I promise, this video is only 9 minutes long

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 3K

  • @francisb.9847
    @francisb.9847 ปีที่แล้ว +2036

    Finally, an hour long video essay that doesn't make me feel that I've exhausted all my energy for the day

    • @dingerfish5780
      @dingerfish5780 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Tf are you talking abt, it was literally a nine minute long video essay

    • @its_elkku135
      @its_elkku135 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I will never get bored of rewatching overly long video essays from channels like Hbomberguy

    • @test.testing2920
      @test.testing2920 ปีที่แล้ว

      True

    • @nothinghere1698
      @nothinghere1698 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@dingerfish5780
      woosh

    • @sudokua554
      @sudokua554 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@dingerfish5780 it was a joke :3
      unless this response is Also a joke then oops

  • @kylegies779
    @kylegies779 ปีที่แล้ว +591

    Nearly died just now. Forgot I had this running in the background, wearing noise-cancelling headphones, when suddenly Jenna's very polite "Thank you," came out of no where. I screamed like Homer Simpson.
    10/10. Would happily skyrocket my heartrate a second time watching a 9 minute long 2-hour video.

    • @validpostage
      @validpostage ปีที่แล้ว +18

      I read this comment, made a note to myself "don't get spooked in 50 minutes!" and then I forgot about it and got spooked anyway. oh well!

    • @Ivvelis
      @Ivvelis ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@validpostage imma just mute the tab lmfao

    • @stiegretlin
      @stiegretlin ปีที่แล้ว +9

      um, spoilers!!

    • @MasterGunnerOO1
      @MasterGunnerOO1 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The "thank you" at the end definitely got me too

    • @lilyfae7197
      @lilyfae7197 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

      hahah me too, I had paused another video to text someone and was so confused when I saw it was still paused bc I assumed I had accidentally hit play. Totally forgot this video was on... but also maybe a sign to put down my "podcast game" for a bit.

  • @curtismcallister9569
    @curtismcallister9569 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    the random "most replayed" bump around 35 in minutes is a funny feedback loop. a few people early on skipped ahead to see if it's really an empty shot the whole time. and now i have this temptation to also skip ahead to the same spot and contribute to an empty hot spot... to tempt yet more future viewers to skip ahead to the same spot

  • @alicehodges483
    @alicehodges483 ปีที่แล้ว +564

    I clicked on "I promise this video is only 9 minute long" for precisely the reason Jenna said, the contradiction was too enticing to me! Furthermore, as a big big fan of video essays, esp. long ones, the length was perfect for my bedtime ritual of pulling up an essay and playing a couple games of tetris

  • @silkshines00
    @silkshines00 ปีที่แล้ว +2049

    Notable: I'm a fan of Jenna but had not yet subscribed and this is the first of Jenna's independent videos to show up on my Home recommendations. I watch a lot of long video essays so I Do think the perceived length of the video helped push it to me.

  • @boxwithahat
    @boxwithahat ปีที่แล้ว +79

    "I like to use tea leaves because they're biodegradable, but any divination that you want to use is gonna be just as useful". That line is golden, and the delivery is outright **platinum**

  • @TysonSteele-Matanuki
    @TysonSteele-Matanuki ปีที่แล้ว +814

    It feels genuinely insane that despite heavily engaging with Polygon's videos and other creators in your sphere for YEARS, this video is the first one that suggested to me. I didn't even know you had your own channel.

    • @ncpolley
      @ncpolley ปีที่แล้ว +11

      I straight up just realized why I recognized her.

    • @Inogat
      @Inogat ปีที่แล้ว +1

      yes also me and it's unfair

    • @krisherrick4261
      @krisherrick4261 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Same until now

  • @Cuttlefisher
    @Cuttlefisher ปีที่แล้ว +557

    Jesus I didn't even realise Polygon had punted Jenna in the first place given how much their output had slowed down in general, and this was also the first I've seen of her own channel. Love her content and wish her the best going forward!

    • @Stlwartheart14
      @Stlwartheart14 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Same! I knew Jenna was booted but I didn't know where to find her after. Insta-subbed to the channel

    • @darrellfrancis2115
      @darrellfrancis2115 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      8 months ago too! I was wondering why I hadn't seen a Jenna video in awhile. Although, it looks like Polygon's output has really taken a nosedive. Only 22 new videos in the last year, compared to 42 the year before.

    • @binnieb173
      @binnieb173 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      Poly was doing great with all their new talent, then lost almost all of them. Which is sad.
      I would love it if Droup Out could pick up Jenna and BDG. They need an influx of new show ideas I feel like.

    • @bankhergman5778
      @bankhergman5778 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      me neither.

    • @AJLikesCats
      @AJLikesCats ปีที่แล้ว +8

      ​@@binnieb173 Ooh, if Dropout enabled one or both of them to make something fun I would appreciate that! Get on it, Sam Reich! Also, does anyone know where Sam is from?

