users tuning in on election day.

Mohan sees YouTube creators as the startup culture of Hollywood, embracing new production models and building studios. “Like startups everywhere, creators are also getting savvy about finding new ways to build their businesses, and we’re unlocking more ways for them to earn. Last year, more than 50% of channels earning five figures or more on YouTube made money from sources other than ads and YouTube Premium.”

YouTube’s dominance on connected TVs is reshaping television, with over 1 billion hours watched daily. Unlike traditional TV, it offers interactive features like Shorts, live streams, and podcasts. New tools, including Watch With for live commentary and second-screen engagement, are being tested.

Mohan notes that AI has long powered YouTube’s recommendations and captions. Now, tools like Dream Screen and Dream Track assist creators with video backgrounds and soundtracks. Future plans include AI-driven content ideas, title generation, and auto-dubbing for multilingual accessibility.

He adds that YouTube is strengthening protections for younger users with machine learning to ensure age-appropriate content. Looking ahead, Mohan sees the platform continuing to shape digital media, with the next 20 years set to be as transformative as the first.