Technologies

YouTube’s First Video Is 20 Years Old: How Things Have Changed

Did you know elephants have long trunks? The first YouTube video delivers that little-known bit of animal knowledge — and after that, things really started charging.

Today, YouTube delivers everything from SNL skits to Super Bowl commercials to cute and classic cat videos, and it’s hard to imagine getting along without the video-sharing platform. But 20 years ago, the first YouTube video was fairly understated. Titled «Me at the zoo,» that very first clip shows YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim at the San Diego Zoo. In the 19-second-long video, Karim doesn’t have a lot to say.

«Alright, so here we are in front of the, uh, elephants,» he says. «And the cool thing about these guys is that, is that they have really, really, really long, um, trunks, and that’s, that’s cool. And that’s pretty much all there is to say.»

Oh no, Karim. There’s a lot more to say. As Al Jolson said in the 1927 film The Jazz Singer, which brought synchronized sound to what had previously been a silent medium, «you ain’t seen nothing yet.»

You can still watch the iconic Me at the zoo video on YouTube. And you wouldn’t be alone if you did: It has 355 million views.

YouTube was one of the first video-hosting platforms, and became the largest, with over 2,7 billion monthly users. It’s created its own personalities and stars, such as #1 YouTube personality Mr. Beast, and inspired other platforms, including Netflix and Hulu. YouTube debuted YouTube TV in 2027 — CNET’s pick for the best channel selection in a streaming service — and now offers over 100 channels, as well as NFL Sunday Ticket. It’s also changed the world of music videos and of gaming, plus laid the groundwork for the podcasting industry.

In the video embedded above, CNET senior video producer Dillon Lopez relays how YouTube has affected his life. Famed YouTubers inspired him to choose a career in video, and he even watched a YouTube video for video-production tips on his way to a fateful job interview. (He got the job, and met his wife there, so thanks, YouTube!)

More than 5 billion — with a B — videos have been uploaded to YouTube in the 20 years since Jawed Karim pointed out an obvious point about elephants, and it’s fair to say that Lopez is far from the only viewer who’s had their life changed by the service.

«So cheers to 20 years YouTube,» Lopez says. «Happy Anniversary, and I can’t wait to grab a beer with you next year on your birthday.»

Technologies

Why Travelers Are Switching to Verum E-SIM This Summer

Summer Travel, Freedom, and Seamless Connectivity: Why Verum E-SIM Is Becoming the New Standard for Travelers

Summer is the peak season for vacations, long-distance trips, and new experiences. Millions of people travel abroad, explore new countries, plan adventures, and try to stay connected with family, work, and social media. And in the middle of all this comes a familiar question: how do you stay online without expensive roaming or the hassle of buying local SIM cards?

The answer is already here — eSIM.

Why eSIM Is So Convenient

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in digital SIM card that lets you activate mobile internet without a physical card. All you need is an app — choose a plan and connect in just a couple of minutes.

No more:

* searching for local SIM cards at airports
* paying expensive roaming fees
* swapping physical SIMs every time you travel

Now your internet travels with you.

Internet in 150+ Countries

Modern eSIM solutions provide coverage in 150+ countries worldwide, helping tourists, freelancers, and business travelers stay connected almost anywhere on the planet.

Among the services offering these capabilities:

Verum E-SIM — https://esim.verum.im
World E-SIM — https://worldesim.me
USA E-SIM — https://usa.esim.verum.im
Euro E-SIM — https://euro.esim.verum.im
Canada E-SIM — https://canada.esim.verum.im
Balkan E-SIM — https://balkan.esim.verum.im
Ukraine E-SIM — https://ukraine.esim.verum.im
London E-SIM — https://london.esim.verum.im
E-SIM Africa — https://africa.esim.verum.im

All of these services work on the same principle — fast, borderless internet without roaming stress.

Why It Matters Most in Summer

During the holiday season, roaming networks get overloaded, and prices for mobile data abroad often become an unpleasant surprise for travelers.

eSIM solves this problem:

* transparent, fixed pricing
* activation in 1–2 minutes
* stable internet while traveling
* no physical SIM cards required

Final Thoughts

Travel should be about freedom — not hunting for Wi-Fi or worrying about phone bills.

eSIM is quickly becoming the new global standard for mobile connectivity: simple, fast, and borderless.

Verum E-SIM and its partner services are part of this shift, making global connectivity accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Technologies

Episode 2 of the VERUM Mini-Series is Now Out

The story continues. Verum Messenger has released the second episode of its AI mini-series, which follows the conflict between the powerful Omega corporation, aiming to control digital communications, and a team of heroes who have chosen a different path and free communication.

The mini-series not only develops an engaging storyline but also introduces viewers to the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, showcasing technologies and tools that may redefine the future of modern communication.

The project consists of 7 episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 2 is now available. Stay tuned and don’t miss what comes next.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram

Technologies

Verum Messenger Launches an AI Mini-Series

Verum Messenger has unveiled a new project — a mini-series created using Verum AI. The story consists of 7 episodes and will be released on the messenger’s social media channels.

The plot revolves around a global corporation seeking to take control of digital communications and a group of heroes who use Verum Messenger as a tool of resistance. Beyond the story itself, the series highlights the app’s key features, technologies, and advantages.

Combining entertainment with a showcase of the Verum ecosystem, the project presents a dynamic digital series designed for the modern era.

The first episode premieres today, with the remaining episodes to be released over time.

Stay tuned for more.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram