+Sprinkleofglitter I'm sorry, but I think he's making a really valid point and this is just a way to ignore that. And he focuses on being unsatisfied as a VIEWER which specifically means the "other flowers".
I think youtube is aimed at a younger audience now, when I started watching I was 16 and rather than growing up with the people I watched, I feel I have out grown them.
I relate to this! The youtubers I feel as though I relate to now are the smaller ones I recently discovered who get less credit but make AMAZING content.
+Alice Jackson I agree. It's understandable because bigger TH-camrs tend to have younger fanbases as they're more likely to buy merchnadise and will defend their favourite creator to the death (sigh). As a result, TH-cam and its creators cater to that demographic more than older ones. Which is a shame. It saddens me that you can't make a lot of money out of making mature, thoughtful videos-it has to be challenges, hauls, beauty- stuff I don't care about. But TH-camrs are brands now, so it's sad but predictable.
+Alice Jackson I feel the exact same way, I started watching youtube in middle school and now I'm 21. I've seen many TH-camrs come and go, but those who are still around I feel like I've outgrown. It feels so much more commercialized now, everyone is doing brand deals and shoving it down their audiences throats. The number of times I've heard about Audible, Graze subscriptions, or even beauty gurus trying to incorporate a fast food promotion into a nail art video is ridiculous.
I'm constantly afraid that I'm going to start disliking Dan and Phil in a few years because that's what happened with most of the youtubers I liked a few years ago.
I think Jack's content just is very different to what teens or the average viewer wants to watch and obviously if you have like 9 millions subscribers then people will continue to watch that person regardless of how shit the video is, I think it's just hard when the stuff you see on the internet takes hardly any time and these youtubers are claiming that they spent a lot of time but really it's nothing and then recieve a lot of credit for it compared to other youtubers who do actually deserve a bit more credit for the time spent on their videos.
"You either adapt or die" a healthy optimism. You've expressed the perceived arrogance thing super well - because of the nature of the platform, it's so HARD not to compare the videos on here. Additionally, I think a lot of us feel as though we are no longer viewers but yet we are the big creators. I noticed recently that there have been hardly any new TH-camrs in the past year - there's no "new generation" of creators bringing something fresh. Or maybe I'm just not looking in the right places? But yeah, good vid. I feel you.
+meowitslucy I agree with the new youtubers thing! I`ve not seen the rise of any new and young youtubers, who isn`t a mini Zoella or Alfie Deyes (there are quite a few of those). Quite unusual, as I feel like new people seemed to pop up all the time "back in the day".
+meowitslucy as a new youtuber (who is still finding her indentity here on youtube) I think it's really hard to build a channel. Since a lot of people only go for the big and famous youtubers, it's hard to get started. Smaller youtubers rarely get seen, and because the way the search works on youtube, it's really hard to find smaller/newer youtubers, which I think is probably why you aren't seeing a lot of new creators, because I know they exist :)
+meowitslucy i feel like there is no "right places" on youtube now to find someone good and new. however, emma blackery did a video on this topic few weeks ago, when she asked new creators to "spam" in her comment section about their channels (I subscribed to some, they were quite good).
+meowitslucy I don't know whether there are less new TH-camrs, or more like they're drowned out by the millions of other videos that they're trying to compete against in order to get noticed. Perhaps it also has something to do with the fact that the majority of "new youtubers" aren't making new content. They're doing tags or challenges or prank videos, which there is already too much of on the internet in the first place, in order to become viral. People starting youtube these days do it for the money and fame aspect because they see it as an easy way to become "famous". Where as youtubers a few years ago were making videos because they were proud of the content they were making. There are no original new youtubers. Thats the problem.
I wanna say Lucy that, though, to many extents I agree with you, there are new TH-camrs putting so much effort into there video's and who just 'get' how to make "higher standerd" (as I seem to have dubbed it) content. But their issue is the same as the point Jack is making, that stuff just isn't popular anymore, and thus people aren't finding them, they are left to make this great content and have no-one see it. Because for every "high standard" new TH-camr there are 100s of average, 'knock out a tag video' new TH-camrs, of which, until recently I have been one. It's not that YOU don't know where to look, it's that they just don't get any publicity.
I totally agree with this. As much as I like people like Zoe and Alfie, I'm 18 and things like 'trying candy' and 'accent challenges' just don't appeal to me. But people who put so much time into their videos such as Ben Brown, Casey, Louis, Jack (movies) etc don't nearly get as much recognition and credit and it's so so frustrating.
+Holly Welb They actually do get enough recognition I think, for instance since Casey started his vlogs his number of subscribers has been multiplied, he went from like 400 000 subscribers to 2 million in less than a year ! The simple fact that we all know their names shows that they really have an important place on youtube. But still I agree with you, there must be so many little youtubers that we never heard of that probably deserve many more views, just have to find them ahah
But most of the small TH-camrs (up to 10,000) just copy what the popular vloggers are doing. Doing something original is going to stand out much more than following the masses.
i think people are becoming more interested in the people making the content rather than the content itself and i don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing
+niamh xo I completely agree! It's become more about liking the person and their personality. So they make videos that capture that, instead of something more creative. That's why there's more vlogging everyday life and not videos that take more effort.
+niamh xo It can be a good thing in that "daily vlogs" or slices of personal life - if well presented by intelligent, passionate people - can be creative in themselves. Through Jack's videos I found Daniel J. Layton, Chewing Sand and others. They are professionals in related fields which feeds their content and skills and makes for great TH-cam. Also they are adults (as I am). They are not pandering to 13-year-olds and I appreciate that. They are creators outside TH-cam as well so do not need to strain for a million views. If the exposure helps their intended careers, I say more power to them. In the mean time, I feel blessed to see their talents.
In a way, I feel like youtube has become something for 11-14 year olds to watch in their spare time. Typically, if they are using youtube as an escape or relaxation, they're more likely to watch hauls that come up on their recommended page, rather than watch more 'mature' content that you're talking about
+Briony B Although I agree with the comment about maturity and age not always being true to eachother. I 100% agree with both your comments. Even as an 18 year old I am starting to feel slightly out of place on youtube. Although I didn't always watch sketch videos, I love all the older more mature youtubers and videos that he discusses. It is a massive shame that a lot of it doesn't happen anymore and that some creators that used to post more meaningful videos now just upload on quick video every month or so purely because they can.
Gabriella Elin sorry, i was speaking generally, i shouldn't have stereotyped like that, but considering the vast majority of, for example, alfie's audience are younger than jack's audience are. i was just making a vague example
I can see where you're coming from - certainly a lot of people of a younger age do watch TH-cam and many do prefer easier on the mind type material. But as a 16 year old, just out of that age range, I believe Im mature enough (and was back then) to watch more brain-taxing content. Because TH-cam is so open and universal, it can be for light relaxation, eyeopening documentaries, breathtaking short films, or basically anything - that's what makes it so great. I feel it's slightly unfair to critisise the younger viewers of this, as many of us are the driving force behind the popularity of this type of "higher quality" content.
Hannah Tudor it is a shame that there isn't as much content like that out there, but then again it sometimes adds some of enjoyment to it if the creator isn't necessarily as well known
I completely understood and agreed with what you said about the how 'popular' stuff on youtube can put people off uploading anything out of their comfort zone or out of the ordinary, which can lead to both new creators feeling disheartened/not wanting to upload or create, or could stop 'typical', 'popular' vloggers with the potential to create original art from doing so. If a vlogger gets 100k views on a 'what i got for christmas' or 'the accent challenge' video, and only 10k views on an unscripted video about something very close to their heart, it will, naturally, put them off.
This is exactly what I was thinking! I feel like the more 'talented' youtubers like Jack who post original, creative work get brushed to the side a lot over these generic challenge vids! I mean obviously Jack is a little more popular than other youtubers in this sort of genre but I think it's totally unfair
+Briony B And, of course, artists want feedback. And grow from constructive criticism, but if no one is watching their content, they don't even have a chance or a need to develop that content. And, we, as an audience, have an increasingly unlikely chance of finding new, interesting content now than ever before, so, even if we wanted to, we really don't have the tools to find something amazing or different.
+Briony B I think it also puts the more famous youtubers off uploading things that are indeed more creative. If they get a lot more views by doing what is more requested and most popular, it just makes sense to stick to that kind of stuff, doesn't it?
I sometimes think that "back in the old days", a lot of the people who would go on TH-cam regularly were essentially a bit nerdy, a bit different from their everyday life, and were looking for others who were different too (or maybe just me) and then found them on youtube, shared opinions, a sense of humour etc. But obviously the internet, therefore also youtube, has grown in terms of its audience so of course you'll find everyday people and their everyday interests here as well now. Which is good and bad, I guess, for people like us who look for content that's perhaps a bit more unusual or creative. I guess it's really just about not giving up - we have to keep on creating and watching videos that WE think are awesome so our voices don't die! At the end of the day, TH-cam is really just a platform where you can publicly share videos, so why not let them have their space and we can keep ours and make sure it doesn't fall apart but keeps growing and changing (:
First off, you are an old man - in TH-cam demographic terms. The most popular content on here is always gonna be stuff that appeals to the average teenager, whose tastes differ from yours. There's no problem in that, it doesn't matter if you don't like the most popular stuff - the same is likely true of film, music and any other art form you care to mention. The issue for me is your point about whether the people making what you do like are still coming to TH-cam, or perhaps the problem is that they're here, just hard to find. I feel sure that there is room on this site for there to be successful content across all sorts of genres & tastes, but it does appear more difficult now for niche content to gain traction. I think this makes it more important than ever for people like you (and me) to support content we do like - whether that means backing someone on Patreon, tweeting their video out, offering advice and encouragement... I remember last month reading a lot of the Alan Rickman tributes, how he seemed to have so much time for his friends and co-stars, and always supported their other projects. To me, that more than anything else made him an absolute role model.
+Blue Skies Yes completely agree. I have found some incredibly talented small youtubers and support them as much as i can. And it's great when they support me too.
I would even go as far as to say that no, the current stuff doesn't have as much effort in it and is inherently not as good. When the youtube formula changed from "paying per view" to "paying per minutes watched" the incentive to pour a lot of effort into editing smaller content like sketch comedy and animation disappeared overnight and that hurt a lot of creators. There are always exceptions. Game grumps for example try to get animations out and they use the main bulk of their channel (let's plays) to fund smaller, more fun, more effort projects. However, the cult of personality behind vloggers is terrifying to me especially seeing how little they actually do. When the money changed, so did the content, and the focus shifted from quality to consistency.
Let's play animateds are great in theory, and having done one myself with Game Grumps content I know how hard it is to make. But in practice, no one wins except the host of the video. The audience see a passion project but is given no incentive to follow up on who it was that made the video, the animator gets paid for the video but rarely will even 1% of the viewers check out the channel (if the animator is even given the privilege of uploading to the main channel), and the host just gets a video worth more than all their own videos combined.
I know what you mean about not being interested in newer content! My taste has grown with me and it's hard to find a channel that really interests me because I'm not 12 anymore
+Dennis Fang my instagram name was jewelissocoollike for far longer than I care to admit I still love Charlie and he is part of the reason I love youtube
I enjoy quite a bit of the popular content on youtube, but I understand where you're coming from. IMO it's obvious that the youtube algorithm (that suggests videos and channels) is what's behind why so much quickly made, long videos get so popular. The algorithm is rewarding the channel for keeping people watching for long periods of time. Since the new algorithm was "installed", suddenly all the musicians, animators and schetch comedians (the content I watched back then mostly) experienced way less views overnight. And that is definitely the most sharable content (and is still extremely popular on Facebook, which is based way more on supply/demand than youtube)
The thing is, when I like a TH-camr I don't need every video to be a totally new and creatiy idea. I need every video to be something they are proud of, something they had fun making and something that they really wanted to create. Not because the video will get a lot of views or because its a common series to make, just because they wanted it. If they truly enjoyed making a food testing video, why not but I feel a lot of these videos aren't genuine. They give the people what they want. I wish more people would just put whatever they freaking want on their channel, because that's what TH-cam is all about. That's what makes it different from traditional media. You don't have to make a jumpcut every 2 seconds to make your video more interesting, you don't have to film a fancy intro with slow motion candles if that's not your style just because it seems to be the norm nowadays.
Oh my god, I was looking for a comment like this. That's exactly what I feel. Sometimes I just want to watch a funny, kind of stupid video for a couple minutes. I don't need any fancy things to watch it. Your comment is amazing. 👍🏻
Sadly I have to agree, and I've felt this way for years. I love the personalities on here like Dan and Phil, gaming videos where people make choices, and I love Dodie and Emma's videos, some film/comedy stuff like you and PJ - but the best stuff, there isn't enough of and it doesn't happen often enough for that to be why I stay on here... I feel like i'm subscribed to sooooo many things just to have something to watch. I always light up when I see a video from you or Chris or Dan/Phil or Dodie or PJ etc, but it's not obviously an every day thing, not a constant stream like TV. People are trying to replace TV with youtube, and i used to think that was a good thing, but now I see it's completely wrong. There's so much pressure to create, CONSTANTLY, instead of back in like 2007-11 when it was more about random bursts of inspiration than sponsored challenge videos just to fill in the gaps. I went to Sitc 2012 which was really busy and crowded and hysterical but still fun. 2014? HELL. I didn't meet anyone because I was just an "obstacle" to hysterical fans trying to meet the people they'd idealised in their head. I think one of the scariest things about youtube is despite how blatantly normal the creators are, in the best way possible, people are just as (if not MORE) infatuated and deluded, possibly for much longer than they would have been for other types of "celebrity" (hate that it's what it is now...). Like there's 20 year olds freaking out at the sight of Dan Howell. Calm down. It's just mental; I've always wanted to start TH-cam but I waited until I actually had something specific to create as stuff to say - for me that's educational/storytelling animation and film-making. I won't let the current climate on here deter me from doing this, but it sure is unsettling.
I agree, the videos I enjoy watching the most tend to be less frequent so when I just want something easy and quick to watch on TH-cam I do just sit and watch Thatcher Joe and alfie and Zoe because there's always something there, as they put out so many videos
+Lemon Ste You really accurately captured some of the biggest issues this site faces. People aren't users hanging out with each other. There's this enormous degree of lurkers viewing and creators making, talking out to them instead of jumping into the comments and speaking with them. For me, that lack of communication is fine. I watch a lot of video essays/lectures about game design in which the argument is what's valuable and being engaged with, rather than a heightened version of a personality. Even in this educational/informational realm, I can fall into thinking I know and like someone. And, yeah, good stuff doesn't happen all the time. I can scroll through my subs and find enough interest to click on about 20% of what's there. Maybe less. This works well for my viewing as a college student, but I get that it poses serious financial strains and incentives on people making videos. I wish them all the utmost success and enjoyment in their craft, yourself included.
This is exactly how I feel. There's certain channels that I get excited to see a video from and others that are just (pleasant) time wasters. But obviously the easy-going content is always going to appeal to a wider audience and therefore get more views.
I completely agree. I think some of this is TH-cam, the site, fault. TH-cam is wanting to be a big competitor with Hulu and Netflix, constant streaming like you mentioned. These are extremely successful businesses that are respectable and TH-cam wants a part in that. With that, TH-camrs are pushed to upload more (due to how the algorithm is set up nowadays) and the majority content isn't as creative as it use to be. I think TH-cam needs to realize it's not the same platform as Netflix, Hulu, or TV. It's different, not better or worse, just different.
Preach it Jack. People like you and Hazel Hayes actually have spark and creativity - and a sense of humour...! If I see another 'candle haul' or 'what's in my mouth' I swear to god 😳 keep doing the sketches, way more interesting than the mainstream stuff
I completely agree with you Jack & I think that's part of the reason I stopped making videos. I didn't really enjoy the content that was in my subscription feed, and felt unmotivated to add to the ocean of content - since if I don't wanna watch hugely successful peoples' content, who would want to watch mine? There are still a few people I enjoy on TH-cam though, you being one of them.
I get exactly what you mean. My sub box is filled with so many similar things so I have to scroll and scroll to find interesting things and new smaller creators. Also I enjoyed your videos a lot and I hope that you continue to be successful in your current career!
