YouTube has changed over the years with more new features than ever before.

YouTube Rewind was an annual video series produced and created by YouTube. It typically served as a year-in-review video, summarising the major trends, events, and content on the platform over the past year. YouTube Rewind videos often featured popular YouTubers, viral videos, and memorable moments from the year, all set to music.

The first YouTube Rewind video was released in 2010, and it became a highly anticipated tradition among the YouTube community. These videos aimed to celebrate the creativity and contributions of content creators on the platform.

Read on for a Quick Read guide to one newer feature – YouTube Rewind – and all you need to know:

What is YouTube Rewind. YouTube recap of the year

What is YouTube Rewind?

YouTube Rewind is a compilation of 50 of the most viral videos for the past year each year. This compilation allows viewers to look at the videos that made headlines, those that were controversial, fun, entertaining, and even thought-provoking based on the number of views that it garnered the previous year.

First YouTube Rewind

Each year this compilation allows viewers a comprehensive list of the videos that made the rounds so that you can see what was popular without having to go through millions of videos to find them on your own.

These Rewind videos are a great way to see what was popular and to have a good time. They are always under 10 minutes long and compile all the important social trends and videos of the year into one easy-to-digest video. These are fun, colourful, short, and easy to watch and are fun to just see what you notice when you are watching them.

The Rewind has not changed format much since 2010 or so when the mashup format was introduced. Though they are mashup style, they do have individual components of each video and each trend so that you can pick out what the different trends are as you watch. They are created so that each time you watch them you see something new that you may not have noticed the first time you watched.

These videos are always produced on the YouTube spotlight channel and are produced to be fun as well as engaging and eye-opening. They are also produced with very good production value and are high-quality videos overall.

The YouTube spotlight channel also has tons of behind-the-scenes videos about the filming of the rewind each year so you can see some of your favourite YouTube stars, social media stars, and even movie and television stars as they work to create these visual masterpieces. For such short videos, they do have a ton packed into them so you have to either pay very close attention or watch them several times to make sure you catch everything.

When Does YouTube Rewind Come Out

YouTube rewinds are created each year near the end of December to reflect the videos that were most watched the year before. These compilations are created at the end of the year so that the videos that have been watched have a chance to be properly and accurately ranked.

Each year the rewind is themed according to what the most popular video of the year was. In 2011 for instance, the second YouTube rewind to be released, the theme was based on Rebecca Black’s Friday video. The video did not go over well however as they asked Black to host and many people disliked the video for this reason. 2012 was YouTube Style in honour of Gangnam Style, 2013 was What Does 2013 Say because of What Does the Fox Say and so on.

These videos are released in the middle of December of the year that they represent in most cases so that there is plenty of time for the biggest trends of the year to come together and for a video featuring these trends to be created. Since these videos are a compilation, they are never released before December of the year that they represent.

What’s in a YouTube Rewind?

YouTube Rewind typically includes a compilation of major trends, events, and content that were popular on the YouTube platform during a specific year. Here are some common elements you might find in a YouTube Rewind video:

  1. Memorable Videos: YouTube Rewind often includes clips from videos that became memorable and went viral during the year. These could be funny, heartwarming, or simply those that captured the essence of the platform’s culture.
  2. Popular YouTubers: Recognizable and influential YouTubers are featured prominently in the video. These creators are chosen because they’ve had a significant impact on the platform and its community throughout the year.
  3. Music: Music plays a crucial role in YouTube Rewind videos. They are usually set to a catchy and energetic mashup of popular songs from the year. Music helps set the tone and adds to the overall entertainment value.
  4. References to Memes and Challenges: YouTube Rewind often includes references to internet memes and challenges that gained widespread popularity during the year. These references resonate with viewers who followed these trends.
  5. Highlights from YouTube Events: Major YouTube events like YouTube FanFest and VidCon bring together creators and fans. YouTube Rewind may feature highlights from these events to showcase the sense of community on the platform.
  6. Nostalgic Moments: Some YouTube Rewind videos evoke nostalgia by referencing earlier years or showcasing iconic moments from YouTube’s history. This appeals to long-time viewers who appreciate the platform’s evolution.
  7. Themes: Each YouTube Rewind video has a central theme or concept that ties together all the elements. Themes can vary from year to year and often reflect a relevant topic or idea.
  8. Celebration of Diversity: YouTube Rewind celebrates the diversity of content creators and viewers on the platform. It highlights creators from different backgrounds, cultures, and regions, emphasizing the inclusivity of the YouTube community.
  9. References to Viral Challenges: YouTube Rewind acknowledges the impact of viral challenges and trends by featuring reenactments or references to these phenomena. This reminds viewers of the shared experiences within the YouTube community.
  10. Tribute to Creators: YouTube Rewind pays tribute to the creativity and contributions of content creators. It’s a way of recognizing and honoring the hard work and innovation that make YouTube a unique platform.

