In the video, Karim is seen standing in front of two elephants at the San Diego Zoo in California, where he briefly comments on the length of their trunks.

Multiple journalists thought the video represented YouTube as a whole and stated it was a monumental step for the platform's history.

Karim later updated the video's description to criticize YouTube's usage of Google+ accounts and removal of dislikes from public view.

[2] Karim stated that inspiration for the platform came from the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy and the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

[3][4] He was unable to find video clips of these events online, which gave him the idea to start a video-sharing website.

[14] The New York Observer also ranked it as the most important video in YouTube history, noting its historical significance.

[18] The Los Angeles Times explained in 2009 that "Me at the zoo" made a significant change in how media was consumed, establishing an era of short videos.