We Are the World 25 for Haiti (YouTube edition)

"We Are the World 25 for Haiti (YouTube edition)" refers to a collaborative online project launched in 2010, paralleling the official "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" charity single and music video. The official version, produced by Quincy Jones and Wyclef Jean, aimed to raise money for Haitian earthquake relief. The "YouTube edition" sought to create a similar impact by compiling individual vocal and instrumental submissions from amateur and semi-professional musicians around the world, all performing the song "We Are the World."

The project distinguished itself by relying entirely on user-generated content hosted on YouTube. Participants recorded themselves singing or playing their instruments, then uploaded their videos to YouTube. The project organizers then compiled these individual contributions into a single, composite video, effectively creating a virtual choir and orchestra performing the song.

The "YouTube edition" served several purposes. Primarily, it offered a participatory avenue for individuals to contribute to the Haitian relief effort, even if they weren't professional musicians. Secondly, it leveraged the global reach and accessibility of YouTube to create a widely disseminated fundraising campaign. Finally, it demonstrated the collaborative power of online communities and user-generated content in support of a humanitarian cause. While its fundraising success might not have matched the official release, the "YouTube edition" garnered significant attention and exemplified online activism and collaborative music-making.