Behind the scenes at Made On YouTube 2025

Creators are the lifeblood of YouTube, so this year we ran a friendly competition for employees to get a glimpse into the hard work it takes to be a creator. Danny Baker and Jea Bondoc submitted winning Shorts explaining why they should be our on-the-ground creators at Made On YouTube, and so a few flights, several coffees, and two bagels later ... they were ready to go!

From new product announcements, interviews with the CEO, and creator meet-ups, go behind-the-scenes with Danny and Jea to see what it’s like to experience Made On YouTube, live from New York City!

9 a.m. → Good morning

Danny: We got to Pier 57 about an hour before the event started to get our badges. Already we’re getting sneak peeks of some of the biggest creators on the platform – Mark Rober, who’s presenting, and Marques Brownlee, who will be in the audience with fellow creators - i.e. me and Jea.

Jea: I woke up thinking, “This is it, the big day!” My silly little Short, the one I almost didn't post, actually worked, and now I'm heading to Made On YouTube in NYC! Honestly, I'm just overflowing with gratitude for this opportunity. It’s just me, my brand-new outfit (of course, I bought it just for this event), and my list of verrry important questions for YouTube's CEO. Time to take on the day!

10 a.m. → Show time

Jea: Seats are quickly filling up and the energy in the room is electric. So many new launches were announced, but the one that really caught my attention is Ask Studio. How cool is that? A built-in sidekick to help creators understand analytics and their communities. A serious game-changer.

Danny: The show is chock full of product updates and features, including new ways for creators to create, connect, and build their businesses. Creators like Brandon B and Christen Dominique talked through exciting new launches like Image to Video and Dynamic Brand Segments. Then, Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s Global Head of Music interviewed none other than Dua Lipa! She joined Lyor on stage for a Q&A about how she uses YouTube to connect with fans. ICYMI: she’s also a big Booktuber!

Jea: Dua Lipa?! Seriously, no words.

12 p.m. → Down to business

Danny: After the show creators and presenters mingled, so Jea and I got to work. We approached any creators we could – we’ve got content to make! We asked them about their favorite announcements and channels.

Jea: After the show, I got to chat with some of the best: Christen Dominique, Ashley Alexander, Lauren Riihimaki, and Katarina Mogus. Listening to their journeys and pivotal "I made it" moments were the most inspiring part of the day, proving what's truly possible on the platform. Oh, and of course, a YouTube event isn't complete without swag. Absolutely loved the tote bags and custom tripod bottles!

2:30 p.m. → Say hi to the CEO

Danny: After the show, YouTube’s CEO Neal Mohan joined us.

Jea: And finally, the interview we were waiting for… Neal Mohan! The TL;DR? He’s excited about all the new updates, especially Edit with AI. His pre-show ritual involves a lot of coffee, and his walk-up song is likely something by Chappell Roan.

3:30 p.m. → Edit, edit, edit

Jea: What a truly memorable day full of amazing insights and these incredible, pinch me moments. Off to our editing room (err … hotel) to work on our Shorts!

Danny: After 30+ announcements, so many great conversations with creators, and an interview with the CEO, it’s time to take a look at all our footage and put together our Shorts!