It’s important to note that YouTube Rewind videos have evolved over the years, and the specific elements and format may vary from one year to another. Additionally, YouTube Rewind videos are typically released towards the end of the year as a way to reflect on the trends and moments that defined that year on the platform.

How Long Has YouTube Rewind Been Running?

2010

YouTube Rewind 2010 revisited the significant trends and moments that shaped the platform during that year. Some of the notable trends and references in YouTube Rewind 2010 included:

  1. Double Rainbow: The viral video “Double Rainbow” by Paul “Bear” Vasquez became an internet sensation. The video featured Vasquez’s emotional reaction to witnessing a double rainbow in the sky.
  2. Bed Intruder Song: Antoine Dodson’s passionate and humorous rant about an attempted break-in at his home was turned into a catchy song known as the “Bed Intruder Song.” The song went viral, and Dodson became an internet sensation.
  3. Annoying Orange: The Annoying Orange, a popular web series featuring a talking orange and other fruits, gained widespread popularity on YouTube in 2010.
  4. Old Spice Commercials: The Old Spice “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” commercials featuring actor Isaiah Mustafa became iconic and generated significant buzz on YouTube.
  5. Double Rainbow Song: A song remix of the “Double Rainbow” video was created and featured in YouTube Rewind 2010.
  6. Tik Tok by Kesha: Kesha’s hit song “Tik Tok” was one of the most popular music videos on YouTube in 2010. The song’s catchy tune and danceable beat made it a favorite among users.
  7. The Twilight Saga: References to “The Twilight Saga” movies were made in YouTube Rewind 2010, reflecting the popularity of the film franchise during that time.
  8. Autotune the News: The Gregory Brothers’ “Autotune the News” series, which transformed news clips into musical parodies, gained a significant following on YouTube.
  9. Fred Figglehorn: Lucas Cruikshank’s character Fred Figglehorn was a YouTube sensation in 2010. Fred’s high-pitched voice and quirky antics made him a beloved character among viewers.
  10. Double Rainbow Reference: The “Double Rainbow” meme was humorously referenced in YouTube Rewind 2010, with creators playfully reacting to the double rainbow phenomenon.

These references and trends captured the spirit of YouTube in 2010 and celebrated the creativity and humor of content creators on the platform. YouTube Rewind aimed to pay homage to the viral videos, music hits, and memorable moments that defined the year on YouTube.

2011

YouTube Rewind 2011 was hosted by Rebecca Black and was not as popular as the previous year. This was a countdown-style video where clips of the most popular videos were displayed numbered and in order so that viewers could see what videos were the most popular and a short clip of each.

