▼ Choose a Year
2007
Early Viral Internet
Early YouTube felt chaotic, homemade, funny, weird, and completely unpolished. Viral videos spread through blogs, forums, AIM, MySpace, and word of mouth.
Enter →
2012
Viral Music & Creator Culture
YouTube was shifting from random viral clips into creator culture, global music videos, Minecraft, challenge videos, and mainstream internet celebrities.
Enter →
2016
Challenges, Rewind & Viral Creator Era
YouTube in 2016 was cleaner, louder, and more creator-driven. Challenge videos, massive music moments, reaction content, family vloggers, drama, and viral trends shaped the platform.
Enter →
More eras coming soon. Have a year you want curated? Submit a relic or request a year.