  • @fmbray_
    @fmbray_ ปีที่แล้ว +111

    I've only made it through the first 10 minutes of the video and I need to go to bed, but I can't wait to see what else Jenna has to say in the remaining 49 minutes tomorrow!

  • @scooti_mcbooti
    @scooti_mcbooti ปีที่แล้ว +393

    Like others, I came because of the title "I promise, this video is only 9 minutes long" and seeing the video was actually 59 minutes. This is the first of your independent videos I've seen and I'm excited to see more!

    • @toddmatteson183
      @toddmatteson183 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Put another tally mark down for exactly this story.

    • @flaetsbnort
      @flaetsbnort ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same. I though it'd be about a TH-cam glitch XD fortunately, I am interested about what the video actually is about so it's no clickbait

    • @0hermitworm
      @0hermitworm ปีที่แล้ว

      Same and I have no problem leaving this running while I go make dinner. Excellent empty office. 10/10

    • @validpostage
      @validpostage ปีที่แล้ว

      +

  • @Tobascodagama
    @Tobascodagama ปีที่แล้ว +170

    I clicked on the "I promise, this video is only 9 minutes long" one. But I didn't click because of the title, I clicked because I have a Pavlovian response to seeing a new Jenna Stoeber video.

    • @TarithAverin
      @TarithAverin ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Same

    • @alibarkhordarian8100
      @alibarkhordarian8100 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Me also

    • @BodeVanLot
      @BodeVanLot ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Likewise

    • @The_Jovian
      @The_Jovian ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Agreed

    • @beefpelican
      @beefpelican ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The purple border with white block text helped. It makes Polygon associated videos stand out, even though Jenna is no longer a polygon associated person.

  • @welshh1018
    @welshh1018 ปีที่แล้ว +58

    By far one of the best long-form video essays I've ever listened to. I've already watched it 8 times, and I swear I see something new with every viewing. Especially like the part around 48:03.

  • @KumoKumiko
    @KumoKumiko ปีที่แล้ว +509

    the "this video is only 9 minutes long" title vs. 59 minute timeline dichotomy definitely caught my attention, but then I realized I recognized you from your work at Polygon! So glad I found your own personal channel, and I'll be happy to play along with this little experiment and support the channel in the future

    • @Materialist39
      @Materialist39 ปีที่แล้ว

      seconded

    • @j73991
      @j73991 ปีที่แล้ว

      same here

    • @vilukisu
      @vilukisu ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This but the concept of superstitious content creators also peaked my interest and I will probably go read about that now while I let the video play.

    • @aidanknox2430
      @aidanknox2430 ปีที่แล้ว

      yeah same here

    • @JustBizmuth
      @JustBizmuth ปีที่แล้ว

      wait, so THAT'S why i found her voice familiar
      now it makes sense

  • @TarithAverin
    @TarithAverin ปีที่แล้ว +688

    Giving us that ~50 minute your-friend's-room-in-a-zoom-call calming ambiance we all need for relaxation purposes

    • @yitzakIr
      @yitzakIr ปีที่แล้ว +51

      ASMR: Your roommate Jenna is watching TV and eating pad thai in the other room

    • @polleyjw
      @polleyjw ปีที่แล้ว +14

      This would make a great Zoom background.

    • @thombruce
      @thombruce ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Empty rooms to relax/study to!

  • @lemmingyellow3888
    @lemmingyellow3888 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    I also am a fan of video essays and have never seen Jenna in my reccs before this one. And I absolutely wanted to know how you made a 9 minute video into a 59 minute video. Honestly if the title hadn't been "this is 9 minutes, promise" I wouldn't have clicked on it.

  • @bobbaggins403
    @bobbaggins403 ปีที่แล้ว +310

    this landed on my front page. the algorithm found me. I 100% watch hour long essays. I'm so excited to watch more content from Jenna!

    • @chiakinanami9209
      @chiakinanami9209 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      it's crazy to think back to like pre 2015 times when I mostly watched youtube for like 15 minute long lets plays padding the front and end of videos was sorta common too iirc back then to hit either 15 or 20 minutes and I thought the trend towards long videos was bad as I watched the youtube animation community die seemingly because of
      now I absolutely hate the trend towards youtube shorts love hour long essays that probably took way longer to make and consuming whole 7 hour twitch vods in a single sitting like a lunatic

    • @NamelessBody
      @NamelessBody ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yup. Algorithm brought me here from some completly unrelated video. Hai.
      "I promise, this video is only 9 minutes long" got me. And the content got me past 15 seconds, too. But then again, I should currently be working on a seminar paper, so... I might well watch the entire video to procrastrinate.
      Update an hour later: I did. That "Thank you" scared the hell out of me, but then made me happy. ^^

  • @chadfeehan5820
    @chadfeehan5820 ปีที่แล้ว +486

    Seeing my favorite Polygon creator go from making amazing videos for a major company to struggling tooth and nail for views in the independent sphere makes me so discouraged to even attempt making my own video content (which I think about all the time). I do hope you keep chugging along though, and I do have this video running in the background.

