V&A Acquires Original YouTube Page Reconstruction for Collection
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has made a significant addition to its collection by acquiring the original reconstruction of the YouTube page. This acquisition includes the first-ever video uploaded to YouTube, titled “Me at the zoo,” by co-founder Jawed Karim.
A Glimpse into Digital History
The historical video, uploaded on April 23, 2005, will be accessible to the public starting February 18. This 19-second clip has garnered nearly 380 million views and over 18 million likes, marking a milestone in user-generated content.
Key Features of the Acquisition
The V&A’s reconstruction efforts highlight the early design of the YouTube watch page. This initiative not only showcases a video but also invites visitors to experience the origins of a cultural phenomenon. Neal Mohan, the CEO of YouTube, emphasized the importance of this moment, stating, “By reconstructing the original 2005 watchpage, we aren’t just showing a video; we are inviting the public to step back in time.”
The Impact of YouTube on Digital Culture
This acquisition is pivotal in illustrating the evolution of web design and media consumption. The original YouTube watch page set precedents for many user interface conventions still in use today, including:
- Badges
- Rating buttons
- Sharing features
- Recommendation systems
Preserving Digital Heritage
Corinna Gardner, senior curator of design and digital at the V&A, noted that this acquisition enhances storytelling opportunities related to the internet’s history. She said, “This snapshot of YouTube during the early days of web 2.0 marks an important moment in history of the internet and digital design.”
The V&A’s collaboration with YouTube began with the reconstruction of the platform’s design, dating back to December 8, 2006, based on records from The Internet Archive. A mini display exploring the reconstruction will be featured at V&A East Storehouse.
Continuing the Commitment to Digital Design
This latest acquisition aligns with the V&A’s mission to collect and preserve digital artifacts. Previous acquisitions have included popular digital entities like WeChat and Flappy Bird, showcasing the museum’s ongoing dedication to digital design and innovation.
