20/20: Season 2011, Episode 42

2011 - 42: Generation YouTube

Everyone from stay-at-home moms to entrepreneurs, musicians and comedians are creating a new or second career and earning income by posting videos on YouTube. No longer do you need an agent or manager to launch a singing career or to publish a book. No longer do you need a company behind you to sell your ideas, products or how-to knowledge. Six years ago YouTube.com launched on the web and revolutionized video sharing. What began as a simple idea -- allowing anyone to upload and view videos, for free -- quickly transformed into a platform that connected the world. Now YouTube encompasses everything from how-to videos to entertainment, self expression, business and citizen journalism.