    • @paperspock
      @paperspock ปีที่แล้ว +22

      Funny enough I didn't see her work on Polygon, I came across someone linking to this video on Twitter today, so I'm a new viewer, and this was a good video.

    • @kipper1668
      @kipper1668 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      why does it make you discouraged?

    • @lfarkham
      @lfarkham ปีที่แล้ว +53

      @@kipper1668 I'm obviously not OP but I imagine it's because seeing someone who's obviously talented who had a lot of people really invested in her work struggling makes it all the more clear how hard starting *without* people who know and like you will be.

    • @BearJoyner00
      @BearJoyner00 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      If you wanna just make content for the sake of making content, you can totally just do that and don't stress about the numbers or whether people see it, but I guess it's a question of "where does the worth in making content come from to make it worth the while?"

    • @ivan-sin-compania5710
      @ivan-sin-compania5710 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      What's Polygon?

  • @AdmiralKat_
    @AdmiralKat_ ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Left this running in a window in the background and completely forgot about it. The thank you at the end nearly scared the life out of me :p

  • @aaronsterne4595
    @aaronsterne4595 ปีที่แล้ว +178

    I got ‘why are content creators so superstitious’ with Jenna doin some mystical hand gestures as my thumbnail, and ‘this video is only nine minutes long’ as my title. It’s also the first time Jenna’s solo content has appeared in my recommended, so I think the algo is pretty happy with this one!

    • @h3xon797
      @h3xon797 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I had the exact same experience, oddly enough. Down to the last bit as well.

    • @addyluu
      @addyluu ปีที่แล้ว

      Same!

    • @BeeBrimstrum
      @BeeBrimstrum ปีที่แล้ว

      Likewise!

    • @lazylurkerbro9855
      @lazylurkerbro9855 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I got the same thumbnail and title, although I've never heard of Jenna until seeing this video.

    • @mandyberry2500
      @mandyberry2500 ปีที่แล้ว

      i got the same setup. had no idea jenna had her own channel let alone that she isn't at polygon anymore

  • @kabloomers
    @kabloomers ปีที่แล้ว +272

    JENNA. I'm home alone and left this running in the other room and completely forgot about it. Your adorable "thank you" at the end of the video was, for a moment, absolutely terrifying.

    • @TigerToony
      @TigerToony ปีที่แล้ว +52

      IT ALSO SCARED ME. I started playing Stardew Valley as this video continued to play and the thank you played at the exact moment I gifted a villager an item. I was so filled with such confusion and fear until I remembered.

    • @ziwuri
      @ziwuri ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@TigerToony that is perfect

    • @pazelii
      @pazelii ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same. Sweet and terrifying

    • @ohsnavs
      @ohsnavs ปีที่แล้ว +9

      *** SPOILER ALERT ***

    • @RonnieTheFinBear
      @RonnieTheFinBear ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hey, I know you!

  • @ryleeshepherd4464
    @ryleeshepherd4464 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    I've been bamboozled and this video is amazing! I often watch the long form essay videos, I think what they have to say about a certain topic or piece of media can justify the length for me, they tend to add some history or extra context or offer different perspectives. But as someone who struggles to stay focused or engaged after a while I tend to pause the video and come back to them another time. My watch later playlist is full of these videos.

  • @meganellis5479
    @meganellis5479 ปีที่แล้ว +403

    I have heard from other content creators beholden to The Algorithm that at a certain point if one person keeps a video on loop over and over again, youtube disregards those views because it assumes (logically so) a person isn’t watching one video solid for 24 hours in a row. So once you finish this GREAT hour long video by Jenna, perhaps wait a bit before watching it again to catch all the little ARG elements you missed!

    • @steamyrobotlove
      @steamyrobotlove ปีที่แล้ว +26

      I was going to try and be helpful by uploading instructions on how to run a python script that replays this video every 2 hours... but then I googled it and, hey, TH-cam doesn't like that kind of interaction!! SURPRISE!!
      So my bad Jenna: I guess I'll be replaying your video every 2 hours manually.

    • @scrypt7722
      @scrypt7722 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      literally just go watch her other videos

    • @scrypt7722
      @scrypt7722 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@steamyrobotlove you to. just go watch her other videos and come back to this one every few hours

    • @BearJoyner00
      @BearJoyner00 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@steamyrobotlove You could possibly set up an auto-clicker to hit replay on the video every 2 hours.

  • @liefbread
    @liefbread ปีที่แล้ว +174

    I was in the "curious why this 9 minute video is 50+ minutes" camp. I do tend to watch a fair number of video essays but the 20-30 minutes range is a sweet spot for me.
    Jenna I think you could have included some juicy room tone for those of us who hung out and left it open in another tab.