1:57 I find it interesting that bigger TH-camrs (yes, Jack, I'm counting you as a big TH-camr - it's all relative, innit?) consider "success" on TH-cam as lots of views. I've learned to define it a different way, one that can't be measured by TH-cam analytics. I consider success to be if your video resonated with someone. Maybe that makes them laugh, makes them cry, makes them think, makes them create - whatever. Those videos that can be done in an afternoon happen to have value to a number of people, and videos like yours, PJ's and others who put lots of effort into them have value to other people, though a different kind. Comparing different kinds of values doesn't help anyone. But do know that your videos have value to the people who appreciate your content, and we are grateful that you do put lots of effort into your videos - it definitely shows. To me, you've succeeded in that.
+lotrbaby But I suppose that relates to the system that is currently going on on TH-cam. A lot of newer Creators are only caring about the views, where as the ones who came to this site first cared about the content and the reaction that the Viewers had. A video doesn't become popular by the amount of meaningful discussions that happen within the comments, and that's the sad part about what TH-cam is becoming, this means that content which inspires conversation and discussion and helps spread ideas are more likely to be ignored and swept under the rug, so to say, rather than the same challenge videos done over and over. New videos are great but they don't have the same content or quality that older videos and older creaters do.
Completely and utterly agree. Success with videos should be primarily about connecting with people, leaving an impression.. Being true to yourself and the people you'd like to watch you, whether it's short films, tutorials, vlogs, music. It's the interpretation of what "success" is, is the setback. Fuck algorithms
+lotrbaby I think it may be because of the way how youtube has become a business today. When people in 'the real world' are consider successful it usually means they earn a lot of money. A lot of views= a lot of money= successful. However, I completely agree with you. It depends on the content creator and what he wishes to achieve with his channel. Does he want to make youtube his job or simply do it 'on the 'side' because he enjoys the creative process behind it and that he can make other people smile or relate to his arguments etc
I think you may be overlooking the underlying beauty of TH-cam. It can be what you want it to be. People have different interests and different needs. Many people aren't on TH-cam for the same reason you are on TH-cam. You might be on TH-cam to watch content and be entertained by it, maybe even be inspired by it (probably less as of late since you are posting this video) Some people are on TH-cam to be entertained, some people are here to escape, many people are on TH-cam to feel like they are a part of something, whether it's a family they don't have, or friends they don't have. People subscribe to you because they have expectations of the genre and content you produce. Some people might look at the sketches you produce and think they lack the soul that a vlog has, while you might look at challenges and think they lack the art your sketches have. Comparing is a tricky road to go down, and your perspective will always skew the results. The only way to truly see the value in both sides is to open your mind a bit more so you can see the obvious value it has to some people. Either way, there are plenty of intellectually stimulating channels on TH-cam, you just have to dig a bit deeper to find them. Although I believe that will always be the case since the content that you might not find stimulating is just so easily accessible by the broadest audience. I used to make sketches, I loved making sketches and I was pretty good at it, but it got to the point where I needed to pay the bills (adapt or die) and easier content was faster to produce. So I tried it, I decided I would make a challenge. The amount of prejudice I had biting the bullet making that first challenge video was unbearable. But then I shot it, and honestly, had fun. I had fun shooting it, I had fun editing it, and I had fun seeing people laugh from it. That opened up my eyes and kicked myself for being so arrogant (not saying you are here, just saying I was) to assume that type of content had no value. I make people laugh, that has value, and it's shifted my goal on TH-cam completely. Not only that, sometimes I put MORE work into the challenges I would create, many times the amount of editing in one of my challenges surpassed the amount of editing in one of my sketches tenfold. On your note about going off of TH-cam, I have had about 15-20 offers to make content outside of TH-cam with other mediums such as film, commercials, TV, etc directing and creating my own stories based on those sketches not on my popularity. I choose to stay on TH-cam because I believe I am making the biggest impact here. You may see value and stimulation from making more artistic creations, but some see value in other pursuits. To each their own my friend.
I think the thing is you can't let your perception of youtube and its content as a whole be dictated by and confined to what's popular. There are thousands of smaller creators out there and for all you know you could love them, you just can't see them because the channels with 7 digit subscriber counts obscure everything else. The problem with TH-cam isn't the content that's popular, it's that it doesn't promote or allow people to easily find anything else.
+Altarialex Thats a great point! I think one reason this development can be seen is, that youtube got much bigger. On the other hand it is good, that TH-cam got bigger, because this way not so popular channels still have many subscribers. Its just hard to find them as a new member of this site..
I think the problem is that the creativity pool within the TH-cam community is so stagnant. I feel like so many people become discouraged because "everything" has been done before and they don't have the motivation to come up with original ideas... And coming up with those ideas is exhausting and time consuming, which is why the greater, more creative youtubers only post videos every so often (this was/is Chris Kendall's issue). It's not necessarily hard to be creative, but executing said ideas is a long and time consuming process. I think that's why so many people stick to vlogs and challenge videos as ways to get views. I hate to say it, but our current generation does seem to have a short attention span, so vlogs and challenge videos are easy to watch. I don't hate them, but if that's all a person puts out then it gets boring and dull. Like at least try to put some effort in to your videos. I stick around for people like PJ and nigahiga who still really care about their content.
Saying it's not hard to be creative was a bad pay of putting that. Not everybody is super creative and it can be hard, but if you are creative it still takes time and effort to take those ideas and create entertaining content.
Also, there are some vloggers I actually really enjoy and tell that they put effort in to their videos.Julien Solomita is one vlogger I truly enjoy watching.
Yes NigaHiga, he talks and maks skits about controversial issues in a funny and smart way where you don't get offended, even about trends but he keeps the creativity alive in his videos.
+Lauren Elizabeth: I completely get where you're coming from, being a newbie to the world of TH-cam myself, I completely get this. I want to make something new and refreshing, that'll make someone smile - but it's so hard to think of something new, and when you do think of something, it's sometimes really difficult to make the video itself seem really different. The amount of videos I have come up with but then decided wouldn't be very good, it's staggering o.O I do have one or two ideas for some new videos, but even they aren't exactly fully developed yet
The only youtubers who stand out to me nowadays are you (and Dean), kickthepj, AmazingPhil,Danisnotonfire. People complain that some of them don't upload all the time but most of their videos are extremely creative and take a long time to think of. Unlike other youtubers who steal their ideas.
+Charlotte Wayland i totally agree! I only watch them, nigahiga and a sims channel (cos i love sims). Everything is so stupid nowadays on youtube, people have become more shallow and believe theyre more important than they are
I totally agree with you! Nowadays I feel like a lot of big TH-camrs found the ultimate formula to big success in terms of numbers and now try to use it all the time instead of coming up with new creative ideas! They probably all have fun creating videos that are known to get a lot of views and people watch those creators because of their personality, but you can also see that smaller TH-camrs try to emulate their success by creating similar videos because they think this is popular now, so they need to create the same videos as well. That's why it feels like fresh air to me when I find small TH-camrs with just a few subscribers but with such great and creative content. I feel so inspired and motivated by them to just keep doing what I love and don't fall into the trap of thinking I need to create popular videos as well. I wish TH-cam would give those creators so much more credit for their work instead of highlighting the same videos about the same topics all over TH-cam!
This is a very difficult thing to talk about but I also have a lot to say about it . I think when people think of the big successful TH-camrs they first think of people like Alfie Deyes who does make very basic videos but there are also people like Anna Akana who make very creative skits and videos that promote awareness for important issues. It does suck that someone as mediocre as Alfie whose channel is literally called pointless blog can go onto do things that many have worked towards for years but at the same time I do think there is still some really good content out there both in big and little TH-cam.
+Livi's Vlog Haha I used Anna Akana as my example too! Then I scrolled down and saw your comment and now I'm questioning if she's the _only_ one who manages to produce thoughtful content on such a regular basis. Haha
Let's not beat around the bush, you're content is BETTER than what's popular. Why? Because you put effort in. Planning, script writing, editing and everything between. The "popular" videos are basically get a camera, film. The same can be said for music, art and other forms of media, it is not fair that those who put in the most effort will not necessarily be getting rewarded for it and almost never do. Jack, do what you do. Your audience will always be there so long as you continue to put in the work you have done all these years. Do not change for anyone but yourself.
I think I may agree.... But the beauty of TH-cam is there is something for everyone... Some people love extremely witty complex sketches, short film or debate and some people love a story-time video or a haul that's just simply someone talking to a camera... Could it be that were too obsessed with popularity rather than something being created, existing and being appreciated by the people (be it a small number) who like that video. TH-cam's a business and it's going to continue to be, but I think I accept it as that and enjoy the positive consequence of there being a video, a short film, a sketch etc. that exists for me to enjoy.
+Clara Lara it lines up with the fact that the majority of people are, sadly, content with being and surrounding themselves with average things. hence most people end up in shitty 9-5 office jobs instead of pursuing their ''true dreams''. i truly believe that the creative people on youtube, and also those who take risky life choices, are the only ones brave enough to step out of line it just reflects the way our world and society works as a whole..right?
Reading all the comments on here, and your audience is so smart and analytical, I love it! As for myself, I'm subscribed to over 60 people but rarely feel compelled to watch most of their content every day. For me, videos have to be emotive, inspiring, thought provoking or funny (all of which yours are Jack, plus PsychoSoprano and JacksFilms) and it sucks because I love everyone's personalities. Challenge videos and pranks/vlogs, aren't just doing it for me anymore. The novelty has worn off. Thanks for talking about this, proving once again why I'm subbed to you! Can't wait to see the new series you and Dean have been doing.
It was so nice to meet you and Hazel yesterday! I wholeheartedly agree with this video. You put out good quality videos that are not targeted to teens and children to get that instant entertainment and gratification. It's a shame more people can't appreciate that content.
Ive noticed this with myself lately, theres definitely been a decrease in the videos I actually want to watch in my sub box. Theres only so many 'storytime' and vlogs you can watch you know?
I have to agree with you, Jack. I've been watching TH-cam since 2008 and to be quite honest, I noticed that there was a huge shift in "popular" content once big British youtubers (like Zoella) started getting more views. I'm not pointing the blame on anyone here, I'm glad that these content creators have found an audience. But it seems as though TH-cam shifted from a space that allowed conversation to a strict entertainment platform. People haven't been producing original content because they'd rather produce something that gets guaranteed views (which translates to $$$$$$).
Side note: it's really annoying when TH-cam creators automatically assume that their viewers are 14. It's like they purposefully dumb down their content for tweens... I am about the same age as some content creators and it feels like I am not a valued viewer because I am not their target demographic.
Completely agree with everything you said! Most of the 5 minute videos that mainstream vloggers make take a few hours and get millions of views and people like you who spend days/weeks/months don't reach the same views. Seems very unfair and I hope you see that we all understand you.
I agree with you completely. I enjoy a small selection of the 'popular' stuff to some extent, but honestly it just fills the time in my day where there's not much else going on. I find myself getting way more into content like yours and PJs etc. - the 'different' stuff is so much more enjoyable for me. I may actually go through and cull my subscriptions down to the stuff I really look forward to watching instead of a few videos I really want to watch and a few that are okay.
Now this is just as true as ever. I love all the sketch comedy and short film-making TH-camrs and it's such a shame that they are not getting the attention they deserve.
The best advice which I was given was. If you don't like what you watch on TH-cam. Be the creator who makes content which you would enjoy and like to watch. I also question why certain videos gets more views than others. My most popular video on my channel is the one which I don't care about at all and that doesn't make sense to me. But the videos which I put so much love and effort into. Nobody seems to watch them.The Internet is a strange place.
I feel like arguing that there's no good content on TH-cam is like arguing that there's no good music. It's not that it doesn't exist, it's that it's so hard to find as its not advertised. I found the majority of my favourite youtubers through word of mouth, and the videos in the trending tab just don't do anything for me. I don't think it's the content creators that are the problem, it's how TH-cam is choosing how to market to their audience, which unfortunately does not help those who make interesting and different creations.
I love all the short movies and skits and comedy that you offer and the funny moments of my favourite celebs and stuff but I also love daily vlogs- not so much main channel videos. You're my favourite content creator because i come to your Chanel to think about a topic or issue. and be entertained but to learn an opinion. I enjoy the "popular" stuff also because it's easy viewing. I enjoy easy viewing but I also enjoy hard viewing, videos that have thought etc. I get what you mean about treading on something, one wrong step and the wrath of the Internet is on you! I follow the "popular" people who you're trying not to personally name as you're respectful, and I really enjoy them, but I can feel that I'm watching content because of the brand not satisfaction. I don't see your work as a brand, ( I enjoy both content the same amount but for different reasons ). As a viewer and not a creator I'd say the hardest thing to do is watch a video and convince yourself you love them.
+Chloe Prime this is exactly what I think too, Jack is by far my favourite youtuber and I agree with his views yet I still watch daily vlogs, simply because they entertain me and they are easy to watch
+Chloe Prime "I also love daily vlogs- not so much main channel videos" -- this is so damn real. i love seeing people ramble at a camera about whatever, i love people's lives and personalities. a lot of youtubers are trying so hard to have the polish of TV, forgetting that the point of youtube is it's not TV.
I've been feeling the same way for a long time :( When I was a teenager I remember watching people like Charlie McDonnell and feeling so hopeful and inspired, because being a nerd/geek was something worth celebrating instead of being ashamed of. I felt like I was part of a community that spanned continents. Now I'm completely out of the loop. I don't laugh at challenge videos and I don't enjoy videos where people who are far richer than me show me all the things they can buy and the places they can go that I will never be able to afford. I don't know man. I'm a whiny old grandma at 21. :P
I don't think it's as simple as views=popularity, which you should try to remember. A tag or challenge video is going to get more views because it's so easy for the creators to knock one out, making them easy access to more viewers. That along with a combo of garish thumbnails and clickbaity titles give them the impression of popularity when really they're just being watched by bored teenagers putting off their homework or else with nothing better to do. The kind of content that you value is more likely being watched with really enthusiasm and enjoyment despite lower viewing figures. I know it's little consolation when TH-cam themselves haven't grasped this and are still assuming that more views equals higher enjoyment from viewers, but try and thing of it in a sense of quality over quantity.
+Amelia Gibbs The more views equal more ad revenue for TH-cam. From a business standpoint what kind of content is getting the most views probably doesn't matter to TH-cam the company. But then there is now TH-cam Red, where (I think?) theoretically some of that revenue is funding is better content.(?) I agree that it's not as simple as views and popularity, in terms of audience enjoyment, which is really what matters.
+Amelia Gibbs likeminded people definitely find sense in watching said mediocre content, explaining the amount of followers vloggers get for doing challenges daily. great comment
+Amelia Gibbs YES. "That along with a combo of garish thumbnails and clickbaity titles give them the impression of popularity when really they're just being watched by bored teenagers putting off their homework or else with nothing better to do" is entirely accurate and I fully admit to doing so. I watch my favourites first (eg, Casey, Ben Brown, Jack etc) and when I don't want to get off the internet and do more useful things I binge other youtubers videos to procrastinate. There is an abundance of easy to watch challenges / hauls etc and I don't enjoy them NEARLY as much as I enjoy Jacks videos for example yet I watch them anyway.
I completely agree with his points. I'm sick of seeing hauls and monthly favourites videos. I also know it must be extremely taxing to come up with an uncommon and yet interesting video weekly, but I truly believe that quality trumps quantity.
He mentions how he compares his own work with that which is popular, and then goes on to wonder if his is as good or as likeable. He says he finds no thrill or entertainment from popular content. I'm just saying there are others who don't find popular content entertaining, and people who will enjoy his content, or people that like both, or neither. It shouldn't matter. You should like your own work and gain viewers who like your work as well. There is no need to cater for the audience or have to compare your own work to what is popular. Some people somewhere will enjoy your work for what it is. Popular content changes all the time, there is no way to be truly happy whilst changing your content constantly to fit an idea of popular.
I see now. It's odd, I think a lot of people take youtube as like a shot thrill platform, something pulls the attention, bish bash bosh, no need for an extensive attention span. Where as when you go to see a movie you switch into a lengthier attention span. I think it's rising but it's still few that are doing this film like content on youtube. Only those that are looking for it will find it. kinda, does that make sense?
