This Month in YouTube: June 2009

Let's say you didn't get out much in the last month or, more likely, you've been really busy and you didn't get a chance to check out YouTube as often as you'd like. The Biz Blog comes to the rescue with a roundup of five essential things that happened on YouTube in the last month.

1. Documentation of Iranian Unrest
A contested election between Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Mir Hossein Mousavi led to massive demonstrations in Iran, with many Iranians going to social networks like YouTube and Twitter to share the upheaval in their country with the world. This clip illustrates just how many Iranians -- young and old -- are joining together to fight what they believe to be election fraud and government corruption. And this clip (viewer discretion advised) shows the death of Neda Soltan, a woman who quickly became the "face of the revolution." After her death, users made tribute videos as an homage to her.

2. Mobile Uploads Increase Exponentially
In the last six months, we've seen uploads from mobile phones to YouTube jump 1700%; just since June 19, when the iPhone 3GS came out, uploads increased by 400% a day. This growth represents three things coming together: new video-enabled phones on the market, improvements to the upload flow when you post a video to YouTube from your phone, and a new feature on YouTube that allows your videos to be quickly and effortlessly shared through your social networks. For more information, read the full post in the YouTube blog.

3. Trailers Hub Launches
A dedicated space for movie trailers now exists at www.youtube.com/trailers, where you can watch the latest previews, often months before the film opens.

4. Remembering Michael Jackson
The King of Pop left us with a legacy of No. 1 hits, top awards, and astounding dance moves. People flocked to YouTube to share their reflections, see rare footage, and of course replay the songs that so many of us can sing by heart.

5. Joe Jonas in a Tight Leotard
On a more lighthearted music note, the No. 1 Most Viewed video in June came from the Jonas Brothers, who showed no shame when it comes to promoting their new album. Watch Joe Jonas slip into a tight leotard to shimmy and shake to Beyonce's "Single Ladies." Lasting images to start the week...

Posted by Mia Quagliarello, Community Manager