    • @the_jenna
      @the_jenna  ปีที่แล้ว +43

      you have to provide your own juice, sorry

    • @liefbread
      @liefbread ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@the_jenna I'll prepare the room tone for the next one.

  • @ImWeirdAndILikeIt
    @ImWeirdAndILikeIt ปีที่แล้ว +31

    I completely forgot Jenna was no longer at polygon so I too was delighted to see her appear in my recommendations. All this meta talk about the ~algorithm~ really makes me look forward to any future scientific studies on how these things can have a serious effect on entire cultures

  • @Hatchmatic
    @Hatchmatic ปีที่แล้ว +217

    Hi Jenna! The algorithm brought me! For your SEO superstitions, it was the 9 minutes title. Wishing you all the best with this new channel, I always loved your video essays on Polygon, so I'm really glad to have been shown this!

  • @Jayyemi
    @Jayyemi ปีที่แล้ว +422

    If I didn't follow Jenna on social media then I likely wouldn't have known anything about her absence from Polygon (since to my knowledge they never said anything about it) and the subsequent creation of this channel. I'm glad this is picking up more traction because she deserves to have her content be more widespread

    • @sapphicseas0451
      @sapphicseas0451 ปีที่แล้ว

      I somehow wasn't subscribed to this channel until now, i was subscribed to the streaming VODs only, missing so much stuff

    • @Mars0War
      @Mars0War ปีที่แล้ว

      I try to limit my social media to just IRL friends and I only just found out now, thanks algorithm!

  • @gorimbaud
    @gorimbaud ปีที่แล้ว +4

    like many others who were fans of your polygon stuff, i hadn't heard you'd gone independent until someone recommended your _last_ video just before this one went up! i was on my way out of state for a week just then though, so i haven't gotten to this and all your other videos until just now (as i've finally caught up with my subscriptions). definitely subbed, though.

  • @NotLaurel6578
    @NotLaurel6578 ปีที่แล้ว +152

    I'd like to say, Jenna only has about 60 minutes of combined content posted before this video, excluding Shorts. So if you, the viewer, would like to fill the time as this video plays in back on some tab, it's easy to catch up on the channel.☺️ Getting in early

  • @BenSKG
    @BenSKG ปีที่แล้ว +34

    That was a really cool ARG clue to Jenna's secret tumblr, can't believe it was so well hidden

  • @SwimmingInSunlight
    @SwimmingInSunlight ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This turned up in my recommendations, lovely to see a familiar face in independent ventures! 💕

  • @maddoraptor
    @maddoraptor ปีที่แล้ว +191

    LOVE this. For the record, I clicked 1) because I dig your video essays in general and 2) because of exactly what you described (the dissonance of the "I promise, this video is only 9 minutes long" vs 59~ minute long video)

  • @alexandergiesser
    @alexandergiesser ปีที่แล้ว +396

    I'm letting this run WITH PLEASURE. I am rooting for you and can't wait to see more stuff you want to make, Jenna!

    • @Kihen9
      @Kihen9 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      same, Jenna is great, and i can't support her on patreon, so at least i can do this!

    • @alexandergiesser
      @alexandergiesser ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@Kihen9 She's a gem! And same. We do what we can to lift each other up!

    • @zukio6088
      @zukio6088 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      play it at x0.25 and itll give her a bigger boost !!

  • @GiantButterKnife
    @GiantButterKnife ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I really hope this strategy works out, partly because I liked your work on Polygon and I'd like to see you succeed independently, but also because I think it would be funny for this to go on as a successful strategy for up and coming content creators.

  • @evbyrd5486
    @evbyrd5486 ปีที่แล้ว +268

    This was the first video I was recommended from Jenna's channel even though I used to instantly watch any videos made by Jenna on polygon. Definitely makes me think that the hour-long videos are preferentially recommended algorithmically. Very happy to subscribe here now, though!!

    • @negaprionaszr
      @negaprionaszr ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yep, same. Though the dissonance definitely did help me click immediately, instead of being like oh cool! I'll watch that later!

    • @spic9h592
      @spic9h592 ปีที่แล้ว

      Same, same, and uhhh same.

    • @acsm9436
      @acsm9436 ปีที่แล้ว

      I've only watch the Overboard videos on Polygon, but I was pretty happy to see this video on my recommended. I've always found her pretty interesting.

    • @nodisponible8
      @nodisponible8 ปีที่แล้ว

      same

  • @mactavish100078
    @mactavish100078 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    Just wanna put it out there that, even though I watched and enjoyed much of your work on Polygon, this is the first of your independent work that showed up in my feed. Had no idea this channel existed before. Glad I found it

  • @abigailbostic2198
    @abigailbostic2198 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Happy to help boost this for the algo, but also, I feel like a goof for getting suckered into watching this after another of her videos because I saw the timestamp, thought "Oh sweet, a longer video of hers!" and happily clicked lol

  • @mollyjaneleblanc
    @mollyjaneleblanc ปีที่แล้ว +46

    As both a long-time polygon fan, and video essay enthusiast, the ~algorithm~ definitely worked this time. didnt even know you had a solo channel!