  1. Rebecca Black’s “Friday”: Rebecca Black’s “Friday” music video became a sensation, known for its catchy tune and somewhat controversial lyrics. It was one of the most-watched and talked-about videos of the year.
  2. Internet Memes: The video featured references to popular internet memes like “Nyan Cat,” a flying cat with a rainbow trail, and “Keyboard Cat,” a cat humorously playing a keyboard. These memes have captured the internet’s fascination and humor.
  3. Parodies and Covers: YouTube is known for its thriving community of creators who produce parodies and covers of popular songs and videos. The Rewind video acknowledged this aspect of YouTube culture.
  4. “Talking Twin Babies”: This heartwarming and funny video featured two adorable twin babies seemingly engaged in a meaningful conversation, though their words were unintelligible. It showcased the charm of spontaneous moments captured on video.
  5. “Sh*t Girls Say”: “Sh*t Girls Say” was a web series and internet meme that humorously portrayed stereotypical phrases and behaviors associated with girls. It gained immense popularity and inspired numerous spin-offs.
  6. Viral Challenges: Throughout the year, various challenges and trends captivated YouTube creators and audiences. These challenges often involved people attempting unique or funny feats and then challenging others to do the same.
  7. Epic Rap Battles of History: The “Epic Rap Battles of History” series was a hit on YouTube, featuring fictional and historical characters engaging in rap battles. The clever lyrics and entertaining performances made it a fan favorite.
  8. “Double Rainbow”: The “Double Rainbow” video captured a man’s exuberant reaction to witnessing a double rainbow in the sky. His enthusiastic commentary and awe-struck emotions made it a viral sensation.
  9. Antoine Dodson: Antoine Dodson became an internet sensation when he passionately warned his community about an intruder in a news interview. His memorable catchphrase, “Hide your kids, hide your wife,” became widely recognized.
  10. “Charlie Bit My Finger”: This video featured a toddler named Charlie playfully biting his older brother’s finger. The adorable and genuine sibling interaction resonated with viewers, making it a classic viral video.

These elements collectively represented the vibrant and diverse content that defined YouTube in 2011. The YouTube Rewind video celebrated the creativity, humour, and spontaneity of the platform’s creators and the entertaining moments that captured the internet’s attention that year.

2012

YouTube Rewind 2012 was YouTube Style named after Gangnam Style and showed the videos that were the most popular but showed them in a style that took popular stars and placed them in the videos for some of the most popular videos.

  1. Gangnam Style: The South Korean musician Psy’s “Gangnam Style” music video took the world by storm in 2012. Its catchy tune and quirky dance moves became a global sensation, and it was prominently featured in the Rewind video.
  2. “Call Me Maybe” Parodies: Carly Rae Jepsen’s hit song “Call Me Maybe” inspired countless parodies and lip-sync videos on YouTube. The video acknowledged the widespread popularity of these parodies.
  3. Overly Attached Girlfriend: The “Overly Attached Girlfriend” meme, which involved a humorous image and caption, became a viral sensation. The character was known for her clingy and possessive behavior in the meme.
  4. “Somebody That I Used to Know” Covers: Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” was a popular song, and the Rewind video highlighted various YouTube covers and renditions of the song by talented creators.
  5. “Harlem Shake” Videos: The “Harlem Shake” meme involved a brief, comical dance craze where individuals and groups would dance to the song “Harlem Shake” by Baauer. It became a widespread internet trend.
  6. “Kony 2012”: The “Kony 2012” campaign aimed to raise awareness about Joseph Kony, a Ugandan warlord. The campaign’s video went viral and generated discussions about social and political issues.
  7. “What Does the Fox Say?”: The humorous and absurd music video “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” by Ylvis gained immense popularity for its catchy tune and quirky lyrics.
  8. Felix Baumgartner’s Space Jump: The historic space jump by Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner, who jumped from the stratosphere, was a major news event in 2012. The Rewind video acknowledged this remarkable feat.
  9. “Epic Meal Time”: The YouTube cooking show “Epic Meal Time” was known for its over-the-top, calorie-laden recipes and humor. It gained a substantial following and was referenced in the video.
  10. Olympics and Sports: The 2012 Summer Olympics in London and various sporting events were featured in the Rewind video, highlighting the role of sports in the year’s cultural landscape.

These trends and references captured the essence of 2012’s YouTube culture, where viral videos, music, memes, and social issues all played a significant role. The YouTube Rewind video aimed to celebrate the diversity and creativity of content on the platform during that year.

2013

YouTube Rewind 2013 was What Does 2013 say and was in the style of What Does the Fox Say again with popular stars from YouTube being featured in the video in the style of some of the most popular videos from the year.

