Barack Obama ran an innovative and highly effective digital campaign that helped propel him to the presidency in 2008. His campaign made extensive use of social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube to engage supporters and spread his message. Obama had millions more online supporters and video views than his opponent John McCain. Obama also built sophisticated grassroots organizing tools on his website that allowed supporters to easily volunteer, plan events, donate, and mobilize their networks. This digital strategy was a major factor in Obama's success and transformed political campaigning.