  • @thoughtguardian
    @thoughtguardian ปีที่แล้ว +188

    i’ll be clicking any video from Jenna but the “I promise this video is only 9 minutes long” is the one i clicked
    great upload Jenna! happy to watch

  • @TheWinterer
    @TheWinterer ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I clicked on "I promise, this video is only 9 minutes long" because you guessed it, I was confused

  • @startracings
    @startracings ปีที่แล้ว +98

    Jenna is a person of their word, this video really is only 9 minutes long. Best of luck in the endless mental gymnastics competition that is succeeding at content creation!

  • @NotLaurel6578
    @NotLaurel6578 ปีที่แล้ว +99

    I really do appreciate the wizard lifting the curtain between us, the para-social viewer, and a candid creater dispensing a valuable perspective. I am now subscribed, and will be watching all of your content.🤗 Thank you

  • @d3xbot
    @d3xbot ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I clicked when it was "why content creators are superstitious" but opened it in a new tab and came back to "I promise, this video is only 9 minutes long"

  • @edwardnygma8533
    @edwardnygma8533 ปีที่แล้ว +114

    Tbh I never knew Jenna had a channel, and this one just sorta popped up in my home feed a day after being posted. I'd always loved their Polygon work(also, did Jenna leave them?) but damn do I look forward to subscribing here.
    I'd have to say that the "This video is only nine minutes long" aspect is what got me to click immediately instead of setting it into one of my watch later playlists(which is what I do with most things, it's an issue). Honestly, I'm glad to help boost such a cool creator anyhow.
    Oh, and I can confirm YES, the video IS 9 minutes long, but also it IS worthwhile to watch the WHOLE thing. Who wouldn't want to watch that desk of knickknacks for fifty minutes?

    • @RannekoPlays
      @RannekoPlays ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Sadly Polygon let her go a few months ago.

    • @mothboy9137
      @mothboy9137 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ​@@RannekoPlays why????

    • @niallmccoy4809
      @niallmccoy4809 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@mothboy9137 vox media had mass layoffs across all their companies, I'm not entirely sure why I think it was a mix of monetary issues, the pandemic, and fights with unions

  • @Amberizing
    @Amberizing ปีที่แล้ว +17

    absolutely instantly clicked on an hour-long video named "this video is only 9 minutes long" are you kidding, I love it

  • @GGreenHeart
    @GGreenHeart 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Finally got around to watching this!! I kept putting it off because of the runtime, but... I guess shame on me for not taking you at your word! Lesson learned!
    I'm currently *checks watch* 12:59 in, but intend to stay for the whole ride. Thanks for always having such well-worded, delightfully funny and insightful commentary!

  • @horizon5417
    @horizon5417 ปีที่แล้ว +83

    i didn’t really pay attention to the title but i was intrigued by the thumbnail. i wasn’t sure whether to expect a video essay on psychology/technology or a guide to the algorithm directed at content creators. i hope you get monetized soon!

    • @the_jenna
      @the_jenna  ปีที่แล้ว +56

      Great news, it worked and I am now monetized!

    • @donnie1725
      @donnie1725 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      ​@Jenna Stoeber congrats!!!

  • @SailorTwyft
    @SailorTwyft ปีที่แล้ว +253

    I cannot stress enough that watching to the end is 100% worth it.

    • @DJWEEDPIZZA
      @DJWEEDPIZZA ปีที่แล้ว +21

      Many people are saying this!

    • @carlos_hb
      @carlos_hb ปีที่แล้ว +48

      It's quite easy to get to the end of a 9 minutes video

    • @SailorTwyft
      @SailorTwyft ปีที่แล้ว +16

      @@carlos_hb dang, when you're right you're right

    • @Galaxy613
      @Galaxy613 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      OMG after the secret message half way through, I was BLOWN away by the secret ARG tumblr!

    • @JacklynBurn
      @JacklynBurn ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I took her at her word, and left it going in the background while I did other things, so when it got to the end I jumped about a foot out of my chair

  • @zacfar2148
    @zacfar2148 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The “this video is only 9 minutes i promise” really worked on me

  • @CElliottRichards
    @CElliottRichards ปีที่แล้ว +12

    There’s something peaceful about watching a silent office for a while. Quiet spaces are not common in my life right now. Thank you.

  • @charliecrossing
    @charliecrossing ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I joined tiktok in 2020 and left it almost a year ago because of how much it was negatively impacting my mental health. The algorithm was so fickle and "big brother" like, and the cyclical promotion, exploitation, and burning up of creators felt so dystopian and late stage capitalist too. But don't worry, TH-cam started pushing its shorts to pick up the slack! My favorite things to watch on here are thoughtful and long deep dives from creative folks like you, so watching this trajectory play out has been so rough. Thanks for continuing to make great work in the face of it all.