I completely agree Jack. I used to sit on TH-cam for hours and hours on end. And now I just really struggle to find stuff that I really want to watch or get excited about. I don't know it's kind of sad.
Oh, Jack. Thanks for this video. I've been a TH-cam viewer since early 2006, and the feel of the site is so different. Everything is so similar, and so much of the stuff I love to watch gets lost in the pockets of TH-cam that I can't find. . . if they're really there. I remember watching every video of every TH-camr I liked and then some, and seeing low-budget/no-budget stuff made with creativity and hard work and originality. I miss the old community feel, but TH-cam's change isn't all bad. (I've fixed half the apartment I'm renting using TH-cam tutorials.) So glad you're still making a videos, Jack. You've evolved too, and though I love your old stuff, I'm enjoying the new. The TH-cam 2010's have been different for us viewers, wonder what the future of TH-cam will be like. . . and how long it will be.
I feel quite happy as a viewer. I'm here for the stories, the people, the connection, hearing peoples thoughts and having a peek in their lives. If I want to watch comedy or high quality series or short films or documentaries, TH-cam is not the platform I turn to. I go to netflix or HBO or the library (we have lots of short films being promoted in our local library). This is just my experience though, but as a 26 year old female I don't feel all the content is for younger viewers (as some in the comments say). I love the "bigger" TH-camrs like Zoe, Louise, Grace, Vlogbrothers, but also follow ApprenticeEh, watch cereal time, gloveandboots and follow a lot of 'smaller' booktubers because BOOKS and awesome opinionated women because feminism! I understand that some type of videos require more time and effort than others but that is often not factored in how I watch, just as some documentaries take ten years to make and others one, to me it is still the end product that matters. That is what I as a viewer am here for.
I completely agree here are a few channels I find to have good content if anyone is looking for anything good: 1. Filthy Frank: He is funny in a dirty way but makes everyone laugh 2. Madeyewlook: She is probably the biggest face painter on youtube right now but her stuff is extremely original 3. Jess and Kelly: They are young youtubers starting out but if you're looking for some good musical content they're original and great (They play a lot of instruments) 4. Kick the Pj: Jack mentions him in this video he is extremely amazing and makes a lot of short films 5. Florsounds: they are a new fueled by ramen band and I think they're gonna get somewhere I do not know any of these you tubers on a personal level, but I feel like they're work isn't popular enough. They could be our key to saving youtube.
+Mychemical Bromance Ik of Madeyewlook and pj and I agree but I just checked out Jess and Kelly and they're pretty good. Very original and I like it thanks for the recommendation. I also suggest maybe following trevor moran if you like flor.
Satisfied with new stuff? Not at all. People that I used to enjoy watching have sold out to stupid challenge videos or just stopped making videos all together. And it's disheartening to see people get hundreds of thousands of views on a video they recorded and edited in a few hours with no real content at all yet videos that people spent days or weeks preparing and recording and editing get just a few thousand. But it's what the kids of today want to see so that's what people have resorted to producing.
I can only speak from a viewer's perspective, but I really enjoys seeing videos of woodworkers teaching young people skills and follow channels that are dedicated to showing people things that they can practice and learn. The skills I have learned from TH-cam have enabled me to build tables and cabinets, and things that mean something to a significant other. Woodworking is just one example of that. Knowing my way around a car, wiring for solar panel use, and camping skills are just a few of the valuable skills that are available every week. They may not be have many millions of subscribers, but most of the channels covering themes mentioned earlier are full time TH-camrs. This isn't to say that I only enjoy educational videos; content from you and your friends is absolutely amazing. It's really cool to see the effort you put in to your videos and it shows. I guess to sum it up, I haven't ever felt bored or uninterested by what is popular on this platform. I just watch who I like to watch. Thanks for all that you and your friends do.
i feel like the only way i can describe my feelings towards this is that i used to watch nearly every single video in my sub box and now i watch probably one in every 5-10 posted and the ones i select are almost always due to it being something new and refreshing. i cant say i have watched a single challenge or tag video in the past 6-12 months except for maybe the occasional one put out by people like you (eg the one you and hazel did) because it was a refreshing change to see a chill/lighthearted video by you guys and it balances out the others. theres nothing wrong with either but you're so right, i am a little bit in awe of the fact that so many 'popular' youtubers still post the same stuff every single week and get away with it??? fascinatin stuff man
Well yes and no. I don't like prank channels or react channels and I don't enjoy most gaming channels and I would say that's the most popular stuff on TH-cam. But I do still enjoy, comedy sketches and Game Grumps and vlogs and cartoons and stuff and I can still find that stuff here. I'm still happy and satisfied with TH-cam content. Cartoons are unfortunately dying due to the relatively new algorithms and that makes me sad, but there is definitely still people uploading things I enjoy but it can get drowned fairly easily by stuff that I don't enjoy that much.
*TH-cam is an eternal struggle between Personality based videos and Content based videos.* In the long run Personality based videos (challenges, tags etc.) win out because nothing like them exists on any other platform (television, netflix etc.) There is nothing really we can do about it. You can leave the platform and create for other media or continue targeting the audience on TH-cam that appreciates content based videos. The best videos/youtubers in my opinion are ones that can combine the two, Smosh, Nigahiga, Jenna Marbles and several others have perfected the art of doing sketch comedies with Personality based elements. *Mixed content is the key.* If you can build up viewers through personality based videos and they grow an attachment to you as a person it is then easier to get them to watch your scripted project and appreciate the effort you put in. That is the only way Content based videos will be able to grow on youtube and the only way content based videos will become popular.
We've been on TH-cam for over five years and we've always made content that we love but which we know ultimately won't rise to the top. The fact of the matter is that when you're making surreal, five-minute long sketches like us, you can't compete with the quick-fire challenge videos and stuff like that - and we've always understood that and made our peace with that. What bugs me is how little TH-cam does to nuture channels that are anything other than the big, popular, mainstream channels. Back in the day we used to get spotlighted sometimes, and that was great for bringing in a new audience - but now? Now we're making videos we love, but we're just throwing them into a void. Why does someone with millions of subscribers need TH-cam's promotion? What about the up-and-comers? We have 30,000+ subscribers but we have had to fight for years to get them, because unless you're hopping on a trend or doing a cynical collaboration (to try and get a taste of someone else's subscribers), how else are you going to grow?
Per your last question, I am satisfied with TH-cam when people whose videos I really like post something new. For instance, when I get a notification on my phone of a new Jack and Dean video, I get excited. Keep doing what you do. It's awesome!
As someone who was a massive TH-cam fan and I watched so many videos and subscribed and invested my time into so many people on this website, I have noticed the change. Sometimes it's nice to see how people progress, professionally their videos and content are better and personally I can see how they are growing as an individual. But I have to say that a lot of what is happening on TH-cam is getting far more consumerist. It seems less about the personal connection with the creator and more about frantically creating and then profiting off a fanbase. I know that there is a lot of wonderful content on here, but I agree that so many people seem to be outgrowing what TH-cam can offer them and therefore move on to something different away from here. I'm coming at this from the angle that I watched a lot of vloggers. Recently I've moved to more educational and sketch comedy content. Either way, still a big fan of what you put out there Jack, more socially aware which is really nice ☺️
jack, you and all your friends still get thousands and sometimes millions of views. don't feel disheartened. i put a lot of effort into making films myself and i barely get half a thousand views but i never get disheartened because i just love the process of starting and finishing a film. just think of all the little guys on this website and consider that you are in a very lucky position with an incredibly dedicated audience who will stick by you. you have all this fancy equipment at your disposal so you can make high quality films/sketches and if i was in your position i would thrive so much and be excited that there will be a very large audience that will be watching the content i was creating. just because others have more popular channels than you, doesn't mean you have to change what you make!
I guess what you are trying to say is that you're frustated because the "Reward vs amount of effort" is dispropotionate. And I agree, it definitely is.
i mean, i get your concern that challenge videos and stuff like that get so popular, while quality comedy sketches and stuff dont get as many views and shares and subscribers. I am not a creator but I see how that can be infuriating. But I think you gotta consider that the stuff you mentioned, and your channel in particular is still popular as FUCK. Like someone falling can get millions of views, but thats just based on the fact that its so easy to share something like this, the most popular youtubers get that the way to grow is to make their videos super shareable (hey now thats not a word is it). We are ALL more likely to show someone a video of two people eating cinnamon and spitting crap than a 10 minute short film, no matter how great it is. But hey, your kind of content, the good content, makes people think and gets a good laugh out of the viewer, so maybe you should analyse it not by the numbers, the views, the subscribers, but by the engagement of the community and the comments and the responses. And think that if 300k people are subscribed to you, instead of the 8 million that a challenge videos type vlogger has, thats still 300 THOUSAND PEOPLE that probably care about your content a lot more! TL; DR numbers dont mean shit, but I get how infuriating it must be from the creators POV
JACK THIS MADE ME THINK OF ASMR BECAUSE IT DESERVES SO MUCH RECOGNITION. A LOT of work goes into these videos that relax you and give you ASMR but i feel like people need to appreciate it more and it needs to be talked about. Good ramble Jack.
Jack, I feel you so much!! I have so many youtubers that I've watched since 2011 that don't interest me anymore. Maybe it's because I'm growing up, but I think that it's really because so many of them have resorted to "challenges" like I don't CARE what your reaction is to a candy from a different country. it's not original and it's definitely not entertaining. This has been really bothering me for a while because TH-cam used to be the thing that would bring me joy and make me happy and now I just feel like I'm missing something, like I don't have some quality that all these viewers seem to have that make them enjoy these, in my opinion, mediocre videos. thank you for making this jack!!
Boy, do I got a lot to say about this. I feel like the reason a lot of people are starting to feel like this is because of youtubes algorithm. You almost never see new people and when you do, it's the friends of people you already watch (who often make the same type of content). TH-cams "rising" page is just plain shit, because you see what the masses are watching, not what you genuinely want to see or actual _good_ content. For me, at least, I've made my peace with the youtubers I'm watching. I feel like I'im lucky enough to discover Evan Edinger, Dodie Clark and so on - people who collab with people I've never seen before. Cause that _is_ the way you discover people now. And also, there will always be shit content enjoyed by a lot of people. And that will draw more people in to make that kind of content because it's what makes the most money. That's how it is in the film industry too, there is sooooo many stupid comedy films with the same actors. Is it repetitive? Yes. Is it good? Sometimes yes, sometimes not. But does it make a shit-tonne of money? Absolutely.
A friend and I were talking about the same thing the other day where we just aren't interested in TH-cam and what the creators we used to like are putting up these days. It may be because we have less time now due to college or personal life, but it doesn't hide the fact that content has become repetitive and our interests don't lie here anymore. I feel it's just an indication of changing times in our very fast paced world and we cannot really change what's happening. Like you said, we must accept and go on.
Absolutely agree with this. I remember one day clicking on my subscription box and being completely disappointed by the fact that not even one of my subscriptions had posted anything beyond a candle haul, a 27 minute vlog of a puppy and a Q and A video. I had been noticing more and more that the content that was being posted wasn't enjoyable for me, but on this particular day I realised that none of my subscriptions interested me any longer. I get that those videos are the ones that get the most hits with the 12-15 bracket that most youtubers seem to aim for, and I agree with your feeling that as a viewer from one of the older brackets (and I say older from the wizened, sage age of 20!!), the content is no longer aimed at us. I really enjoy your videos Jack, and the discussions such as this that you promote and I hope that you don't find the excessive drive to please the tween market on TH-cam too disheartening. There are many of us who search for the content like this and we absolutely will recognise and support you as you deviate from the usual "youtuber" meta. Create the content the content you want to create. It will resonate with someone and that is what it's all about.
To me, youtube is a lot like the music industry. It's frustrating that the more low-effort stuff has more mass appeal and the biggest pop stars make millions. But although I do enjoy crappy pop music sometimes on a commute or at a loud party, the music i really love is a bit harder to find, and once i find it, i get really into it: i'm incredibly loyal to it, i want to explore their entire discography, etc. That's kind of how youtube is for me. Occasionally I will watch a zoella baking video for shits and giggles or a boyfriend tag with alfie, but I'm not subscribed to those channels, I stick to the youtubers I've been watching for years, or who make interesting and unique stuff. I understand this is frustrating because it's quite literally your job and you get paid better when you're more popular, but I feel like there's definitely a place for you still among choosier viewers :)
i do feel like a lot of the "popular" things on youtube just seem to be the same old recycled challenges and show absolutely no creativity on the uploaders part. while i'm not saying that these types of videos are bad, but just show no originality and are then copied by hundreds of other youtubers. Such as the candy tasting challenge, which certain youtubers have done upwards of 10 times or so. Whereas when creative challenges are made, such as the 7 second challenge, they are copied and recycle
so much that they become just as generic and boring as the other boring mainstream videos whereas with TH-camrs like Jack, Hazel, Sammy and others who actually put in the effort to create content that not only their audience love, but that they clearly loved themselves it makes all the difference and is definitely worth the wait for that content.
I am a professional travel photographer (and best-selling author) and last year, I really tossed around the idea of plunging head-first into committing to making content on TH-cam. However, somewhere along the way, it feels like this platform wouldn't ultimately be the best. 1) I keep seeing that quite honestly I am "too old" to be appealing to the major demographic here (no really, I am much older than most people here) and that I could never hope to have my content legitimately go anywhere in terms of views and whatnot due to this. This seems preposterous to me, a female creative, and the contextual implications of this are incredibly sad. 2) Somewhere along the way in the last few months, I just have gotten so bored with TH-cam in general. I used to obsessively seek out new channels, watch my favorite vloggers (travel and otherwise) but now it all seems like meaningless fluff. And the fluff seems to get fluffier... 3) There is creativity here but TH-cam doesn't seem to care about promoting it as much as a platform like Vimeo where (to some extent) creativity is more celebrated (looking at Staff picks, etc...) 4) Why bother with a platform where mediocrity is celebrated? 5) Existentially, I wonder what will become of some of the more 'popular' beauty gurus/lifestyle channels as the creators age. I have seen some attempt to grow up a bit and their comment sections become full of rage at evolution and change. This makes me disheartened since it shows that to a certain extent the overwhelming audience here which skews very, very, very young will always gravitate towards the fluffiest, most-unfulfilling content with little nuance and a severe lack of creativity.
Thank you for putting this out there! I've been noticing the change over the past 12 months or so, slowly but it has been coming. Creators that I used to love and watch religiously have either changed or have stuck not adapted to where viewers have taken this platform that we all love so much. I find a lot of creators like you said are trying to stay cool and do whatever is popular or will continue to get the views they desire, if so good on them but for me it isn't what I want to watch. There is no longer the intelligent comedy, skits or discussion videos around in the "popular" section of TH-cam, which is what I personally love watching. Please keep doing what you're doing Jack, its one of the few channels that I believe have stayed grounded and stuck to your routes. In saying this I know if we want more videos alike "Why don't we pick up the camera and give it go? Make the TH-cam we want to watch!"
I do agree with you and I felt this way few months ago. I had a full subscription box but nothing worth watching, but then I accidentally started discovering new smaller youtubers with amazing content and now I feel like I have new content to be inspired by. 😊
I think a lot of this could be down to the audience watching TH-cam. Many of the most successful creators have younger audiences who have more time to watch TH-cam and therefore those creators become more successful. I find many of my favourite creators are smaller creators because they do what they want and as you've said, don't get lots and lots of views, but just make great content. So yes I'm happy with what I see on TH-cam but I do also happen to stay predominantly out of the circles of the most successful creators.
I understand Jack, I feel the same way. A lot of the popular content on the Internet nowadays just seems like there isn't nearly as much work put into it like it used to be. It's alright, just definitely not the platform it used to be. It's so much harder to be accepted in the community now as a creator as well, which shouldn't be the truth seeing as less popular people work so much harder than the popular channels (for the most part, there are obviously exceptions). It just seems very contradictory, very oxymoronic to me. Yeah?
So true, Hardly and original content or hard work, you're always seeing the Same video on every channel and videos that take no time to make and edit getting too many views.
