Users around the globe reported that YouTube was down for many people for at least an hour on Tuesday night, October 16th. The reason was not made public, but reports came fast and furious worldwide.
This was an unusual setback for one of the most popular websites in the world. So far, YouTube hasn’t issued an official statement about what happened except to say that they are working on the problem and to later note that it was fixed.
Although the site may have had brief issues in the past, being down this long is very rare. By 11 p.m. Eastern Time, YouTube had reported that the problem was resolved, without providing an explanation. By 1:30 a.m., YouTube was still responding to earlier tweets, explaining the problem was fixed. They also offered advice to those with YouTube TV who felt they should get some kind of refund.
Although YouTube did not identify the problem, they did acknowledge on Twitter that they are working on the issue, and then later said the problem was fixed. They wrote: “Thanks for your reports about YouTube, YouTube TV and YouTube Music access issues. We’re working on resolving this and will let you know once fixed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will keep you updated.”
Thanks for your reports about YouTube, YouTube TV and YouTube Music access issues. We’re working on resolving this and will let you know once fixed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will keep you updated.
— Team YouTube (@TeamYouTube) October 17, 2018
YouTube later reported that the problem was fixed: “We’re back! Thanks for all of your patience. If you continue to experience issues, please let us know.”
We’re back! Thanks for all of your patience. If you continue to experience issues, please let us know. https://t.co/NVU5GP7Sy6
— Team YouTube (@TeamYouTube) October 17, 2018
However, the problems were not completely fixed. Around 1 a.m. YouTube was still acknowledging some issues with YouTube TV. But around 1:30 a.m., they said that this issue should be fixed too.