Dear Class of 2020
The premise
A virtual commencement for the class that lost its graduation — and the most-viewed live event in YouTube Originals history.
Developed by YouTube Originals' Learning and Impact team in April 2020, as Covid-19 stay-at-home orders reshaped public life, Dear Class of 2020 was conceived and produced as a virtual commencement — bringing together inspirational leaders, celebrities, and YouTube creators to celebrate graduates, their families, and their communities, who would otherwise lose the chance to mark the milestone.
YouTube Originals · Learning & Impact · 2020
In partnership with Done and Dusted
- Daytime Emmy Award
- Shorty Award — Winner, Live Events
- Webby Award — Nominee, Events & Live Streams
The work
Dear Class of 2020 showcases Think Less's capacity to create impactful films for virtual and in-person events. Conceived in partnership with YouTube Originals' Learning and Impact team, Think Less developed, remote-directed, and edited marquee films for global figures like the Obamas and organizations such as Khan Academy.
The live stream carried an all-star lineup — President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, BTS, Lizzo, Maluma, Katy Perry, Condoleezza Rice, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and many more — and became YouTube's most-viewed original live event, drawing over 665,000 peak concurrent viewers and 34 million views within three days, hitting the trending tab in 89 countries.
The film
The series
A once-in-a-lifetime moment under once-in-a-lifetime circumstances, you gave the students of the Class of 2020 a graduation they will remember. Because of your participation and encouragement, these graduates have a brighter future knowing that millions of people all across the country are cheering them on.