JacksGap. They use to do the "typical TH-cam content" but now they do some of the best films on TH-cam (I mean 'Climate Change' was AMAZING) and I feel like they don't get enough credit. TH-cam obviously isn't about views but the people that do get views, I don't understand why because their content isn't that good. I do also think that short films and comedy sketches etc. are better content than challenges and the like and I do think you and Dean and Tom and P.J etc. deserve more recognition on TH-cam.
+Chloe Betony Jacksgap is so unoriginal it hurts. I don't agree with your statement! Fancy videos and a few time lapses doesn't make you special. He also completely copied some of Casey Neistat's ideas, never addressed the backlash towards him and posts like once a year.
+Maya 1. Posting "like once a year" isn't a bad thing as long as it's good - quality not quantity. 2. I get that JacksGap blatantly copied Casey's video (or a few I really don't know how many videos he "copied". I know there was Jack-Knife Hack) but the way I look at it, it was bringing an inventive and creative idea to a more mainstream place for people who are like me and didn't know who Casey Neistat was. 3. Also I think it's better that Jack did "share" an inventive idea instead of challenges and dare videos that literally EVERY OTHER POPULAR TH-camR DOES. (Also Casey does vlogs.. I mean how original is that?) 4. Lastly, from what I know, Jack copied ONE video and everything else is creative, inspiring and original. I like his videos and if they're the same as someone else's videos of whom I don't watch, then I don't see a problem. Yes he shouldn't be copying someone's idea without their permission but I'd never heard of Casey Neistat when Jack-Knife Hack came out so I was inspired by that - which he did also mention he saw somebody else (albeit not Casey) do first and that inspired him
One hundred percent agree! When the collective community of TH-cam was smaller, the quirkier/more individualistic creators were the ones that really stood out and the effort they put into their videos really showed. It seemed to be more about passion and expression and creativity. Now that TH-cam is so big, a lot of the larger creators tend to seem more homogeneous. I definitely also fall into the "old days" thinking and frequently feel nostalgic for the vibe the community used to have.
I completely agree! I think one of the issues is that the majority of 'big' TH-camrs nowadays all make the same sort of videos and it's stuff like 'British boy tries American candy', it's stuff that can be made and edited in 2 hours. But with TH-cam making it so easy to discover already huge channels and essentially shunning smaller and often more creative/original channels to the side, it's easy to understand why people would decide to just make a generic tag video over something original as they see those videos getting millions of views. There must be 5 channels maybe who's new videos I look forward to seeing. The amount of times I've re-watched old Dan videos just aching to see something creative and original by a big TH-camr again.
A lot of people who have been on youtube since the beginning feel this way, i think. it's really interesting that a lot of videos have been put up by people who make great content (crabstickz, for example) about how youtube is affecting them negatively in one way or another. Seeing what youtube has become makes me upset when i know it shouldnt, people can upload whatever they want, but I can't help but be sad seeing all of these new "vloggers" putting in such minimal effort and having such big egos, feeding off of 12 year old fangirls for fame.
TH-cam used to be about creativity and just trying your hardest you didn't need extremely fancy equiptment, and you could just put stuff out there, but now it's just about getting maximum fame/ attention with minimal effort and by using your looks.
I honestly think it has to do how much of a business youtube has become. And I know, who am I criticize an industry that I haven't really contributed to but there's been a lack of creativity and risk taking because of the fact that there's been such a separation between content creators and viewers. People keep saying that there's a community and a cute niche, but it's honestly more of a hierarchy. With that system, there's just no social mobility and smaller creators have a tougher time making new and refreshing things because the famous ones are so large. People like having an audience and when challenges bring people in, how can you not? But then again, for large youtubers, how can you not enjoy the pedestal (Vidcon, Playlist Live, etc) when it's the best way to make money. In addition, the quality of the viewing experience has exponentially grown without the quality of content. Hell, I went out and bought a $500 DSLR camera last month because I don't think that I can make good videos without one, even though I still haven't developed skills and focuse on script writing. The problem is with Google's algorithms of not promoting new channels and the hierarchy of channels. In order to get fresh ideas, you need constant revolutions and movement. Instead you have people who make their first milestone/appreciation video at 1 million subscribers and others who struggle to keep 10,000 people watching.
I want to be a youtuber. I want to create content that can help brighten someone's day or make them laugh. however, I find it hard to think of creative ideas since everyone has done something similar to any of my ideas. I'm sure there are a few things out there that haven't been done but for the most pet I feel as if everyone is doing similar things because they've run out of ideas.
Hey jack, before I saw this, I have been thinking the same thing for about a year now. I started watching TH-cam in about 2008 - those old popular you tubers, viral videos, and anything that came up in suggested. In around 2011 I started subscribing to some of the most popular youtubers today - even before they had millions of subscribers. I have been watching those collabs, short films, vlogs, and any other videos they put out. Over the past few years however, I haven't been watching any of them. Not because I think they're content is becoming boring, I just didn't have time to watch 100 subscribers videos every day. About youtubers having the same type of videos, it is true really. Everyone has a unique personality and that is truly the biggest reason people subscribe to them. And it's great! I love seeing all of these people do what they love, and interactions and videos are so fun to watch! But Jack, you being one of absolute favorite youtubers, and people altogether,
Some people watch spongebob some people watch crime thrillers, both are on tv. Some people watch candy trying videos other people watch your style videos both are on TH-cam. People have different tastes but no one belongs in one place more than another, candy videos don't necessarily belong on TH-cam more than videos like yours. just because something is more popular with 8 year old fangirls who will look back on how much time they wasted on crappy un-inspiring pointless videos in regret, doesn't make your videos any less relevant. Xx
Sorry for the rant and if I offended anyone I just hate the way the world is at the moment in general and no guess I with hold a lot of anger so when I start I carry on. Sorry
I´ve had a completely different experience. I think there is a lot of stuff worth watching on youtube... and not just the typical challenge videos. You might have a very narrow world view if you can´t find anything entertaining anymore.
Sally Finneran well I don´t know about specific video but my recent favorites have been Domics and WilliamHaynesTV .. but if you´re looking for something creative Andrea Dorfman
Suvi Häkli completely agree with you, I am loving Dodie's content and smaller youtubers who nobody else actually knows. I will look up the people you suggested though
Thank you Jack, I've been thinking this for so long. The way you worded it explains it well; everything on TH-cam is the same. I used to come here and be inspired by the unique creativity that different you tubers had to offer, and now I find myself searching for that to no avail. It was good to hear your thoughts.
I'm really glad you talked about this. I feel like in recent years youtube, as well as many other social platforms (vine, twitter, etc.), lost a lot of their diverse content and information. It seems many ideas are blurring together and there isn't any original content anymore. There's so much noise, but not enough being said. There are so many people using the same techniques. Being relatable, being relevant to current topics, making fun of things/people through simple imitation. I've seen so much of the same content that I, and plenty of others, are striving for original, creative, and genuinely funny content. Personally, I think the content you produce is worthwhile, not because of the amount of time and effort put in, but because it's something that youtube lacks, yet something we crave. The skits on Jack and Dean have a sense of humor that's hard to come by on youtube, and even though we don't get consistent videos, they are 110% worth the wait. The same goes for this channel and your vlogs here. All of your vlogs are genuinely funny, inspiring, and motivational, and the humor doesn't entirely mimic your other channel. I don't think vlogs are necessarily the sole cause of all this, like some might say (although anyone's free to disagree). There are many vloggers that I think put a lot of passion creative energy into their videos. TheThirdPew and Ashley Mardell come to mind. In fact, there are plenty of creators that produce original and entertaining content, yet they don't get as much of the recognition or praise as the TH-camrs that post challenges and tags that have been done hundreds of times. But it's our job as viewers to make sure that these channels have the ability to be heard. Whether they're vloggers, animators, musicians, news reporters, artists, gamers, critics, or people who make sketches, WE are always the ones with the power to make them popular. I typically don't comment, but I felt like today I could make an exception.
I HAS THEORY - TH-cam PUBERTY I believe that most youtubers make what they think their audience wants to see, so videos are very much based off audiences (say for example if your demographic is 10-13 year olds you would make cutesy, childish videos.) But the TH-cam audience atm is going through a weird transition of the old audience to the new (kinda like puberty) It's no secret that it's mostly teenagers and young adults that regularly watch TH-cam videos. Those who have been around since 2007-8 who used to be - say 15 - are now 23/24 and have grown away from TH-cam because they now have less free time to regularly watch TH-cam. BUT now we have the recent viewers who are new to the TH-cam scene. They are now teenagers (12/13) Back in 2008 TH-cam definitely had its fair share of childish videos (like FRED, annoying orange etc) bc at that time the old viewers were at that age where they found it entertaining, creators saw this and kinda became a slave to the youtube audience
(Continued) So as the audience grew older, the maturer the videos creators made. But now they're leaving, and creators have to rely on the new audience coming in. So what do they have to do to earn their views? Pander to that audience to what they like. So now we are returning to creating childish videos as that's what the majority of the audience is currently. This cycle will continue when this audience goes and a new one comes in. But at this moment in time we are in that awkward transition phase where some of the old viewers are still here, yet some newbies are joining at the same time. I hope this made some sense, if any. But I'd like to here your views or counter-arguments :)
Alfie, Zoe, Marcus, Jim, Tanya pretty much the entire "Gleam Team" as I've seen them called. Apart from Louise!! Sure her main channel videos can be a tad repetitive but she steers clear away from "challenges" if that's what you call them and she collars with more lesser known youtubers which is great. Also, her second channel vlogs can be the funniest things! But yeah, challenges and tags aren't original content, they are something that someone else has made up and they've decided to do themselves. Urgh, that group of youtubers frustrate me so much!!
alfie, zoe (i loved her early stuff but she's changed SO much since getting with alfie), tanya, niomi, marcus. jim i like, he's genuine and has interesting stuff going on. gabby is the WORST. her daily vlogs are absolutely tragic, it's literally her and her mum buying food then watching netflix
If you dislike something/someone so much, why watch? I don't understand the problem. Watching TH-cam videos is a choice. Watch what you like. No need to make someone feel bad. There's something for everyone.
More than anything I find myself watching the same videos over and over and over because there's rarely anything new that piques my interest. Kind of discouraging really.
Lately I've been feeling the same way. I've been watching youtube videos for almost 6 years and there were times when I wanted to watch every single video coming up in my subscription feed. Now, even when I have time, I rarely find videos that I want to watch immediately and really care about the content. I watch many "beauty gurus" who used to make creative and original content. Now they mainly post "quick and easy school hacks" (although they're in their mid 20s), tags and challenges that say nothing about their personality. It's really sad that this way they seem to get the most views.. But in all of this, it's always very refreshing, interesting and stimulating (sometimes sexually) to watch your work! Thanks for staying true to yourself and for sharing!
I agree with you 100%, Jack, and that's why I appreciate TH-camrs like you so much. Your content is the sort of interesting, comedic, intelligent, and unique content that I really love to see.
I feel like the people I used to love watching are slowly being phased (fazed?) out and being replaced with beauty hauls and challenges and the like. Like you said, I realize the amount of work that goes into making them but they're just not interesting. They're not creative videos or particularly thought provoking. I like watching things that make me think, or inspire me, or even just make me laugh. Pjs videos, like you said. Bing's talk videos were fantastic. Dan and Phil make quality content. (And of course I love your videos). I fell in love with Adrian's vlogvember series because they delved so deep into TH-cam culture flaws in such a fascinating way. I don't care what Zoe puts on her face. I don't care what British candy Americans are trying. It's just boring.
+fancastic1 The main problem with "mainstream" TH-camrs, in my opinion, is that they're all essentially advertisers (i'm talking beauty vloggers, tech channels etc...). Their content isn't bad, but the main chunk of their content is just an advertisement on behalf of a company, product or person - ie. nothing creative at all. So, essentially, TH-cam is just one big advertising platform with very few actual talented content creators (like Jack and a handful of others).
I feel like Dan and Phil are two of the last actually funny vloggers here. Anything they do is interesting, even if it's simple, and Phil pretty much makes up all the challenges and tags that take over TH-cam and many people don't even credit him. But they, as many (most?) of the legitimately talented people here, are sort of leaving TH-cam. The only thing they update now is the gaming channel, because they have interviews and documentaries and radio shows and actual world tours to make. In the end, we'll be left with the likes of Alfie Deyes, who aren't good enough to do anything else.
I absolutely agree with you. TH-cam has seriously stopped being such an interesting platform full of creative people, now it's just people who want to make easy money on cheap and boring "popular" content. But I'm glad that there are people like you and Pj (who has been one of my most favorite since forever) who still continue releasing good content that is actually worth spending time on.
The stuff that goes viral and is easy to notice is good to watch while you're watching it, but the real value I get out of TH-cam is from the sketches, vlogs etc that actually mean something. These are the videos that stick with me and will keep me thinking about them long after I've finished watching them
I totally feel you Jack, my most popular video on my channel with hundreds of thousands of views is something that took an afternoon to film/edit. While other films that took weeks to film and edit barely crack the couple thousand mark. It makes you wonder.
![[ ออกกอง ] วัยหนุ่ม 2544 โลกหลังลูกกรง..ทัวร์กองถ่ายหนังใน "คุกของจริง" | JUSTดูIT.](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vB--aOkZCpw/mqdefault.jpg)
A flower in a garden doesn't worry about all the others, it simply blooms.
+Sprinkleofglitter you're completely avoiding what he's talking about. . .
You're cute.
+Sprinkleofglitter I'm sorry, but I think he's making a really valid point and this is just a way to ignore that. And he focuses on being unsatisfied as a VIEWER which specifically means the "other flowers".
+Sprinkleofglitter yes but if they flower dies when it isn't pretty enough then it would be pretty stupid to not consider the others..
Your absolutely right! It's called 'you' tube! You are the creator! This is not a competition!!!!
Thanks for tidying the living room xx
+Daniel J. Layton nice table
nice chair
+Daniel J. Layton Do you just find it easier to check the videos rather than the actual room itself to see if it's clean? (joke question ofc)
+Daniel J. Layton is it all just off camera view though...? That's the question.
Those flat pack IKEA chairs look great, eh Daniel ;)
I think youtube is aimed at a younger audience now, when I started watching I was 16 and rather than growing up with the people I watched, I feel I have out grown them.
I relate to this! The youtubers I feel as though I relate to now are the smaller ones I recently discovered who get less credit but make AMAZING content.
+Alice Jackson I agree. It's understandable because bigger TH-camrs tend to have younger fanbases as they're more likely to buy merchnadise and will defend their favourite creator to the death (sigh). As a result, TH-cam and its creators cater to that demographic more than older ones. Which is a shame. It saddens me that you can't make a lot of money out of making mature, thoughtful videos-it has to be challenges, hauls, beauty- stuff I don't care about. But TH-camrs are brands now, so it's sad but predictable.
I am the EXACT same.
+Alice Jackson I feel the exact same way, I started watching youtube in middle school and now I'm 21. I've seen many TH-camrs come and go, but those who are still around I feel like I've outgrown. It feels so much more commercialized now, everyone is doing brand deals and shoving it down their audiences throats. The number of times I've heard about Audible, Graze subscriptions, or even beauty gurus trying to incorporate a fast food promotion into a nail art video is ridiculous.
I'm constantly afraid that I'm going to start disliking Dan and Phil in a few years because that's what happened with most of the youtubers I liked a few years ago.
completely agree, i mean how much american candy needs to be eaten by a british boy?
+Cameron Hunt comment of the year tbh
+Cameron Hunt someone finally said it!!!!!!!!!!
+Dawny K wait who are we throwing shade on here is it evan
Dawny K its ok im just here for the drama
@alfiedeyes
Maybe everything you make is just really, really bad. Think about it.
i mean....real talk though
+ChewingSand someone had to say it :) and soem people need to hear it. Thanks Hazel.
I think Jack's content just is very different to what teens or the average viewer wants to watch and obviously if you have like 9 millions subscribers then people will continue to watch that person regardless of how shit the video is, I think it's just hard when the stuff you see on the internet takes hardly any time and these youtubers are claiming that they spent a lot of time but really it's nothing and then recieve a lot of credit for it compared to other youtubers who do actually deserve a bit more credit for the time spent on their videos.