  • @ajfillari
    @ajfillari ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Wow! What a wonderful, entire hour of content! Keep up the great work, Jenna!

  • @HMPerson2
    @HMPerson2 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    im legitimately disappointed that this isn't an hour long. i cleared my schedule for this!
    also, while it is true that engineers can directly influence "the algorithm," many (maybe even most) of the effects that content creators attribute to "the algorithm" is just the preferences of audiences: content about the trending topic of the day get lots of views because *people are seeking out that content* (and "the algorithm" reacts accordingly); youtube videos with long runtimes do well because audiences have come to associate long runtime with high effort and high quality (also some people want long videos for background noise); tweets including patreon links don't get as much engagement because people don't like feeling like they're being advertised to; etc.
    there are, however, some legitimate "algorithm hacks" which have to do with encouraging (or "baiting") audiences to do the things that the algorithm measures, e.g. "comment down below with your favorite whatever"

    • @mallk238
      @mallk238 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      and clickbait titles with weird thumbnails. (This video also has clickbait but it's such a unique form that honestly I'll let it slide. But there are so many youtubers nowadays who just make their titles and thumbnails so vague that you have NO idea what the video is about or are misled as to what it's about.

    • @jamesnomos8472
      @jamesnomos8472 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@mallk238 It feels like a riff off the Tom Scott video "This video had XXXXXXXXX views" where the number perfectly matches the viewcount, which is in a form of perpetual virality. That conflict/interaction between the form and the content, the wrapper and the message within, driving the interest.

    • @Dolthra
      @Dolthra ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Long videos also do well because some part of the algorithm still prioritizes total watch time- and, as Jenna mentions, if the viewer gets past the first 15 seconds, they're likely to stick around for the whole thing. So even if the video doesn't have great metrics by any other standard, a longer video will likely perform better because it's demanding more watch time.

    • @junelawson6708
      @junelawson6708 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That is true, but it's worth noting that the algorithm seems to interacts with user behaviour in a way that can cause feedback loops; Users initially engage with clickbait thumbnails, and that results in algorithmic boosting due to increased engagement, and that increases exposure, which amplifies the phenomenon.

  • @despairsnivy9462
    @despairsnivy9462 ปีที่แล้ว +140

    I usually never leave comments anywhere on TH-cam because I usually never have much of value to say, but this in this case I'm going to leave a comment because Jenna deserves the engagement on her channel, especially since it only took until this video was released for me to realize this channel existed and that Jenna was producing these sorts of videos again. (I had enjoyed watching the streams for a bit, but it was a bit hard for me to keep consistently to it when I don't really have much time in my day to put into TH-cam each day, and so I don't really tend to have the time for super long videos.) I definitely made sure to subscribe, and I hope Jenna gets to the point where she can start getting paid for her videos soon!

  • @azukizukisan
    @azukizukisan ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I keep coming back to watch this again and again-I think it’s a persuasive argument.

  • @reverbstarlight3405
    @reverbstarlight3405 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    I think the point is proven! I’ve never heard of you before and here the youtube algorithm has pushed me your video. I don’t even watch video essays! Thanks for the enlightening 9 minutes and I hope you reach your goal!

    • @gregorywiederecht
      @gregorywiederecht ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The point is definitely proven. I used to watch a lot of her content back in the Polygon days, but this is the first time the algorithm is ever recommended anything from her independent channel. I didn't even know she had one! I can't wait to see how it grows!

  • @atsumaruthepartydragonslay5007
    @atsumaruthepartydragonslay5007 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    I watch a lot of video essays and I very recently learned of Jenna’s departure from Polygon (and I was sad, because you were my favorite creator there!), so I was very excited to see this show up. In addition, I recently ran out of backlog essays. The timing is VERY odd to me, lol

  • @olakwiecinska6471
    @olakwiecinska6471 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I'm so happy to see you still creating! I loved your videos on Polygon, the highest quality research, great visuals and the coolest personality if I may say so in a very parasocial manner. It sucks you don't have full creative freedom whether it be because of Polygon first and now only TH-cam. I sincerely hope you'll thrive despite all obstacles, you really deserve it!

  • @rdpsysium7340
    @rdpsysium7340 ปีที่แล้ว +84

    HI JENNA I wish you nothing but success.
    To people who might also engage with Twitch, Jenna's streams are an absolute blast. I've bought at least three games that she's played just because she's shown how engaging they are (she was the first person I watched play Inscryption). Also, her Twitch emotes are great. The TEETH TEETH TEETH that briefly flashed on this video is just one of them. I'm also a big fan of HOLES HOLES HOLES. Wish I could fill the screen with them right now. ALSO her chat is delightful, full of puns, and constantly make me laugh. I like lurking because I'm not particularly witty, but my goodness they're a charming bunch. (As expected of people who enjoy the *primo* Jenna content.)
    I hope this comment was long enough to bolster engagement!

