YouTube Turns 20: Celebrating Black OG Content Creators Who Shaped the Platform

This year, on February 14th, the popular video-sharing platform, YouTube, will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Since its launch on February 14th, 2005, the platform has become a staple in the music world. It has also revolutionized the way we see entertainment in digital form, providing a space for diverse voices, content creators, and independent artists. As we celebrate Black History Month, we would like to take a moment to highlight a few of our favorite original Black content creators who laid the foundation for the younger generation of YouTubers.

Kain Carter (Hot Damn I Rock)

One of the earliest Black YouTubers to gain success from the platform was Kain Carter, also known as, “Hot Damn I Rock.” Carter easily captivated his audience with his catchy storytelling skills mixed in with social commentary. This made his videos not only entertaining but also relatable. From his hilarious personal rants to his vivid insight on dating, Carter’s content left a lasting impression on an entire generation and the comedic side of YouTube.

Emmanuel & Phillip Hudson

Before becoming mainstream entertainers, Emmanuel and Phillip Hudson were just two brothers making waves on YouTube with their comedy skits, parodies, and viral hits. The duo’s chemistry and sharp humor made their videos highly entertaining and engaging. Their “Asking All Them Questions” segment quickly became a fan favorite and an unforgettable moment within the culture, leading to millions of views and countless remixes.

Tre Melvin

Tre Melvin rose to fame with his over-the-top personality and satirical comedy. His series, “This Is Commentary,” gave fans hilarious yet insightful takes on pop culture, everyday life, and social issues. His ability to merge humor with real-life experiences set him apart and his growth from being an independent creator to making a name for himself beyond YouTube shows that Melvin is committed to producing comedic relief for his fans.

Dormtainment

Crafted of six friends, Dormtainment, came onto the scene as one of the most influential black comedy groups on YouTube. Their music videos and skits combined humor, black culture, and real-life experiences which quickly earned them a loyal fanbase. Known for their takes on the everyday black experience, Dormtainment paved the way for group-based YouTubers and inspired many creators to experiment with collaborative content.

ItsBambii

ItsBambii has been giving it to the girls for a while now! As a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ and black YouTuber community, ItsBambii is known for her candid discussions on identity, relationships, and self-expression. Through her vlogs and engaging content, ItsBambii has built a fanbase and inspired many individuals to be fearless by sharing her own personal experiences and journey.

Honorable Mention: Soulja Boy 

Of course, we can’t talk about YouTube OG’s and not mention the first rapper to grace the platform: Big Soulja! In 2007, Soulja Boy changed the music industry by using YouTube to promote his debut single “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” While many may try to discredit Soulja, his innovative mindset to utilize YouTube as a way to distribute music, engage with fans, and increase marketing set the blueprint for other independent artists to get their careers off the ground. Nonetheless, to this day, Soulja Boy will continue to remind us that he was the FIRST of many but we can confirm that he was definitely the first rapper on YouTube.