+Mel P I think it was a joke haha
"You either adapt or die" a healthy optimism.
You've expressed the perceived arrogance thing super well - because of the nature of the platform, it's so HARD not to compare the videos on here. Additionally, I think a lot of us feel as though we are no longer viewers but yet we are the big creators. I noticed recently that there have been hardly any new TH-camrs in the past year - there's no "new generation" of creators bringing something fresh. Or maybe I'm just not looking in the right places?
But yeah, good vid. I feel you.
+meowitslucy I agree with the new youtubers thing! I`ve not seen the rise of any new and young youtubers, who isn`t a mini Zoella or Alfie Deyes (there are quite a few of those). Quite unusual, as I feel like new people seemed to pop up all the time "back in the day".
+meowitslucy as a new youtuber (who is still finding her indentity here on youtube) I think it's really hard to build a channel. Since a lot of people only go for the big and famous youtubers, it's hard to get started. Smaller youtubers rarely get seen, and because the way the search works on youtube, it's really hard to find smaller/newer youtubers, which I think is probably why you aren't seeing a lot of new creators, because I know they exist :)
+meowitslucy i feel like there is no "right places" on youtube now to find someone good and new.
however, emma blackery did a video on this topic few weeks ago, when she asked new creators to "spam" in her comment section about their channels (I subscribed to some, they were quite good).
+meowitslucy I don't know whether there are less new TH-camrs, or more like they're drowned out by the millions of other videos that they're trying to compete against in order to get noticed.
Perhaps it also has something to do with the fact that the majority of "new youtubers" aren't making new content. They're doing tags or challenges or prank videos, which there is already too much of on the internet in the first place, in order to become viral. People starting youtube these days do it for the money and fame aspect because they see it as an easy way to become "famous". Where as youtubers a few years ago were making videos because they were proud of the content they were making. There are no original new youtubers. Thats the problem.
I wanna say Lucy that, though, to many extents I agree with you, there are new TH-camrs putting so much effort into there video's and who just 'get' how to make "higher standerd" (as I seem to have dubbed it) content. But their issue is the same as the point Jack is making, that stuff just isn't popular anymore, and thus people aren't finding them, they are left to make this great content and have no-one see it. Because for every "high standard" new TH-camr there are 100s of average, 'knock out a tag video' new TH-camrs, of which, until recently I have been one. It's not that YOU don't know where to look, it's that they just don't get any publicity.
I totally agree with this. As much as I like people like Zoe and Alfie, I'm 18 and things like 'trying candy' and 'accent challenges' just don't appeal to me. But people who put so much time into their videos such as Ben Brown, Casey, Louis, Jack (movies) etc don't nearly get as much recognition and credit and it's so so frustrating.
+Holly Welb I feel exactly the same igy!
+Holly Welb They actually do get enough recognition I think, for instance since Casey started his vlogs his number of subscribers has been multiplied, he went from like 400 000 subscribers to 2 million in less than a year ! The simple fact that we all know their names shows that they really have an important place on youtube. But still I agree with you, there must be so many little youtubers that we never heard of that probably deserve many more views, just have to find them ahah
+bedismyfriend I get what your saying but I said 'nearly as much recognition'
But most of the small TH-camrs (up to 10,000) just copy what the popular vloggers are doing. Doing something original is going to stand out much more than following the masses.
I agree!
Do we need an underground TH-cam scene, is that what's going on here?
Does this mean we're gonna have hipster viewers??
indeed!
+thatjoelmaguireguy yes i think the time has come.
don't we already have that a bit
yeah i guess, but now its officiall
i think people are becoming more interested in the people making the content rather than the content itself and i don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing
+niamh xo I completely agree! It's become more about liking the person and their personality. So they make videos that capture that, instead of something more creative. That's why there's more vlogging everyday life and not videos that take more effort.
Ina Joy yes!! that's exactly what i meant
+niamh xo It can be a good thing in that "daily vlogs" or slices of personal life - if well presented by intelligent, passionate people - can be creative in themselves. Through Jack's videos I found Daniel J. Layton, Chewing Sand and others.
They are professionals in related fields which feeds their content and skills and makes for great TH-cam. Also they are adults (as I am). They are not pandering to 13-year-olds and I appreciate that. They are creators outside TH-cam as well so do not need to strain for a million views. If the exposure helps their intended careers, I say more power to them. In the mean time, I feel blessed to see their talents.
+peakae44 yes me too !!
perfectly said
I'm 21 years old. If I wanted to try foreign candy I'd go get some, not watch someone else do it.
+Chloe Oh how views on escapism change as we get older.
In a way, I feel like youtube has become something for 11-14 year olds to watch in their spare time. Typically, if they are using youtube as an escape or relaxation, they're more likely to watch hauls that come up on their recommended page, rather than watch more 'mature' content that you're talking about
Nope, I watch 'mature content' because age is just a general term which cannot be used to identify someone's level of maturity:)
+Briony B Although I agree with the comment about maturity and age not always being true to eachother. I 100% agree with both your comments. Even as an 18 year old I am starting to feel slightly out of place on youtube. Although I didn't always watch sketch videos, I love all the older more mature youtubers and videos that he discusses. It is a massive shame that a lot of it doesn't happen anymore and that some creators that used to post more meaningful videos now just upload on quick video every month or so purely because they can.
Gabriella Elin sorry, i was speaking generally, i shouldn't have stereotyped like that, but considering the vast majority of, for example, alfie's audience are younger than jack's audience are. i was just making a vague example
I can see where you're coming from - certainly a lot of people of a younger age do watch TH-cam and many do prefer easier on the mind type material. But as a 16 year old, just out of that age range, I believe Im mature enough (and was back then) to watch more brain-taxing content.
Because TH-cam is so open and universal, it can be for light relaxation, eyeopening documentaries, breathtaking short films, or basically anything - that's what makes it so great. I feel it's slightly unfair to critisise the younger viewers of this, as many of us are the driving force behind the popularity of this type of "higher quality" content.
Hannah Tudor it is a shame that there isn't as much content like that out there, but then again it sometimes adds some of enjoyment to it if the creator isn't necessarily as well known
I completely understood and agreed with what you said about the how 'popular' stuff on youtube can put people off uploading anything out of their comfort zone or out of the ordinary, which can lead to both new creators feeling disheartened/not wanting to upload or create, or could stop 'typical', 'popular' vloggers with the potential to create original art from doing so. If a vlogger gets 100k views on a 'what i got for christmas' or 'the accent challenge' video, and only 10k views on an unscripted video about something very close to their heart, it will, naturally, put them off.
This is exactly what I was thinking! I feel like the more 'talented' youtubers like Jack who post original, creative work get brushed to the side a lot over these generic challenge vids! I mean obviously Jack is a little more popular than other youtubers in this sort of genre but I think it's totally unfair
+Briony B And, of course, artists want feedback. And grow from constructive criticism, but if no one is watching their content, they don't even have a chance or a need to develop that content. And, we, as an audience, have an increasingly unlikely chance of finding new, interesting content now than ever before, so, even if we wanted to, we really don't have the tools to find something amazing or different.
Stine Norman that's a really good point actually, I hadn't thought about it like that
+Briony B I think it also puts the more famous youtubers off uploading things that are indeed more creative. If they get a lot more views by doing what is more requested and most popular, it just makes sense to stick to that kind of stuff, doesn't it?
Jude Felicis well exactly, and if their audience aren't exposed to anything other than that then they probably wouldn't accept it
I sometimes think that "back in the old days", a lot of the people who would go on TH-cam regularly were essentially a bit nerdy, a bit different from their everyday life, and were looking for others who were different too (or maybe just me) and then found them on youtube, shared opinions, a sense of humour etc. But obviously the internet, therefore also youtube, has grown in terms of its audience so of course you'll find everyday people and their everyday interests here as well now. Which is good and bad, I guess, for people like us who look for content that's perhaps a bit more unusual or creative. I guess it's really just about not giving up - we have to keep on creating and watching videos that WE think are awesome so our voices don't die! At the end of the day, TH-cam is really just a platform where you can publicly share videos, so why not let them have their space and we can keep ours and make sure it doesn't fall apart but keeps growing and changing (:
+Connie Kucani spot on!
+Connie Kucani Well put!
+Connie Kucani THIS!!1!
+Connie Kucani Amen!
+Connie Kucani AMEN AMEN AMEN
First off, you are an old man - in TH-cam demographic terms. The most popular content on here is always gonna be stuff that appeals to the average teenager, whose tastes differ from yours.
There's no problem in that, it doesn't matter if you don't like the most popular stuff - the same is likely true of film, music and any other art form you care to mention. The issue for me is your point about whether the people making what you do like are still coming to TH-cam, or perhaps the problem is that they're here, just hard to find.
I feel sure that there is room on this site for there to be successful content across all sorts of genres & tastes, but it does appear more difficult now for niche content to gain traction. I think this makes it more important than ever for people like you (and me) to support content we do like - whether that means backing someone on Patreon, tweeting their video out, offering advice and encouragement... I remember last month reading a lot of the Alan Rickman tributes, how he seemed to have so much time for his friends and co-stars, and always supported their other projects. To me, that more than anything else made him an absolute role model.
+Blue Skies Yes yes yes this.
+Blue Skies Yes completely agree. I have found some incredibly talented small youtubers and support them as much as i can. And it's great when they support me too.
Yessss
+Blue Skies Couldn't agree more. Well said. We've got to build that culture of good content creators by supporting them.
You feel like an old man? HAHA! Imagine how I feel.
Come over and blindfold me and I will do your make up!
I would even go as far as to say that no, the current stuff doesn't have as much effort in it and is inherently not as good. When the youtube formula changed from "paying per view" to "paying per minutes watched" the incentive to pour a lot of effort into editing smaller content like sketch comedy and animation disappeared overnight and that hurt a lot of creators. There are always exceptions. Game grumps for example try to get animations out and they use the main bulk of their channel (let's plays) to fund smaller, more fun, more effort projects. However, the cult of personality behind vloggers is terrifying to me especially seeing how little they actually do. When the money changed, so did the content, and the focus shifted from quality to consistency.
Let's play animateds are great in theory, and having done one myself with Game Grumps content I know how hard it is to make. But in practice, no one wins except the host of the video. The audience see a passion project but is given no incentive to follow up on who it was that made the video, the animator gets paid for the video but rarely will even 1% of the viewers check out the channel (if the animator is even given the privilege of uploading to the main channel), and the host just gets a video worth more than all their own videos combined.
I know what you mean about not being interested in newer content! My taste has grown with me and it's hard to find a channel that really interests me because I'm not 12 anymore
+Victoria Howarth you find the exact words to explained perfectly how i'm feeling. thank you!
YES this is exactly how I feel, you just worded it a lot better than I did
Yep yes.
I totally agree with this
+Victoria Howarth exactly how i feel too
Omg, I'm that person still reminiscing on charlieissocoollike 😂😂
Oh hey!
+Dennis Fang I watched a charlieissocalllike video before this
Me too, I rewatched all his old stuff two days ago
+Dennis Fang The first TH-cam video I ever watched was cooking with carlie. Ahh the nostalgia!
+Dennis Fang my instagram name was jewelissocoollike for far longer than I care to admit I still love Charlie and he is part of the reason I love youtube
I enjoy quite a bit of the popular content on youtube, but I understand where you're coming from. IMO it's obvious that the youtube algorithm (that suggests videos and channels) is what's behind why so much quickly made, long videos get so popular. The algorithm is rewarding the channel for keeping people watching for long periods of time. Since the new algorithm was "installed", suddenly all the musicians, animators and schetch comedians (the content I watched back then mostly) experienced way less views overnight. And that is definitely the most sharable content (and is still extremely popular on Facebook, which is based way more on supply/demand than youtube)
Roomie? I definitely didn't expect you here on lovely Jack's channel.
The thing is, when I like a TH-camr I don't need every video to be a totally new and creatiy idea. I need every video to be something they are proud of, something they had fun making and something that they really wanted to create. Not because the video will get a lot of views or because its a common series to make, just because they wanted it. If they truly enjoyed making a food testing video, why not but I feel a lot of these videos aren't genuine. They give the people what they want.
I wish more people would just put whatever they freaking want on their channel, because that's what TH-cam is all about. That's what makes it different from traditional media. You don't have to make a jumpcut every 2 seconds to make your video more interesting, you don't have to film a fancy intro with slow motion candles if that's not your style just because it seems to be the norm nowadays.
Oh my god, I was looking for a comment like this. That's exactly what I feel. Sometimes I just want to watch a funny, kind of stupid video for a couple minutes. I don't need any fancy things to watch it. Your comment is amazing. 👍🏻
You should create a podcast about different films and just general life thoughts! It would be really interesting
this is what is needed
Yes! This is a great idea
didnt know i needed this until now
Yes I wish he would make this happen.
I thought about this when he did the radio one show with Mark Kermode
Sadly I have to agree, and I've felt this way for years. I love the personalities on here like Dan and Phil, gaming videos where people make choices, and I love Dodie and Emma's videos, some film/comedy stuff like you and PJ - but the best stuff, there isn't enough of and it doesn't happen often enough for that to be why I stay on here... I feel like i'm subscribed to sooooo many things just to have something to watch. I always light up when I see a video from you or Chris or Dan/Phil or Dodie or PJ etc, but it's not obviously an every day thing, not a constant stream like TV. People are trying to replace TV with youtube, and i used to think that was a good thing, but now I see it's completely wrong. There's so much pressure to create, CONSTANTLY, instead of back in like 2007-11 when it was more about random bursts of inspiration than sponsored challenge videos just to fill in the gaps. I went to Sitc 2012 which was really busy and crowded and hysterical but still fun. 2014? HELL. I didn't meet anyone because I was just an "obstacle" to hysterical fans trying to meet the people they'd idealised in their head. I think one of the scariest things about youtube is despite how blatantly normal the creators are, in the best way possible, people are just as (if not MORE) infatuated and deluded, possibly for much longer than they would have been for other types of "celebrity" (hate that it's what it is now...). Like there's 20 year olds freaking out at the sight of Dan Howell. Calm down. It's just mental; I've always wanted to start TH-cam but I waited until I actually had something specific to create as stuff to say - for me that's educational/storytelling animation and film-making. I won't let the current climate on here deter me from doing this, but it sure is unsettling.
I agree, the videos I enjoy watching the most tend to be less frequent so when I just want something easy and quick to watch on TH-cam I do just sit and watch Thatcher Joe and alfie and Zoe because there's always something there, as they put out so many videos
+Lemon Ste I agree so much
+Lemon Ste You really accurately captured some of the biggest issues this site faces. People aren't users hanging out with each other. There's this enormous degree of lurkers viewing and creators making, talking out to them instead of jumping into the comments and speaking with them. For me, that lack of communication is fine. I watch a lot of video essays/lectures about game design in which the argument is what's valuable and being engaged with, rather than a heightened version of a personality. Even in this educational/informational realm, I can fall into thinking I know and like someone.
And, yeah, good stuff doesn't happen all the time. I can scroll through my subs and find enough interest to click on about 20% of what's there. Maybe less. This works well for my viewing as a college student, but I get that it poses serious financial strains and incentives on people making videos. I wish them all the utmost success and enjoyment in their craft, yourself included.
This is exactly how I feel. There's certain channels that I get excited to see a video from and others that are just (pleasant) time wasters. But obviously the easy-going content is always going to appeal to a wider audience and therefore get more views.
I completely agree. I think some of this is TH-cam, the site, fault. TH-cam is wanting to be a big competitor with Hulu and Netflix, constant streaming like you mentioned. These are extremely successful businesses that are respectable and TH-cam wants a part in that. With that, TH-camrs are pushed to upload more (due to how the algorithm is set up nowadays) and the majority content isn't as creative as it use to be.
I think TH-cam needs to realize it's not the same platform as Netflix, Hulu, or TV. It's different, not better or worse, just different.
