In which country are the global headquarters of YouTube located?

Introduction / Context:
YouTube is one of the most widely used online video platforms in the world, and basic questions about its ownership and headquarters appear in computer awareness and general knowledge sections. Knowing where major technology companies are based helps in understanding global digital business trends. This question asks in which country the global headquarters of YouTube are located.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question focuses on the country of YouTube's headquarters, not the city name.
- The options are China, Japan, India and United States.
- We assume the learner knows that YouTube is owned by Google, which is itself part of a larger company based in the United States.

Concept / Approach:
YouTube was founded in the United States and later acquired by Google. Its headquarters are in San Bruno, California, which is in the United States. Although YouTube has offices and data centres worldwide, its main corporate base remains in the United States. Therefore, among the countries listed, United States is the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Google, the parent company of YouTube, is an American technology giant headquartered in California. Step 2: Remember that YouTube started as a startup in the United States before being acquired by Google. Step 3: Consider that China heavily restricts access to YouTube, making it an unlikely base for the company. Step 4: Japan and India are important markets for YouTube but are not the location of its global headquarters. Step 5: Therefore, choose United States as the correct country where YouTube has its headquarters.

Verification / Alternative check:
Technology news sources and company profiles consistently describe YouTube as an American online video sharing and social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. Public corporate information about Google and its subsidiaries mentions United States as the home country. In contrast, YouTube services face significant restrictions or blocking in China, reinforcing that it is not based there.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
China: Access to YouTube is restricted in China, and the platform is not headquartered there.

Japan: Although Japan has a strong technology sector and many users of YouTube, the company was neither founded nor headquartered in Japan.

India: India is one of YouTube's largest markets by user numbers, but the global headquarters remain in the United States.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners might confuse major user markets with the location of corporate headquarters and choose India or Japan. Others may not differentiate between a company having regional offices and where it is legally headquartered. A simple rule is to remember that most of the biggest global internet companies such as Google, Facebook and YouTube are based in the United States, particularly in California.

Final Answer:
The global headquarters of YouTube are located in the United States.