  1. “What Does the Fox Say?”: The viral sensation from the previous year, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” by Ylvis, continued to influence pop culture, and its influence was acknowledged in the Rewind video.
  2. “Harlem Shake” Videos: The “Harlem Shake” meme carried over into 2013, with more humorous and absurd dance videos being created and featured in the Rewind.
  3. “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: The hit song “Thrift Shop” became one of the year’s anthems, celebrating the joy of thrift store shopping and inexpensive fashion finds.
  4. “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke: “Blurred Lines” was another chart-topping hit in 2013, and its catchy tune and controversial music video were referenced in the Rewind.
  5. Viral Challenges: Various viral challenges and trends, such as the “Ice Bucket Challenge” for ALS awareness and the “Harlem Shake,” were showcased in the video.
  6. “The Slow Mo Guys”: The YouTube channel “The Slow Mo Guys,” known for capturing slow-motion footage of various experiments and stunts, gained popularity and was featured in the Rewind.
  7. Popular YouTubers: The video highlighted appearances by popular YouTubers and content creators who had a significant impact on the platform during the year.
  8. “Doge” Meme: The “Doge” meme, featuring the Shiba Inu dog with humorous captions written in broken English and Comic Sans font, gained popularity and was referenced.
  9. “Breaking Bad” References: The popular TV series “Breaking Bad” concluded in 2013, and the Rewind video included references to the show, reflecting its cultural significance.
  10. Diversity and Global Reach: YouTube Rewind continued to celebrate the global and diverse nature of content creators and viewers on the platform, featuring creators from around the world.

These trends and references provided a snapshot of the cultural landscape of 2013 on YouTube, where music, memes, challenges, and popular YouTubers all played a significant role in shaping the platform’s content.

2014

YouTube Rewind celebrated the diverse and creative content that had captivated viewers throughout the year. Here are some of the notable trends and references featured in the 2014 YouTube Rewind video:

  1. “Turn Down for What”: The hit song “Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake and Lil Jon became an anthem for parties and celebrations, and its energetic music was prominently featured in the video.
  2. “Let It Go” from “Frozen”: The Disney movie “Frozen” was a massive hit, and the song “Let It Go” was a cultural phenomenon. The video included references to the movie and the song’s popularity.
  3. “Ice Bucket Challenge”: The Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS awareness went viral in 2014, and the Rewind video paid tribute to this charitable trend by featuring participants dousing themselves with ice-cold water.
  4. Diverse Creators: YouTube Rewind continued to emphasize the global and diverse nature of YouTube creators and viewers. Creators from different countries and regions were highlighted in the video.
  5. Viral Challenges: Various viral challenges and trends, such as the “Nae Nae Dance” and the “Running Man Challenge,” were showcased in the video.
  6. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams: The infectious song “Happy” by Pharrell Williams was a feel-good hit, and its upbeat music and dance scenes were incorporated into the Rewind.
  7. Popular YouTubers: The video featured appearances by popular YouTubers and content creators who had made a significant impact on the platform during the year.
  8. “Slap Her”: The video included a powerful message against domestic violence with the “Slap Her” social experiment, which aimed to raise awareness about the issue.
  9. “First Kiss” Video: The viral video “First Kiss” by Tatia Pilieva, featuring strangers kissing for the first time, was referenced in the Rewind.
  10. “Game of Thrones” Parody: A humorous “Game of Thrones” parody scene was included, reflecting the popularity of the TV series.
  11. YouTube Challenges: The video showcased various YouTube challenges, such as the “Yoga Challenge” and the “100 Layers Challenge,” which were popular among content creators.

These elements combined to create a vibrant and celebratory overview of the year’s cultural phenomena, music hits, and the creativity of YouTube’s global community of creators and viewers.