Preach it Jack. People like you and Hazel Hayes actually have spark and creativity - and a sense of humour...! If I see another 'candle haul' or 'what's in my mouth' I swear to god 😳 keep doing the sketches, way more interesting than the mainstream stuff
I completely agree with you Jack & I think that's part of the reason I stopped making videos. I didn't really enjoy the content that was in my subscription feed, and felt unmotivated to add to the ocean of content - since if I don't wanna watch hugely successful peoples' content, who would want to watch mine? There are still a few people I enjoy on TH-cam though, you being one of them.
I get exactly what you mean. My sub box is filled with so many similar things so I have to scroll and scroll to find interesting things and new smaller creators. Also I enjoyed your videos a lot and I hope that you continue to be successful in your current career!
***** aw thank you, I really appreciate that :)
1:57 I find it interesting that bigger TH-camrs (yes, Jack, I'm counting you as a big TH-camr - it's all relative, innit?) consider "success" on TH-cam as lots of views. I've learned to define it a different way, one that can't be measured by TH-cam analytics. I consider success to be if your video resonated with someone. Maybe that makes them laugh, makes them cry, makes them think, makes them create - whatever. Those videos that can be done in an afternoon happen to have value to a number of people, and videos like yours, PJ's and others who put lots of effort into them have value to other people, though a different kind. Comparing different kinds of values doesn't help anyone. But do know that your videos have value to the people who appreciate your content, and we are grateful that you do put lots of effort into your videos - it definitely shows. To me, you've succeeded in that.
You made a really good point there! :)
+lotrbaby But I suppose that relates to the system that is currently going on on TH-cam. A lot of newer Creators are only caring about the views, where as the ones who came to this site first cared about the content and the reaction that the Viewers had. A video doesn't become popular by the amount of meaningful discussions that happen within the comments, and that's the sad part about what TH-cam is becoming, this means that content which inspires conversation and discussion and helps spread ideas are more likely to be ignored and swept under the rug, so to say, rather than the same challenge videos done over and over. New videos are great but they don't have the same content or quality that older videos and older creaters do.
Completely and utterly agree. Success with videos should be primarily about connecting with people, leaving an impression.. Being true to yourself and the people you'd like to watch you, whether it's short films, tutorials, vlogs, music. It's the interpretation of what "success" is, is the setback. Fuck algorithms
+lotrbaby I think it may be because of the way how youtube has become a business today. When people in 'the real world' are consider successful it usually means they earn a lot of money. A lot of views= a lot of money= successful. However, I completely agree with you. It depends on the content creator and what he wishes to achieve with his channel. Does he want to make youtube his job or simply do it 'on the 'side' because he enjoys the creative process behind it and that he can make other people smile or relate to his arguments etc
I think you may be overlooking the underlying beauty of TH-cam. It can be what you want it to be. People have different interests and different needs. Many people aren't on TH-cam for the same reason you are on TH-cam. You might be on TH-cam to watch content and be entertained by it, maybe even be inspired by it (probably less as of late since you are posting this video) Some people are on TH-cam to be entertained, some people are here to escape, many people are on TH-cam to feel like they are a part of something, whether it's a family they don't have, or friends they don't have. People subscribe to you because they have expectations of the genre and content you produce. Some people might look at the sketches you produce and think they lack the soul that a vlog has, while you might look at challenges and think they lack the art your sketches have. Comparing is a tricky road to go down, and your perspective will always skew the results. The only way to truly see the value in both sides is to open your mind a bit more so you can see the obvious value it has to some people.
Either way, there are plenty of intellectually stimulating channels on TH-cam, you just have to dig a bit deeper to find them. Although I believe that will always be the case since the content that you might not find stimulating is just so easily accessible by the broadest audience.
I used to make sketches, I loved making sketches and I was pretty good at it, but it got to the point where I needed to pay the bills (adapt or die) and easier content was faster to produce. So I tried it, I decided I would make a challenge. The amount of prejudice I had biting the bullet making that first challenge video was unbearable. But then I shot it, and honestly, had fun. I had fun shooting it, I had fun editing it, and I had fun seeing people laugh from it. That opened up my eyes and kicked myself for being so arrogant (not saying you are here, just saying I was) to assume that type of content had no value. I make people laugh, that has value, and it's shifted my goal on TH-cam completely. Not only that, sometimes I put MORE work into the challenges I would create, many times the amount of editing in one of my challenges surpassed the amount of editing in one of my sketches tenfold.
On your note about going off of TH-cam, I have had about 15-20 offers to make content outside of TH-cam with other mediums such as film, commercials, TV, etc directing and creating my own stories based on those sketches not on my popularity. I choose to stay on TH-cam because I believe I am making the biggest impact here.
You may see value and stimulation from making more artistic creations, but some see value in other pursuits. To each their own my friend.
I think the thing is you can't let your perception of youtube and its content as a whole be dictated by and confined to what's popular. There are thousands of smaller creators out there and for all you know you could love them, you just can't see them because the channels with 7 digit subscriber counts obscure everything else. The problem with TH-cam isn't the content that's popular, it's that it doesn't promote or allow people to easily find anything else.
+Altarialex exactly!
+Altarialex Excellent point.
+Altarialex Thats a great point! I think one reason this development can be seen is, that youtube got much bigger. On the other hand it is good, that TH-cam got bigger, because this way not so popular channels still have many subscribers. Its just hard to find them as a new member of this site..
I agree completely. I'm trying to watch more smaller youtubers because most of the ones I watch have a few hundred thousand subs
I totally agree with this!
I think the problem is that the creativity pool within the TH-cam community is so stagnant. I feel like so many people become discouraged because "everything" has been done before and they don't have the motivation to come up with original ideas... And coming up with those ideas is exhausting and time consuming, which is why the greater, more creative youtubers only post videos every so often (this was/is Chris Kendall's issue). It's not necessarily hard to be creative, but executing said ideas is a long and time consuming process. I think that's why so many people stick to vlogs and challenge videos as ways to get views. I hate to say it, but our current generation does seem to have a short attention span, so vlogs and challenge videos are easy to watch. I don't hate them, but if that's all a person puts out then it gets boring and dull. Like at least try to put some effort in to your videos. I stick around for people like PJ and nigahiga who still really care about their content.
Saying it's not hard to be creative was a bad pay of putting that. Not everybody is super creative and it can be hard, but if you are creative it still takes time and effort to take those ideas and create entertaining content.
Also, there are some vloggers I actually really enjoy and tell that they put effort in to their videos.Julien Solomita is one vlogger I truly enjoy watching.
Yes NigaHiga, he talks and maks skits about controversial issues in a funny and smart way where you don't get offended, even about trends but he keeps the creativity alive in his videos.
+PotatoXHead97 Exactly... You can be entertaining AND creative/original
+Lauren Elizabeth: I completely get where you're coming from, being a newbie to the world of TH-cam myself, I completely get this. I want to make something new and refreshing, that'll make someone smile - but it's so hard to think of something new, and when you do think of something, it's sometimes really difficult to make the video itself seem really different. The amount of videos I have come up with but then decided wouldn't be very good, it's staggering o.O I do have one or two ideas for some new videos, but even they aren't exactly fully developed yet
The only youtubers who stand out to me nowadays are you (and Dean), kickthepj, AmazingPhil,Danisnotonfire. People complain that some of them don't upload all the time but most of their videos are extremely creative and take a long time to think of. Unlike other youtubers who steal their ideas.
Not all of their ideas--some of their ideas
+Charlotte Wayland i totally agree! I only watch them, nigahiga and a sims channel (cos i love sims). Everything is so stupid nowadays on youtube, people have become more shallow and believe theyre more important than they are
I totally agree with you! Nowadays I feel like a lot of big TH-camrs found the ultimate formula to big success in terms of numbers and now try to use it all the time instead of coming up with new creative ideas! They probably all have fun creating videos that are known to get a lot of views and people watch those creators because of their personality, but you can also see that smaller TH-camrs try to emulate their success by creating similar videos because they think this is popular now, so they need to create the same videos as well. That's why it feels like fresh air to me when I find small TH-camrs with just a few subscribers but with such great and creative content. I feel so inspired and motivated by them to just keep doing what I love and don't fall into the trap of thinking I need to create popular videos as well. I wish TH-cam would give those creators so much more credit for their work instead of highlighting the same videos about the same topics all over TH-cam!
This is a very difficult thing to talk about but I also have a lot to say about it . I think when people think of the big successful TH-camrs they first think of people like Alfie Deyes who does make very basic videos but there are also people like Anna Akana who make very creative skits and videos that promote awareness for important issues. It does suck that someone as mediocre as Alfie whose channel is literally called pointless blog can go onto do things that many have worked towards for years but at the same time I do think there is still some really good content out there both in big and little TH-cam.
+Livi's Vlog Haha I used Anna Akana as my example too! Then I scrolled down and saw your comment and now I'm questioning if she's the _only_ one who manages to produce thoughtful content on such a regular basis. Haha
+psd103 lol I doubt it . Probably just a coincidence. I also really like Connor Franta, troye sivan , and jacksgaps videos.
I completely agree.
Let's not beat around the bush, you're content is BETTER than what's popular. Why? Because you put effort in. Planning, script writing, editing and everything between. The "popular" videos are basically get a camera, film. The same can be said for music, art and other forms of media, it is not fair that those who put in the most effort will not necessarily be getting rewarded for it and almost never do. Jack, do what you do. Your audience will always be there so long as you continue to put in the work you have done all these years. Do not change for anyone but yourself.
*your
I think I may agree.... But the beauty of TH-cam is there is something for everyone... Some people love extremely witty complex sketches, short film or debate and some people love a story-time video or a haul that's just simply someone talking to a camera... Could it be that were too obsessed with popularity rather than something being created, existing and being appreciated by the people (be it a small number) who like that video. TH-cam's a business and it's going to continue to be, but I think I accept it as that and enjoy the positive consequence of there being a video, a short film, a sketch etc. that exists for me to enjoy.
+Clara Lara it lines up with the fact that the majority of people are, sadly, content with being and surrounding themselves with average things. hence most people end up in shitty 9-5 office jobs instead of pursuing their ''true dreams''. i truly believe that the creative people on youtube, and also those who take risky life choices, are the only ones brave enough to step out of line
it just reflects the way our world and society works as a whole..right?
Reading all the comments on here, and your audience is so smart and analytical, I love it! As for myself, I'm subscribed to over 60 people but rarely feel compelled to watch most of their content every day. For me, videos have to be emotive, inspiring, thought provoking or funny (all of which yours are Jack, plus PsychoSoprano and JacksFilms) and it sucks because I love everyone's personalities. Challenge videos and pranks/vlogs, aren't just doing it for me anymore. The novelty has worn off. Thanks for talking about this, proving once again why I'm subbed to you! Can't wait to see the new series you and Dean have been doing.
It was so nice to meet you and Hazel yesterday! I wholeheartedly agree with this video. You put out good quality videos that are not targeted to teens and children to get that instant entertainment and gratification. It's a shame more people can't appreciate that content.
Ive noticed this with myself lately, theres definitely been a decrease in the videos I actually want to watch in my sub box. Theres only so many 'storytime' and vlogs you can watch you know?
I have to agree with you, Jack. I've been watching TH-cam since 2008 and to be quite honest, I noticed that there was a huge shift in "popular" content once big British youtubers (like Zoella) started getting more views. I'm not pointing the blame on anyone here, I'm glad that these content creators have found an audience. But it seems as though TH-cam shifted from a space that allowed conversation to a strict entertainment platform. People haven't been producing original content because they'd rather produce something that gets guaranteed views (which translates to $$$$$$).
Side note: it's really annoying when TH-cam creators automatically assume that their viewers are 14. It's like they purposefully dumb down their content for tweens... I am about the same age as some content creators and it feels like I am not a valued viewer because I am not their target demographic.
Completely agree with everything you said! Most of the 5 minute videos that mainstream vloggers make take a few hours and get millions of views and people like you who spend days/weeks/months don't reach the same views. Seems very unfair and I hope you see that we all understand you.
I agree with you completely. I enjoy a small selection of the 'popular' stuff to some extent, but honestly it just fills the time in my day where there's not much else going on. I find myself getting way more into content like yours and PJs etc. - the 'different' stuff is so much more enjoyable for me. I may actually go through and cull my subscriptions down to the stuff I really look forward to watching instead of a few videos I really want to watch and a few that are okay.
Now this is just as true as ever. I love all the sketch comedy and short film-making TH-camrs and it's such a shame that they are not getting the attention they deserve.
The best advice which I was given was. If you don't like what you watch on TH-cam. Be the creator who makes content which you would enjoy and like to watch. I also question why certain videos gets more views than others. My most popular video on my channel is the one which I don't care about at all and that doesn't make sense to me. But the videos which I put so much love and effort into. Nobody seems to watch them.The Internet is a strange place.
You have original ideas Jack. Don't give up. You are a leader, not a follower
I feel like arguing that there's no good content on TH-cam is like arguing that there's no good music. It's not that it doesn't exist, it's that it's so hard to find as its not advertised. I found the majority of my favourite youtubers through word of mouth, and the videos in the trending tab just don't do anything for me. I don't think it's the content creators that are the problem, it's how TH-cam is choosing how to market to their audience, which unfortunately does not help those who make interesting and different creations.
I love all the short movies and skits and comedy that you offer and the funny moments of my favourite celebs and stuff but I also love daily vlogs- not so much main channel videos. You're my favourite content creator because i come to your Chanel to think about a topic or issue. and be entertained but to learn an opinion. I enjoy the "popular" stuff also because it's easy viewing. I enjoy easy viewing but I also enjoy hard viewing, videos that have thought etc. I get what you mean about treading on something, one wrong step and the wrath of the Internet is on you! I follow the "popular" people who you're trying not to personally name as you're respectful, and I really enjoy them, but I can feel that I'm watching content because of the brand not satisfaction. I don't see your work as a brand, ( I enjoy both content the same amount but for different reasons ). As a viewer and not a creator I'd say the hardest thing to do is watch a video and convince yourself you love them.
wow, that last line is spot on.
+Chloe Prime this is exactly what I think too, Jack is by far my favourite youtuber and I agree with his views yet I still watch daily vlogs, simply because they entertain me and they are easy to watch
+Chloe Prime oh my god that last sentence...all too true!!! I thought I was the only one struggling with that!
+Chloe Prime "I also love daily vlogs- not so much main channel videos" -- this is so damn real. i love seeing people ramble at a camera about whatever, i love people's lives and personalities. a lot of youtubers are trying so hard to have the polish of TV, forgetting that the point of youtube is it's not TV.
I've been feeling the same way for a long time :( When I was a teenager I remember watching people like Charlie McDonnell and feeling so hopeful and inspired, because being a nerd/geek was something worth celebrating instead of being ashamed of. I felt like I was part of a community that spanned continents. Now I'm completely out of the loop. I don't laugh at challenge videos and I don't enjoy videos where people who are far richer than me show me all the things they can buy and the places they can go that I will never be able to afford. I don't know man. I'm a whiny old grandma at 21. :P
Well, sometimes I just miss individuality on TH-cam. Just as I'm missing it in real life. All that matters are numbers. That's kinda sad.
I don't think it's as simple as views=popularity, which you should try to remember. A tag or challenge video is going to get more views because it's so easy for the creators to knock one out, making them easy access to more viewers. That along with a combo of garish thumbnails and clickbaity titles give them the impression of popularity when really they're just being watched by bored teenagers putting off their homework or else with nothing better to do. The kind of content that you value is more likely being watched with really enthusiasm and enjoyment despite lower viewing figures. I know it's little consolation when TH-cam themselves haven't grasped this and are still assuming that more views equals higher enjoyment from viewers, but try and thing of it in a sense of quality over quantity.
+Amelia Gibbs The more views equal more ad revenue for TH-cam. From a business standpoint what kind of content is getting the most views probably doesn't matter to TH-cam the company. But then there is now TH-cam Red, where (I think?) theoretically some of that revenue is funding is better content.(?) I agree that it's not as simple as views and popularity, in terms of audience enjoyment, which is really what matters.
+Amelia Gibbs likeminded people definitely find sense in watching said mediocre content, explaining the amount of followers vloggers get for doing challenges daily. great comment
+Amelia Gibbs YES. "That along with a combo of garish thumbnails and clickbaity titles give them the impression of popularity when really they're just being watched by bored teenagers putting off their homework or else with nothing better to do" is entirely accurate and I fully admit to doing so. I watch my favourites first (eg, Casey, Ben Brown, Jack etc) and when I don't want to get off the internet and do more useful things I binge other youtubers videos to procrastinate. There is an abundance of easy to watch challenges / hauls etc and I don't enjoy them NEARLY as much as I enjoy Jacks videos for example yet I watch them anyway.
