Digital Game Changers of the Last 15 Years

Last updated: July 17, 2025

When Common Sense Media was founded in 2003, we had no idea how big social media and mobile gaming would become. Now, just in time for our 15th anniversary, it's hard to imagine life without them. Billions of people use these 15 apps and websites every day, making them the biggest digital game changers of the past 15 years. We've come up with this list, but you voted and helped us decide on the best of the best, with YouTube topping the list. For more iconic media, check out these lists: Most Groundbreaking Video Games and Best TV Shows of the Last 15 Years.