    • @vanguardiris3232
      @vanguardiris3232 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I have no idea if replies to comments boost engagement, but I certainly hope so! Thank you for the insider scoop on the Twitch channel - I'm now subscribed and based on my limited understanding of Twitch (which seems to give localised times on its schedules) she seems to stream at a time which is during daytime in Europe? I hope so - I like a VOD as much as the next person but it's a bit of a disappointment to get notifications at 4am for a stream you had hoped to attend

    • @the_jenna
      @the_jenna  ปีที่แล้ว +29

      everyone's a big fan of HOLES HOLES HOLES, if you catch my drift

    • @saveoursquirrels4241
      @saveoursquirrels4241 ปีที่แล้ว

      O so that's where teeth teeth teeth is from! I've seen it in drawfee twitch chat

    • @saveoursquirrels4241
      @saveoursquirrels4241 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@the_jennathe 1998 novel of course

    • @validpostage
      @validpostage ปีที่แล้ว

      +

  • @Soundproofarmor
    @Soundproofarmor ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Tom Scott does a really good job of maximizing my clickthrough rate on his titles, and they're basically always a similar bent to the "I promise this video is only 9 minutes long" dissonance with the actual video length.

    • @rmwalles
      @rmwalles ปีที่แล้ว +3

      "I promise this story about microwaves is interesting"

  • @toddmatteson183
    @toddmatteson183 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Also, just because I didn't mention it in my other comment, I think “this video” in the title is a powerful SEO move that is not too be played with casually, but worked brilliantly in this case. Excellent work

  • @dancorwin9232
    @dancorwin9232 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    This a such a refreshing take on the topic! I love hearing a perspective from someone who seems to get both the nature of machine learning algorithms, and the business focus they are being applied to. My favorite quote so far has definitely been "TH-cam exists to make money for the platform. Any other function it has is secondary to that." I feel like this is something we forget so often, even though it is staring us in the face. Why does TH-cam platform controversial creators? Simple, because the algorithm favors the content that gets engagement, and TH-cam profits off of it, so why would the company not want that to happen?
    Really, excellent stuff.

  • @BlueBrewMusic
    @BlueBrewMusic ปีที่แล้ว +68

    To be honest, I wish this video was the full hour. I love long form content and would die for a deep dive by you. that said, I am not only am I letting this run to the end, I'm running it on a loop.

  • @Kid-Tricky
    @Kid-Tricky ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Man I was so upset when I learned polygon dropped you, but I didn't even know you had a channel until now. I'm glad this video popped up on my recommendations so I can start watching your content again

  • @lexg5317
    @lexg5317 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Honestly clicked on this video with the hope that it was indeed 1hr long and it being only 9 minutes was a joke (i love long video essays and ive always enjoyed your work too). That being said, im more than happy to have this playing in the back as i do other things. You were my favourite person on Polygon and if i can help support you in this small way now that youre independent, i 100% will :)

  • @jessisenberg9758
    @jessisenberg9758 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    honestly, this video helped remind me just how much I love listening to you, you often have really fun ideas to think about, your jokes are funny and I can tell when you are joking and when you are serious, and your voice(vocal inflection, rhythm, the way you pronounce words, etc) is always enjoyable, and I always know that I'm going to have a good time when I see you roll around my youtube

  • @rustyshackleford3430
    @rustyshackleford3430 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    wow, that point @ 42:00 hits even more succinctly a year later. what a classic video

  • @itseritser8438
    @itseritser8438 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I’ve never seen your videos before, but you seem so nice and honest that I’m going to leave this playing in the background ❤

  • @amadaeus100
    @amadaeus100 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    Hope this ploy works out for you, if you wanted to make a playlist of videos like these I'd happily play it in the background while I'm at work.

    • @DJWEEDPIZZA
      @DJWEEDPIZZA ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Lo-Fi Hip Hop to Study/Monetize Jenna's channel

  • @ClintEPereira
    @ClintEPereira ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don't remember what the title was when I first saw this in my recommendeds. I just remember going "oh it's Jenna oh cool Jenna has her own channel now?" and then saving to watch later and then hitting subscribe. Glad other people are watching this enough to float over my way. Also side note ai found out from a friend that watching on mute doesn't count for monetization I guess? Which is bs because, you know, closed captions exist for many good reasons one of which is me watching YT late while my partner is asleep (but now I can't do that anymore because I'll feel guilty). Anyway, just rambling while I watch your delightful hour-long video. Cheers!