2015

In 2015, YouTube Rewind continued its tradition of celebrating the year’s most significant trends, viral videos, and popular creators. Here are some of the notable trends and references featured in the 2015 YouTube Rewind video:

  1. Silento’s “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)”: The catchy song “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” by Silento became a dance sensation, and its dance moves were featured prominently in the video.
  2. Dabbing: The dance move known as “dabbing” gained popularity in 2015, and it was showcased by various creators in the Rewind video.
  3. “Hotline Bling” by Drake: Drake’s music video for “Hotline Bling” became a cultural phenomenon, and its iconic dance moves were humorously recreated in the Rewind.
  4. “Nae Nae Dance”: The “Nae Nae Dance” continued to be a popular dance trend, and it made a return appearance in the video.
  5. Viral Challenges: Various viral challenges, such as the “Running Man Challenge” and the “Whisper Challenge,” were featured in the Rewind.
  6. References to Memes: The video included references to popular internet memes, such as “What Are Those?” and “Pepe the Frog.”
  7. Celebrity Appearances: YouTube Rewind 2015 featured appearances by several mainstream celebrities, including James Corden and John Oliver, highlighting the platform’s growing influence.
  8. Cultural References: The video paid tribute to cultural moments, including “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and the “Back to the Future” franchise.
  9. Diversity and Inclusion: YouTube Rewind continued to emphasize diversity and inclusion by featuring creators from different backgrounds and regions.
  10. YouTube Challenges: Various YouTube challenges, such as the “Eat It or Wear It Challenge” and the “Pringles Challenge,” were showcased in the video.
  11. Popular YouTubers: The video celebrated the contributions of popular YouTubers who had made a significant impact on the platform during the year.
  12. Global Collaboration: YouTube Rewind 2015 featured a global collaboration of creators from around the world, highlighting the platform’s international reach.

2016

In 2016, YouTube Rewind continued its tradition of recapping the year’s most prominent trends, viral videos, and influential creators. Here are some of the notable trends and references featured in the 2016 YouTube Rewind video:

  1. “Panda” by Desiigner: The song “Panda” by Desiigner was a massive hit in 2016, and it served as a musical backdrop for various dance sequences in the video.
  2. Mannequin Challenge: The Mannequin Challenge, a viral internet trend where people froze in place while a camera moved through a scene, was prominently featured in the Rewind.
  3. “Juju on That Beat” Dance: The dance associated with the song “Juju on That Beat” by Zay Hilfigerrr and Zayion McCall became a popular trend and was recreated by creators in the video.
  4. Pokémon GO: The mobile game phenomenon Pokémon GO took the world by storm in 2016, and it made an appearance in the Rewind video, reflecting its cultural impact.
  5. References to Memes: Memes like “Damn Daniel” and “Dat Boi” were humorously referenced in the video, showcasing the internet’s fascination with meme culture.
  6. “PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen)”: The quirky and catchy song “PPAP” by Pikotaro became a viral sensation, and its signature dance was featured in the Rewind.
  7. Diversity and Inclusion: As in previous years, YouTube Rewind highlighted the diversity of creators and viewers on the platform, celebrating individuals from different backgrounds and regions.
  8. Cultural References: The video included nods to cultural moments like the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, “Stranger Things,” and the release of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”
  9. YouTube Challenges: Various YouTube challenges, such as the “Whisper Challenge” and the “Try Not to Laugh Challenge,” were showcased in the video.
  10. Cinematic Sequences: YouTube Rewind 2016 featured cinematic sequences and special effects, enhancing the production quality of the video.
  11. Popular YouTubers: The video celebrated the contributions of popular YouTubers who had made a significant impact on the platform during the year.
  12. Global Collaboration: Creators from around the world came together in the video, emphasizing YouTube’s global reach and the sense of community among content creators.

The 2016 YouTube Rewind video offered viewers an entertaining and fast-paced recap of the year’s internet culture, reflecting the creativity and influence of the YouTube community.

2017

YouTube Rewind 2017 was the annual year-in-review video produced by YouTube, summarizing the major trends, events, and content on the platform throughout that year. Here are some key highlights and elements from YouTube Rewind 2017:

Title and Theme: The video was titled “YouTube Rewind: The Shape of 2017.” The theme focused on celebrating the diversity and trends that shaped YouTube during the year.

