Lesson Plan - YouTube Turns 20!

Watch the Video
Build background knowledge by playing the video “Inventing the Internet.” Ask: What are some ways the internet has changed the way people live? Then share the slideshow “YouTube Who’s Who” and discuss: Do you recognize any of these YouTube videos? Why do you think they went viral?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• viral
• revenue

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about what makes YouTube so popular.

1. What was the original idea for YouTube? How did the platform change over time?
The original idea for YouTube was for a website that would allow users to share homemade videos with friends. Over time, the platform grew as videos were seen by people all around the world. The article says, “By the summer of 2006, YouTube’s videos were getting more than 100 million views each day.”
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2. According to the article, how can YouTubers make money?
The article explains that YouTubers make money when viewers watch the ads that play before and during videos. In addition, some companies pay YouTubers to show their products in videos.
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3. According to the sidebar, “How YouTube Keeps You Watching,” what are two steps you could take to avoid nonstop YouTube viewing?
According to the sidebar, you could avoid nonstop YouTube viewing by setting time limits for yourself or by turning off the autoplay feature, which automatically starts a new video after one ends.
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FEATURED SKILL: Short Constructed Response
Use the skill builder “Time to R.A.C.E.” to have students prepare a short constructed response to a writing prompt about the article.
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