+Amelia Gibbs Yes! I am tired of the "gairsh thumbnails and clickbaity titles" they drive me crazy!
I completely agree with his points. I'm sick of seeing hauls and monthly favourites videos. I also know it must be extremely taxing to come up with an uncommon and yet interesting video weekly, but I truly believe that quality trumps quantity.
you aren't the only person who has interests other than popular content.
He mentions how he compares his own work with that which is popular, and then goes on to wonder if his is as good or as likeable. He says he finds no thrill or entertainment from popular content. I'm just saying there are others who don't find popular content entertaining, and people who will enjoy his content, or people that like both, or neither. It shouldn't matter. You should like your own work and gain viewers who like your work as well. There is no need to cater for the audience or have to compare your own work to what is popular. Some people somewhere will enjoy your work for what it is. Popular content changes all the time, there is no way to be truly happy whilst changing your content constantly to fit an idea of popular.
I see now. It's odd, I think a lot of people take youtube as like a shot thrill platform, something pulls the attention, bish bash bosh, no need for an extensive attention span. Where as when you go to see a movie you switch into a lengthier attention span. I think it's rising but it's still few that are doing this film like content on youtube. Only those that are looking for it will find it. kinda, does that make sense?
I completely agree Jack. I used to sit on TH-cam for hours and hours on end. And now I just really struggle to find stuff that I really want to watch or get excited about. I don't know it's kind of sad.
Oh, Jack. Thanks for this video. I've been a TH-cam viewer since early 2006, and the feel of the site is so different. Everything is so similar, and so much of the stuff I love to watch gets lost in the pockets of TH-cam that I can't find. . . if they're really there. I remember watching every video of every TH-camr I liked and then some, and seeing low-budget/no-budget stuff made with creativity and hard work and originality. I miss the old community feel, but TH-cam's change isn't all bad. (I've fixed half the apartment I'm renting using TH-cam tutorials.) So glad you're still making a videos, Jack. You've evolved too, and though I love your old stuff, I'm enjoying the new. The TH-cam 2010's have been different for us viewers, wonder what the future of TH-cam will be like. . . and how long it will be.
I feel quite happy as a viewer. I'm here for the stories, the people, the connection, hearing peoples thoughts and having a peek in their lives. If I want to watch comedy or high quality series or short films or documentaries, TH-cam is not the platform I turn to. I go to netflix or HBO or the library (we have lots of short films being promoted in our local library). This is just my experience though, but as a 26 year old female I don't feel all the content is for younger viewers (as some in the comments say). I love the "bigger" TH-camrs like Zoe, Louise, Grace, Vlogbrothers, but also follow ApprenticeEh, watch cereal time, gloveandboots and follow a lot of 'smaller' booktubers because BOOKS and awesome opinionated women because feminism! I understand that some type of videos require more time and effort than others but that is often not factored in how I watch, just as some documentaries take ten years to make and others one, to me it is still the end product that matters. That is what I as a viewer am here for.
*that matters as in that I have a connection with or am interested in
I completely agree here are a few channels I find to have good content if anyone is looking for anything good:
1. Filthy Frank: He is funny in a dirty way but makes everyone laugh
2. Madeyewlook: She is probably the biggest face painter on youtube right now but her stuff is extremely original
3. Jess and Kelly: They are young youtubers starting out but if you're looking for some good musical content they're original and great (They play a lot of instruments)
4. Kick the Pj: Jack mentions him in this video he is extremely amazing and makes a lot of short films
5. Florsounds: they are a new fueled by ramen band and I think they're gonna get somewhere
I do not know any of these you tubers on a personal level, but I feel like they're work isn't popular enough. They could be our key to saving youtube.
+Mychemical Bromance Ik of Madeyewlook and pj and I agree but I just checked out Jess and Kelly and they're pretty good. Very original and I like it thanks for the recommendation. I also suggest maybe following trevor moran if you like flor.
Satisfied with new stuff? Not at all. People that I used to enjoy watching have sold out to stupid challenge videos or just stopped making videos all together. And it's disheartening to see people get hundreds of thousands of views on a video they recorded and edited in a few hours with no real content at all yet videos that people spent days or weeks preparing and recording and editing get just a few thousand. But it's what the kids of today want to see so that's what people have resorted to producing.
I can only speak from a viewer's perspective, but I really enjoys seeing videos of woodworkers teaching young people skills and follow channels that are dedicated to showing people things that they can practice and learn. The skills I have learned from TH-cam have enabled me to build tables and cabinets, and things that mean something to a significant other. Woodworking is just one example of that. Knowing my way around a car, wiring for solar panel use, and camping skills are just a few of the valuable skills that are available every week. They may not be have many millions of subscribers, but most of the channels covering themes mentioned earlier are full time TH-camrs. This isn't to say that I only enjoy educational videos; content from you and your friends is absolutely amazing. It's really cool to see the effort you put in to your videos and it shows. I guess to sum it up, I haven't ever felt bored or uninterested by what is popular on this platform. I just watch who I like to watch. Thanks for all that you and your friends do.
i feel like the only way i can describe my feelings towards this is that i used to watch nearly every single video in my sub box and now i watch probably one in every 5-10 posted and the ones i select are almost always due to it being something new and refreshing. i cant say i have watched a single challenge or tag video in the past 6-12 months except for maybe the occasional one put out by people like you (eg the one you and hazel did) because it was a refreshing change to see a chill/lighthearted video by you guys and it balances out the others. theres nothing wrong with either but you're so right, i am a little bit in awe of the fact that so many 'popular' youtubers still post the same stuff every single week and get away with it??? fascinatin stuff man
Well yes and no. I don't like prank channels or react channels and I don't enjoy most gaming channels and I would say that's the most popular stuff on TH-cam. But I do still enjoy, comedy sketches and Game Grumps and vlogs and cartoons and stuff and I can still find that stuff here. I'm still happy and satisfied with TH-cam content. Cartoons are unfortunately dying due to the relatively new algorithms and that makes me sad, but there is definitely still people uploading things I enjoy but it can get drowned fairly easily by stuff that I don't enjoy that much.
Oh and challenge videos, I hate challenge videos and those are everywhere now days. They're all the same.
*TH-cam is an eternal struggle between Personality based videos and Content based videos.* In the long run Personality based videos (challenges, tags etc.) win out because nothing like them exists on any other platform (television, netflix etc.) There is nothing really we can do about it. You can leave the platform and create for other media or continue targeting the audience on TH-cam that appreciates content based videos.
The best videos/youtubers in my opinion are ones that can combine the two, Smosh, Nigahiga, Jenna Marbles and several others have perfected the art of doing sketch comedies with Personality based elements.
*Mixed content is the key.* If you can build up viewers through personality based videos and they grow an attachment to you as a person it is then easier to get them to watch your scripted project and appreciate the effort you put in. That is the only way Content based videos will be able to grow on youtube and the only way content based videos will become popular.
We've been on TH-cam for over five years and we've always made content that we love but which we know ultimately won't rise to the top. The fact of the matter is that when you're making surreal, five-minute long sketches like us, you can't compete with the quick-fire challenge videos and stuff like that - and we've always understood that and made our peace with that.
What bugs me is how little TH-cam does to nuture channels that are anything other than the big, popular, mainstream channels. Back in the day we used to get spotlighted sometimes, and that was great for bringing in a new audience - but now? Now we're making videos we love, but we're just throwing them into a void.
Why does someone with millions of subscribers need TH-cam's promotion? What about the up-and-comers? We have 30,000+ subscribers but we have had to fight for years to get them, because unless you're hopping on a trend or doing a cynical collaboration (to try and get a taste of someone else's subscribers), how else are you going to grow?
Per your last question, I am satisfied with TH-cam when people whose videos I really like post something new. For instance, when I get a notification on my phone of a new Jack and Dean video, I get excited. Keep doing what you do. It's awesome!
As someone who was a massive TH-cam fan and I watched so many videos and subscribed and invested my time into so many people on this website, I have noticed the change. Sometimes it's nice to see how people progress, professionally their videos and content are better and personally I can see how they are growing as an individual. But I have to say that a lot of what is happening on TH-cam is getting far more consumerist. It seems less about the personal connection with the creator and more about frantically creating and then profiting off a fanbase. I know that there is a lot of wonderful content on here, but I agree that so many people seem to be outgrowing what TH-cam can offer them and therefore move on to something different away from here.
I'm coming at this from the angle that I watched a lot of vloggers. Recently I've moved to more educational and sketch comedy content.
Either way, still a big fan of what you put out there Jack, more socially aware which is really nice ☺️
jack, you and all your friends still get thousands and sometimes millions of views. don't feel disheartened. i put a lot of effort into making films myself and i barely get half a thousand views but i never get disheartened because i just love the process of starting and finishing a film. just think of all the little guys on this website and consider that you are in a very lucky position with an incredibly dedicated audience who will stick by you. you have all this fancy equipment at your disposal so you can make high quality films/sketches and if i was in your position i would thrive so much and be excited that there will be a very large audience that will be watching the content i was creating. just because others have more popular channels than you, doesn't mean you have to change what you make!
I guess what you are trying to say is that you're frustated because the "Reward vs amount of effort" is dispropotionate. And I agree, it definitely is.
i mean, i get your concern that challenge videos and stuff like that get so popular, while quality comedy sketches and stuff dont get as many views and shares and subscribers. I am not a creator but I see how that can be infuriating. But I think you gotta consider that the stuff you mentioned, and your channel in particular is still popular as FUCK. Like someone falling can get millions of views, but thats just based on the fact that its so easy to share something like this, the most popular youtubers get that the way to grow is to make their videos super shareable (hey now thats not a word is it). We are ALL more likely to show someone a video of two people eating cinnamon and spitting crap than a 10 minute short film, no matter how great it is. But hey, your kind of content, the good content, makes people think and gets a good laugh out of the viewer, so maybe you should analyse it not by the numbers, the views, the subscribers, but by the engagement of the community and the comments and the responses. And think that if 300k people are subscribed to you, instead of the 8 million that a challenge videos type vlogger has, thats still 300 THOUSAND PEOPLE that probably care about your content a lot more!
TL; DR numbers dont mean shit, but I get how infuriating it must be from the creators POV
^ Holy shit, this comment is fantastic. Well worded, friend.
Suaz641 aaaah thank you so much, nicest comment ever
+Julia Leite ^ Excellent. Well thought out. Couldn't agree more with what you've stated. Think about the quality of the community created.
+Julia Leite You are quite welcome!
***** Yes, exactly! thank you!
JACK THIS MADE ME THINK OF ASMR BECAUSE IT DESERVES SO MUCH RECOGNITION. A LOT of work goes into these videos that relax you and give you ASMR but i feel like people need to appreciate it more and it needs to be talked about. Good ramble Jack.
Jack, I feel you so much!! I have so many youtubers that I've watched since 2011 that don't interest me anymore. Maybe it's because I'm growing up, but I think that it's really because so many of them have resorted to "challenges" like I don't CARE what your reaction is to a candy from a different country. it's not original and it's definitely not entertaining. This has been really bothering me for a while because TH-cam used to be the thing that would bring me joy and make me happy and now I just feel like I'm missing something, like I don't have some quality that all these viewers seem to have that make them enjoy these, in my opinion, mediocre videos. thank you for making this jack!!
Going around youtube there's quite a lack of people I would actually call a "youtuber".
I miss when charlieissocoollike was at the home page Charlie was the shit
Boy, do I got a lot to say about this.
I feel like the reason a lot of people are starting to feel like this is because of youtubes algorithm. You almost never see new people and when you do, it's the friends of people you already watch (who often make the same type of content). TH-cams "rising" page is just plain shit, because you see what the masses are watching, not what you genuinely want to see or actual _good_ content.
For me, at least, I've made my peace with the youtubers I'm watching. I feel like I'im lucky enough to discover Evan Edinger, Dodie Clark and so on - people who collab with people I've never seen before. Cause that _is_ the way you discover people now.
And also, there will always be shit content enjoyed by a lot of people. And that will draw more people in to make that kind of content because it's what makes the most money. That's how it is in the film industry too, there is sooooo many stupid comedy films with the same actors. Is it repetitive? Yes. Is it good? Sometimes yes, sometimes not. But does it make a shit-tonne of money? Absolutely.
A friend and I were talking about the same thing the other day where we just aren't interested in TH-cam and what the creators we used to like are putting up these days. It may be because we have less time now due to college or personal life, but it doesn't hide the fact that content has become repetitive and our interests don't lie here anymore. I feel it's just an indication of changing times in our very fast paced world and we cannot really change what's happening. Like you said, we must accept and go on.
Absolutely agree with this. I remember one day clicking on my subscription box and being completely disappointed by the fact that not even one of my subscriptions had posted anything beyond a candle haul, a 27 minute vlog of a puppy and a Q and A video. I had been noticing more and more that the content that was being posted wasn't enjoyable for me, but on this particular day I realised that none of my subscriptions interested me any longer. I get that those videos are the ones that get the most hits with the 12-15 bracket that most youtubers seem to aim for, and I agree with your feeling that as a viewer from one of the older brackets (and I say older from the wizened, sage age of 20!!), the content is no longer aimed at us. I really enjoy your videos Jack, and the discussions such as this that you promote and I hope that you don't find the excessive drive to please the tween market on TH-cam too disheartening. There are many of us who search for the content like this and we absolutely will recognise and support you as you deviate from the usual "youtuber" meta. Create the content the content you want to create. It will resonate with someone and that is what it's all about.
To me, youtube is a lot like the music industry. It's frustrating that the more low-effort stuff has more mass appeal and the biggest pop stars make millions. But although I do enjoy crappy pop music sometimes on a commute or at a loud party, the music i really love is a bit harder to find, and once i find it, i get really into it: i'm incredibly loyal to it, i want to explore their entire discography, etc. That's kind of how youtube is for me. Occasionally I will watch a zoella baking video for shits and giggles or a boyfriend tag with alfie, but I'm not subscribed to those channels, I stick to the youtubers I've been watching for years, or who make interesting and unique stuff. I understand this is frustrating because it's quite literally your job and you get paid better when you're more popular, but I feel like there's definitely a place for you still among choosier viewers :)
i do feel like a lot of the "popular" things on youtube just seem to be the same old recycled challenges and show absolutely no creativity on the uploaders part. while i'm not saying that these types of videos are bad, but just show no originality and are then copied by hundreds of other youtubers. Such as the candy tasting challenge, which certain youtubers have done upwards of 10 times or so. Whereas when creative challenges are made, such as the 7 second challenge, they are copied and recycle
so much that they become just as generic and boring as the other boring mainstream videos
whereas with TH-camrs like Jack, Hazel, Sammy and others who actually put in the effort to create content that not only their audience love, but that they clearly loved themselves it makes all the difference and is definitely worth the wait for that content.
100% agree
I am a professional travel photographer (and best-selling author) and last year, I really tossed around the idea of plunging head-first into committing to making content on TH-cam. However, somewhere along the way, it feels like this platform wouldn't ultimately be the best.
1) I keep seeing that quite honestly I am "too old" to be appealing to the major demographic here (no really, I am much older than most people here) and that I could never hope to have my content legitimately go anywhere in terms of views and whatnot due to this. This seems preposterous to me, a female creative, and the contextual implications of this are incredibly sad.
2) Somewhere along the way in the last few months, I just have gotten so bored with TH-cam in general. I used to obsessively seek out new channels, watch my favorite vloggers (travel and otherwise) but now it all seems like meaningless fluff. And the fluff seems to get fluffier...
3) There is creativity here but TH-cam doesn't seem to care about promoting it as much as a platform like Vimeo where (to some extent) creativity is more celebrated (looking at Staff picks, etc...)
4) Why bother with a platform where mediocrity is celebrated?