Fidget Spinners: Fidget spinners, a popular toy that gained immense popularity in 2017, were prominently featured in the video. Many YouTubers were seen incorporating fidget spinners into their content.

“Despacito”: The song “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, which became a global hit, played a significant role in the video’s soundtrack. It was one of the most popular and streamed songs of the year.

Influential Creators: YouTube Rewind 2017 featured numerous popular YouTubers and content creators, including Casey Neistat, Liza Koshy, and Logan Paul, among others. These creators had a major impact on the platform in 2017.

Eclipse Viewing: The solar eclipse that occurred in 2017 was a major event, and YouTube Rewind included clips of creators watching and reacting to the eclipse.

References to Viral Challenges: The video referenced viral challenges like the “Mannequin Challenge” and the “Backpack Kid Dance Challenge,” which gained traction on YouTube.

Diverse Representation: YouTube Rewind 2017 celebrated the diversity of content and creators on the platform, highlighting creators from various backgrounds, genres, and regions.

Iconic Moments: The video included nods to iconic moments from YouTube’s history, such as the famous “Numa Numa Dance” and “Charlie Bit My Finger” videos.

“Shape of You” Parody: The video featured a parody of Ed Sheeran’s song “Shape of You,” with YouTubers singing and dancing to the YouTube-themed lyrics.

Community Messages: YouTube Rewind 2017 included messages of unity and support, particularly in response to natural disasters and crises that occurred during the year.

While YouTube Rewind 2017 aimed to celebrate the positive aspects of the YouTube community and the year’s highlights, it also faced some backlash and mixed reviews from viewers. Some viewers felt that it didn’t fully capture the nuances of the YouTube community and its diversity, leading to discussions and debates within the platform’s community.

2018

YouTube Rewind 2018 marked a departure from its usual format and faced mixed reviews from viewers and creators. Unlike previous years, where YouTube Rewind celebrated the year’s trends and creators, the 2018 edition tried to incorporate feedback from the YouTube community. Here are some key highlights and trends from YouTube Rewind 2018:

  1. “Everyone Controls Rewind”: The theme of YouTube Rewind 2018 was “Everyone Controls Rewind,” with a focus on viewer involvement. The video began with popular creator Will Smith and featured various creators and trends.
  2. K-Pop and “Idol” by BTS: K-Pop sensation BTS made an appearance in the video, showcasing the global popularity of the genre. Their song “Idol” was featured prominently.
  3. Fortnite: The popular video game Fortnite played a significant role in the 2018 Rewind, reflecting the game’s massive cultural impact.
  4. References to Memes and Challenges: The video referenced internet memes like “Kiki, do you love me?” and the “In My Feelings Challenge.” Challenges like the “In My Feelings Challenge” and the “Fortnite Challenge” were also featured.
  5. Ninja and Marques Brownlee: Popular streamer Ninja and tech reviewer Marques Brownlee were among the creators featured in the video.
  6. Celebrities and Creators: YouTube Rewind 2018 aimed to strike a balance between traditional celebrities and YouTube creators, reflecting the platform’s evolving landscape.
  7. Acknowledgment of Issues: The video acknowledged some of the challenges and controversies faced on the platform during the year, such as the “Yanny vs. Laurel” debate and mental health awareness.
  8. Global Collaboration: Creators from various countries and regions were represented in the video, emphasizing YouTube’s global reach.
  9. Diversity and Inclusion: As in previous Rewinds, diversity and inclusion were celebrated, highlighting creators from different backgrounds and identities.
  10. Interactive Elements: YouTube Rewind 2018 included interactive elements, allowing viewers to click on different creators and trends to explore more content.

While YouTube Rewind 2018 attempted to address community feedback and incorporate a broader range of content, it received a significant number of dislikes and criticism from viewers and creators who felt it missed the mark. This led to discussions about the challenges of creating a video that pleases a diverse and global audience.

