YouTube Marks 20th Anniversary with Major Streaming Updates

SAN BRUNO, California — YouTube is celebrating its 20th anniversary with significant changes to its streaming services, including the introduction of split-screen viewing for select non-sports channels. This feature, designed for YouTube TV members, will allow viewers to customize their viewing experience with multiple channels displayed at once.

The announcement, made on April 23, 2025, indicates that the new multiview feature will be available to a small group of popular channels initially, with plans for broader expansion later in the year. YouTube spokesperson Allison Toh noted that the company aims to include various networks across all content genres. This capability builds on the multiview feature that was first introduced for sports in 2023 and gained popularity among viewers tracking multiple live events like NFL games and NCAA tournaments.

Alongside the streaming feature, YouTube also plans a major redesign of its TV app. According to Viraj Mahesh, Senior Product Manager, users can expect easier navigation, improved playback options, and streamlined access to comments and channel information. The redesign is set to look more like popular streaming services such as Netflix and is anticipated for a summer release.

YouTube has seen tremendous growth since its inception, boasting over 20 billion uploaded videos. The platform averages more than 20 million new videos daily. Music continues to play a critical role, with over 300 music videos surpassing one billion views. Notably, Adele‘s “Hello” achieved this milestone in just 88 days.

Additionally, YouTube is enhancing its offerings for Premium subscribers, including a new feature called Ask Music. This personalized radio station service is currently rolling out to users in select countries, with plans for broader multilingual availability soon.

The changes come as YouTube competes with other streaming platforms, continually adapting to user preferences and enhancing the viewing experience. As the company embraces these transformations, it sees the potential to reshape how audiences engage with television content in the digital landscape.