5) Existentially, I wonder what will become of some of the more 'popular' beauty gurus/lifestyle channels as the creators age. I have seen some attempt to grow up a bit and their comment sections become full of rage at evolution and change. This makes me disheartened since it shows that to a certain extent the overwhelming audience here which skews very, very, very young will always gravitate towards the fluffiest, most-unfulfilling content with little nuance and a severe lack of creativity.
Thank you for putting this out there!
I've been noticing the change over the past 12 months or so, slowly but it has been coming. Creators that I used to love and watch religiously have either changed or have stuck not adapted to where viewers have taken this platform that we all love so much. I find a lot of creators like you said are trying to stay cool and do whatever is popular or will continue to get the views they desire, if so good on them but for me it isn't what I want to watch. There is no longer the intelligent comedy, skits or discussion videos around in the "popular" section of TH-cam, which is what I personally love watching. Please keep doing what you're doing Jack, its one of the few channels that I believe have stayed grounded and stuck to your routes.
In saying this I know if we want more videos alike "Why don't we pick up the camera and give it go? Make the TH-cam we want to watch!"
I do agree with you and I felt this way few months ago. I had a full subscription box but nothing worth watching, but then I accidentally started discovering new smaller youtubers with amazing content and now I feel like I have new content to be inspired by. 😊
I think a lot of this could be down to the audience watching TH-cam. Many of the most successful creators have younger audiences who have more time to watch TH-cam and therefore those creators become more successful. I find many of my favourite creators are smaller creators because they do what they want and as you've said, don't get lots and lots of views, but just make great content. So yes I'm happy with what I see on TH-cam but I do also happen to stay predominantly out of the circles of the most successful creators.
And I'd say there is a place for everyone as a viewer, just not often amongst the most popular creators, but that's ok.
I understand Jack, I feel the same way. A lot of the popular content on the Internet nowadays just seems like there isn't nearly as much work put into it like it used to be. It's alright, just definitely not the platform it used to be. It's so much harder to be accepted in the community now as a creator as well, which shouldn't be the truth seeing as less popular people work so much harder than the popular channels (for the most part, there are obviously exceptions). It just seems very contradictory, very oxymoronic to me. Yeah?
So true, Hardly and original content or hard work, you're always seeing the Same video on every channel and videos that take no time to make and edit getting too many views.
JacksGap. They use to do the "typical TH-cam content" but now they do some of the best films on TH-cam (I mean 'Climate Change' was AMAZING) and I feel like they don't get enough credit. TH-cam obviously isn't about views but the people that do get views, I don't understand why because their content isn't that good. I do also think that short films and comedy sketches etc. are better content than challenges and the like and I do think you and Dean and Tom and P.J etc. deserve more recognition on TH-cam.
JacksGap make such beautiful films, they really deserve more creds
+Chloe Betony Jacksgap is so unoriginal it hurts. I don't agree with your statement! Fancy videos and a few time lapses doesn't make you special. He also completely copied some of Casey Neistat's ideas, never addressed the backlash towards him and posts like once a year.
+Maya 1. Posting "like once a year" isn't a bad thing as long as it's good - quality not quantity.
2. I get that JacksGap blatantly copied Casey's video (or a few I really don't know how many videos he "copied". I know there was Jack-Knife Hack) but the way I look at it, it was bringing an inventive and creative idea to a more mainstream place for people who are like me and didn't know who Casey Neistat was.
3. Also I think it's better that Jack did "share" an inventive idea instead of challenges and dare videos that literally EVERY OTHER POPULAR TH-camR DOES. (Also Casey does vlogs.. I mean how original is that?)
4. Lastly, from what I know, Jack copied ONE video and everything else is creative, inspiring and original.
I like his videos and if they're the same as someone else's videos of whom I don't watch, then I don't see a problem. Yes he shouldn't be copying someone's idea without their permission but I'd never heard of Casey Neistat when Jack-Knife Hack came out so I was inspired by that - which he did also mention he saw somebody else (albeit not Casey) do first and that inspired him
One hundred percent agree! When the collective community of TH-cam was smaller, the quirkier/more individualistic creators were the ones that really stood out and the effort they put into their videos really showed. It seemed to be more about passion and expression and creativity. Now that TH-cam is so big, a lot of the larger creators tend to seem more homogeneous. I definitely also fall into the "old days" thinking and frequently feel nostalgic for the vibe the community used to have.
I completely agree!
I think one of the issues is that the majority of 'big' TH-camrs nowadays all make the same sort of videos and it's stuff like 'British boy tries American candy', it's stuff that can be made and edited in 2 hours.
But with TH-cam making it so easy to discover already huge channels and essentially shunning smaller and often more creative/original channels to the side, it's easy to understand why people would decide to just make a generic tag video over something original as they see those videos getting millions of views.
There must be 5 channels maybe who's new videos I look forward to seeing. The amount of times I've re-watched old Dan videos just aching to see something creative and original by a big TH-camr again.
A lot of people who have been on youtube since the beginning feel this way, i think. it's really interesting that a lot of videos have been put up by people who make great content (crabstickz, for example) about how youtube is affecting them negatively in one way or another. Seeing what youtube has become makes me upset when i know it shouldnt, people can upload whatever they want, but I can't help but be sad seeing all of these new "vloggers" putting in such minimal effort and having such big egos, feeding off of 12 year old fangirls for fame.
TH-cam used to be about creativity and just trying your hardest you didn't need extremely fancy equiptment, and you could just put stuff out there, but now it's just about getting maximum fame/ attention with minimal effort and by using your looks.
I honestly think it has to do how much of a business youtube has become. And I know, who am I criticize an industry that I haven't really contributed to but there's been a lack of creativity and risk taking because of the fact that there's been such a separation between content creators and viewers. People keep saying that there's a community and a cute niche, but it's honestly more of a hierarchy. With that system, there's just no social mobility and smaller creators have a tougher time making new and refreshing things because the famous ones are so large. People like having an audience and when challenges bring people in, how can you not? But then again, for large youtubers, how can you not enjoy the pedestal (Vidcon, Playlist Live, etc) when it's the best way to make money. In addition, the quality of the viewing experience has exponentially grown without the quality of content. Hell, I went out and bought a $500 DSLR camera last month because I don't think that I can make good videos without one, even though I still haven't developed skills and focuse on script writing. The problem is with Google's algorithms of not promoting new channels and the hierarchy of channels. In order to get fresh ideas, you need constant revolutions and movement. Instead you have people who make their first milestone/appreciation video at 1 million subscribers and others who struggle to keep 10,000 people watching.
I want to be a youtuber. I want to create content that can help brighten someone's day or make them laugh. however, I find it hard to think of creative ideas since everyone has done something similar to any of my ideas. I'm sure there are a few things out there that haven't been done but for the most pet I feel as if everyone is doing similar things because they've run out of ideas.
most part* not pet hahah
I'm glad you've opened up this discussion. Really looking forward to hearing what other youtubers have to say.
Hey jack, before I saw this, I have been thinking the same thing for about a year now. I started watching TH-cam in about 2008 - those old popular you tubers, viral videos, and anything that came up in suggested. In around 2011 I started subscribing to some of the most popular youtubers today - even before they had millions of subscribers. I have been watching those collabs, short films, vlogs, and any other videos they put out. Over the past few years however, I haven't been watching any of them. Not because I think they're content is becoming boring, I just didn't have time to watch 100 subscribers videos every day. About youtubers having the same type of videos, it is true really. Everyone has a unique personality and that is truly the biggest reason people subscribe to them. And it's great! I love seeing all of these people do what they love, and interactions and videos are so fun to watch! But Jack, you being one of absolute favorite youtubers, and people altogether,
Some people watch spongebob some people watch crime thrillers, both are on tv. Some people watch candy trying videos other people watch your style videos both are on TH-cam. People have different tastes but no one belongs in one place more than another, candy videos don't necessarily belong on TH-cam more than videos like yours. just because something is more popular with 8 year old fangirls who will look back on how much time they wasted on crappy un-inspiring pointless videos in regret, doesn't make your videos any less relevant. Xx
Sorry for the rant and if I offended anyone I just hate the way the world is at the moment in general and no guess I with hold a lot of anger so when I start I carry on. Sorry
I hate the 'trying 'inset country here' candy videos ugh
I´ve had a completely different experience. I think there is a lot of stuff worth watching on youtube... and not just the typical challenge videos. You might have a very narrow world view if you can´t find anything entertaining anymore.
+Suvi Häkli Any suggestions of videos to check out?
I don't think that's what he's saying. He means the target market is changing and popular videos aren't acc the best videos on TH-cam
Sally Finneran well I don´t know about specific video but my recent favorites have been Domics and WilliamHaynesTV .. but if you´re looking for something creative Andrea Dorfman
Mary Karayel Yeah and I agree with that to a certain point but I´m just saying there is a lot of good stuff out there :)
Suvi Häkli completely agree with you, I am loving Dodie's content and smaller youtubers who nobody else actually knows. I will look up the people you suggested though
Thank you Jack, I've been thinking this for so long. The way you worded it explains it well; everything on TH-cam is the same. I used to come here and be inspired by the unique creativity that different you tubers had to offer, and now I find myself searching for that to no avail. It was good to hear your thoughts.
I'm really glad you talked about this. I feel like in recent years youtube, as well as many other social platforms (vine, twitter, etc.), lost a lot of their diverse content and information. It seems many ideas are blurring together and there isn't any original content anymore. There's so much noise, but not enough being said. There are so many people using the same techniques. Being relatable, being relevant to current topics, making fun of things/people through simple imitation. I've seen so much of the same content that I, and plenty of others, are striving for original, creative, and genuinely funny content.
Personally, I think the content you produce is worthwhile, not because of the amount of time and effort put in, but because it's something that youtube lacks, yet something we crave. The skits on Jack and Dean have a sense of humor that's hard to come by on youtube, and even though we don't get consistent videos, they are 110% worth the wait. The same goes for this channel and your vlogs here. All of your vlogs are genuinely funny, inspiring, and motivational, and the humor doesn't entirely mimic your other channel.
I don't think vlogs are necessarily the sole cause of all this, like some might say (although anyone's free to disagree). There are many vloggers that I think put a lot of passion creative energy into their videos. TheThirdPew and Ashley Mardell come to mind. In fact, there are plenty of creators that produce original and entertaining content, yet they don't get as much of the recognition or praise as the TH-camrs that post challenges and tags that have been done hundreds of times. But it's our job as viewers to make sure that these channels have the ability to be heard. Whether they're vloggers, animators, musicians, news reporters, artists, gamers, critics, or people who make sketches, WE are always the ones with the power to make them popular.
I typically don't comment, but I felt like today I could make an exception.
I HAS THEORY - TH-cam PUBERTY
I believe that most youtubers make what they think their audience wants to see, so videos are very much based off audiences (say for example if your demographic is 10-13 year olds you would make cutesy, childish videos.) But the TH-cam audience atm is going through a weird transition of the old audience to the new (kinda like puberty)
It's no secret that it's mostly teenagers and young adults that regularly watch TH-cam videos. Those who have been around since 2007-8 who used to be - say 15 - are now 23/24 and have grown away from TH-cam because they now have less free time to regularly watch TH-cam. BUT now we have the recent viewers who are new to the TH-cam scene. They are now teenagers (12/13)
Back in 2008 TH-cam definitely had its fair share of childish videos (like FRED, annoying orange etc) bc at that time the old viewers were at that age where they found it entertaining, creators saw this and kinda became a slave to the youtube audience
(Continued) So as the audience grew older, the maturer the videos creators made. But now they're leaving, and creators have to rely on the new audience coming in. So what do they have to do to earn their views? Pander to that audience to what they like. So now we are returning to creating childish videos as that's what the majority of the audience is currently.
This cycle will continue when this audience goes and a new one comes in. But at this moment in time we are in that awkward transition phase where some of the old viewers are still here, yet some newbies are joining at the same time.
I hope this made some sense, if any. But I'd like to here your views or counter-arguments :)
+sadiesaysmeowx You fucking genius.
Can everybody please list the "worst" popular youtubers here please:
+Ylva I'll start with Alfie Deyes, cuz lets admit it he's shit
Alfie, Zoe, Marcus, Jim, Tanya pretty much the entire "Gleam Team" as I've seen them called. Apart from Louise!! Sure her main channel videos can be a tad repetitive but she steers clear away from "challenges" if that's what you call them and she collars with more lesser known youtubers which is great. Also, her second channel vlogs can be the funniest things!
But yeah, challenges and tags aren't original content, they are something that someone else has made up and they've decided to do themselves. Urgh, that group of youtubers frustrate me so much!!
Jacksepticeye
alfie, zoe (i loved her early stuff but she's changed SO much since getting with alfie), tanya, niomi, marcus. jim i like, he's genuine and has interesting stuff going on. gabby is the WORST. her daily vlogs are absolutely tragic, it's literally her and her mum buying food then watching netflix
If you dislike something/someone so much, why watch? I don't understand the problem. Watching TH-cam videos is a choice. Watch what you like. No need to make someone feel bad. There's something for everyone.
More than anything I find myself watching the same videos over and over and over because there's rarely anything new that piques my interest. Kind of discouraging really.
Lately I've been feeling the same way. I've been watching youtube videos for almost 6 years and there were times when I wanted to watch every single video coming up in my subscription feed. Now, even when I have time, I rarely find videos that I want to watch immediately and really care about the content.
I watch many "beauty gurus" who used to make creative and original content. Now they mainly post "quick and easy school hacks" (although they're in their mid 20s), tags and challenges that say nothing about their personality. It's really sad that this way they seem to get the most views..
But in all of this, it's always very refreshing, interesting and stimulating (sometimes sexually) to watch your work! Thanks for staying true to yourself and for sharing!
I agree with you 100%, Jack, and that's why I appreciate TH-camrs like you so much. Your content is the sort of interesting, comedic, intelligent, and unique content that I really love to see.
Start disliking videos you dislike.
I feel like the people I used to love watching are slowly being phased (fazed?) out and being replaced with beauty hauls and challenges and the like. Like you said, I realize the amount of work that goes into making them but they're just not interesting. They're not creative videos or particularly thought provoking. I like watching things that make me think, or inspire me, or even just make me laugh. Pjs videos, like you said. Bing's talk videos were fantastic. Dan and Phil make quality content. (And of course I love your videos). I fell in love with Adrian's vlogvember series because they delved so deep into TH-cam culture flaws in such a fascinating way. I don't care what Zoe puts on her face. I don't care what British candy Americans are trying. It's just boring.
On a similar note I will never understand why pj still hasn't reached 1 mil while other youtubers of lesser quality content have nearly 10
+fancastic1 The main problem with "mainstream" TH-camrs, in my opinion, is that they're all essentially advertisers (i'm talking beauty vloggers, tech channels etc...). Their content isn't bad, but the main chunk of their content is just an advertisement on behalf of a company, product or person - ie. nothing creative at all. So, essentially, TH-cam is just one big advertising platform with very few actual talented content creators (like Jack and a handful of others).
I feel like Dan and Phil are two of the last actually funny vloggers here. Anything they do is interesting, even if it's simple, and Phil pretty much makes up all the challenges and tags that take over TH-cam and many people don't even credit him. But they, as many (most?) of the legitimately talented people here, are sort of leaving TH-cam. The only thing they update now is the gaming channel, because they have interviews and documentaries and radio shows and actual world tours to make. In the end, we'll be left with the likes of Alfie Deyes, who aren't good enough to do anything else.
Lina B. that just broke my heart because it's so true
fancastic1 I know, it makes me feel like it's the end of an era
I absolutely agree with you. TH-cam has seriously stopped being such an interesting platform full of creative people, now it's just people who want to make easy money on cheap and boring "popular" content. But I'm glad that there are people like you and Pj (who has been one of my most favorite since forever) who still continue releasing good content that is actually worth spending time on.
The stuff that goes viral and is easy to notice is good to watch while you're watching it, but the real value I get out of TH-cam is from the sketches, vlogs etc that actually mean something. These are the videos that stick with me and will keep me thinking about them long after I've finished watching them
I totally feel you Jack, my most popular video on my channel with hundreds of thousands of views is something that took an afternoon to film/edit. While other films that took weeks to film and edit barely crack the couple thousand mark. It makes you wonder.