2019

YouTube Rewind 2019 took a different approach from the previous year and aimed to celebrate the individual creators and moments that shaped the platform. Here are some key highlights and trends from YouTube Rewind 2019:

  1. “For the Record”: The theme for YouTube Rewind 2019 was “For the Record,” emphasizing a retrospective look at the top creators, videos, and moments that defined the year.
  2. Individual Creators: Unlike the ensemble cast of previous years, YouTube Rewind 2019 focused on individual creators and their standout moments. This format aimed to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse range of content on the platform.
  3. Diversity and Inclusion: The video highlighted creators from various backgrounds, genders, and regions, emphasizing YouTube’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  4. Minecraft Resurgence: Minecraft made a significant comeback in 2019, and its resurgence was featured in the video, reflecting the popularity of gaming content on YouTube.
  5. MrBeast’s Tree-Planting Initiative: MrBeast, a popular creator known for philanthropic efforts, was featured for his massive tree-planting initiative, where he pledged to plant 20 million trees.
  6. “Old Town Road” and Lil Nas X: The viral song “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X became a cultural phenomenon in 2019 and was acknowledged in YouTube Rewind.
  7. Creator Shoutouts: The video included shoutouts to individual creators, acknowledging their achievements and contributions to the platform.
  8. K-Pop: K-Pop continued to gain popularity on YouTube in 2019, and groups like BLACKPINK were featured in the video.
  9. Niche Communities: YouTube Rewind 2019 celebrated niche communities and content genres that have found success on the platform.
  10. Acknowledgment of Challenges: The video acknowledged challenges faced by creators and the platform, such as copyright issues and the need for improved creator support.
  11. Interactive Elements: Similar to the previous year, YouTube Rewind 2019 featured interactive elements that allowed viewers to explore more content and learn about the creators highlighted in the video.

Overall, YouTube Rewind 2019 aimed to shift the focus back to the creators and their accomplishments. It received a more positive response from viewers compared to the previous year, as it highlighted the positive aspects of the YouTube community and its diverse content.

2020 to the present date

Unfortunately, after 8 years, YouTube Rewind has been discontinued by YouTube, for a variety of reasons:

  1. Negative Reception: In recent years, YouTube Rewind has faced significant backlash and criticism from both creators and viewers. The 2018 YouTube Rewind, in particular, became the most disliked video on YouTube due to its perceived disconnect from the YouTube community’s actual preferences. This negative reception led to a reevaluation of the series.
  2. Changing YouTube Landscape: The YouTube platform evolved, with more diverse content and a larger number of creators. It became increasingly challenging to represent the entire YouTube community in a single video. YouTube Rewind struggled to keep up with the ever-expanding and changing landscape of content on the platform.
  3. Complexity and Expectations: As YouTube grew, so did the complexity of the content and the expectations of both creators and viewers. Creating a video that satisfied the diverse interests of millions of users while staying true to the platform’s values became increasingly challenging.
  4. Focus on Creators: YouTube wanted to shift the focus back to individual creators and their accomplishments. Discontinuing YouTube Rewind allowed the platform to celebrate creators in more authentic and meaningful ways, such as through personalized Creator Stories and annual YouTube Shorts.
  5. Listening to Feedback: YouTube acknowledged the feedback from the community and decided to take a different approach. They wanted to ensure that their efforts aligned more closely with the preferences and interests of their creators and viewers.

If you do like the YouTube Rewind Trend – There are still some creators out there that are continuing the tradition:

Our FREE ProfileTree knowledge archive… YouTube SEO tips | How to get views on YouTube | How to increase my subscriber amount on YouTube | YouTube Statistics | How to make a YouTube Channel | YouTube Monitization

Unmissable QUICK READ What Is? guides… YouTube | Video Marketing | Video Production |YouTube Monitization | Online Advertising | Tumblr | Content | Lead Magnet| Snapchat? | Google+? | An App? | YouTube Rewind | Tumblr | LinkedIn | Reddit | Pinterest | Instagram | Website | WordPress | Social Media | Logo | IGTV | Buzzsumo | Blog | Social Media Strategy | Twitter | Facebook Live | Hashtag | Snapchat Geofilter 

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *