10 Years of YouTube

10 years ago, on May 23, 2006, I joined a new website called YouTube. At the time, it was a great place to upload a video you didn't necessarily want on your hard drive. Little did I know that YouTube would later play a huge role in my life and even influence who my current friends are.

Here's the baby seagull

Soon after joining YouTube, I started to create videos solely for sharing them on the website. I didn't know who was watching them, but I got plenty of views on each video. One of my first hits was a video of a baby seagull at the beach avoiding the waves of the ocean shore set to the song April Showers (that song from the rain scene in Bambi).

After a number of years, I took a hiatus. I dropped off the face of YouTube. During this time I had some major changes in my life. Some might say they were the dark ages. Once I found myself, I created a new channel to upload clips from my acting career. Then, as if the universe sent it as a sign, a giant hummer limousine calling itself the "world's biggest limo" appeared at my front door. Literally, there was a giant limo parked outside of my house.

Me and the world's biggest limo

While the limo was not for me, but for an Armenian wedding happening down the street, I pulled out my camera because I knew I wanted to share this with people. The limousine's owner gave me a tour and I vlogged the whole thing. I posted it on that acting channel and the video quickly got a bunch of views. A few days later, the Harlem Shake was a thing and I jumped on that bandwagon as well. Another small viral hit.

I then remembered what I loved about YouTube: the full control of my creativity and the sense of community.

The rebranded youtube.com/redRomina

I started to create videos again just for YouTube. In 2015, I decided to rebrand myself by creating a whole new channel with a clear focus. It was crazy... starting over yet again??? I did it and I haven't looked back yet. I have never felt more like myself.

YouTube has given me my life. That might seem silly to some. "Really? A website gave you life?" Funny enough, it did. The majority of the friends I have today are a result of being on YouTube. I've met some of the most creative and wonderful people because of YouTube. 

This past decade deserved a just celebration so I decided to celebrate in the most traditional way possible... by making a cake (on video of course). Enjoy the video below and here's to another 10 years!