  • @aroma_tic
    @aroma_tic ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Oh goodie! Another hour long video essay! Time to watch it all. ;)
    That aside, I came here at the "This video is 9 minutes" title, since I was truly curious how you were going to go about that with such a long runtime. I never stopped to think that long content was actually being pushed by the algorithm, I've just naturally fallen into watching a lot of Twitch stream archives. The more you know.
    Best of luck with getting that ad revenue! 💞

  • @finesunnyday
    @finesunnyday ปีที่แล้ว +40

    It’s super interesting the way the length of the video has impacted the way it shows up on people’s feeds! I’m definitely a long video person and it popped up at the top despite not being subscribed (until now!). Anyway thank you for your frankness and commitment to the integrity of your own creations - it’s a rough capitalist hellscape out there and we’re all trying to survive with as much kindness as we can ❤

    • @andreafeelsfantastic
      @andreafeelsfantastic ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah me too and I had never heard of her and I like her!

  • @M3L4M4R
    @M3L4M4R ปีที่แล้ว +1

    boy, an hour sure flies by when you're having fun!

  • @tamlin3378
    @tamlin3378 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    There is so much black magic involved in content creation these days, it almost feels like a virtual battle against a faceless AI controlled by a heartless corporation... almost. Thank you for keeping it up Jenna, it can't be easy to put so much of yourself in to a video only to throw it in to the void and wish for the best. Looking forward to you getting those watch hours and finally getting paid!

  • @JasonTheGhost
    @JasonTheGhost ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Hi Jenna, echoing what everyone else has said! I have been a fan for ages but this is the first solo video of yours I can remember being recommended to me. Suspect the video length contributed to this making its way to my feed but the comments probably helped too!

  • @Dacronhai
    @Dacronhai ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I forgot I had this open in the background and just randomly heard a "thank you" that I at first was not able to place

    • @lovisaloy
      @lovisaloy ปีที่แล้ว

      At this point it could might as well have been our overlord, the Algorithm itself :D

  • @kcr2294
    @kcr2294 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I really appreciate videos demystifying the TH-cam content creation process (as much as possible), so this was a very informative video for me. Loved all nine minutes of info and 50 minutes of "my friend on video chat got called away for just-a-second" simulated ambiance.

  • @yilleypi
    @yilleypi ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Can't believe this amazing video is how I notice Jenna hasn't made a video for Polygon in over half a year

  • @plushloler
    @plushloler ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I clicked on "I promise, this video is only 9 minutes long" but "content creators are superstiotious" in the thumbnail.

  • @anna_freya
    @anna_freya ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Absolutely happy to let this video run as I work, and hope it gets you over the 2000 hour mark! Calm, informative, and funny content is the reason TH-cam is my most consistently used social media platform, and you are absolutely contributing to that - thank you 💛

  • @melanieg2267
    @melanieg2267 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I am very engaged with this content and am therefore liking and commenting! Also I clicked on the "I promise this video is only 9 minutes long" title but it was after seeing your tweet so who knows which algorithm counts there.

  • @bluewales73
    @bluewales73 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don't know why it's disappointing this is a loop of an empty office rather than just an hour long recording of an empty office.

  • @colinconnors3235
    @colinconnors3235 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is first of your videos to show in my Home screen, and the first news to me of why I haven't seen a new Polygon video from you in a year. They were dumb to let you go, and I'm eager to follow you wherever you go. Keep it up, Jenna! I'm definitely running this in the background. Let's get you the viewing hours needed to cross TH-cam's monetization threshold!

  • @redllanterns7736
    @redllanterns7736 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    this is the first jenna video i've had recommended to me despite being a polygon jenna watcher. i am so happy to be finding a solo channel by you!! and also to spend an hour watching this nine minute video :)

  • @lilyevans7597
    @lilyevans7597 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I was drawn in by the 9 minute title! And, like many comments I’ve seen, this is the first Jenna video that’s been recommended to me despite engagement with her work on other channels

  • @iosefe
    @iosefe ปีที่แล้ว +9

    this is the best 9 minutes long video i've seen today. that title really drew me in, then lo and behold, i noticed it's another banger from Jenna. this is some great content in this, the year 2023.

  • @superuby
    @superuby ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Watched countless episodes of you during your recent corporate venture, and am delighted to see The Algorithm FINALLY revealing your channel to me. Liked, commented, subscribed, etc. :) Looking forward to your independent work!

  • @Daniel-fh9jv
    @Daniel-fh9jv ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Always happy to let a video run in the background for an hour for a newly independent content creator whose work I have enjoyed endlessly.
    Love your opinions on games and media in general, hope this helps =)

  • @valmurray9632
    @valmurray9632 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    this is definitely a very cute solution but the problem it’s solving is kind of horrific. your office is very cute tho, Jenna! (and I clicked on the subscription notification so I wasn’t paying attention to the title or thumbnail)

  • @gerbil2690
    @gerbil2690 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm a person who watches longer form content, generally political and media essays.
    I got this video in my recommended and saw that it was an hour long.
    Mostly just clicked because of the title 'I promise, this video is only 9 minutes long'.
    I didn't really notice the thumbnail.
    Just clicked because of the title, because of the difference of the title vs video length.
    I thought it could be some creative title where there are multiple 9 minute sections as an artistic thing that sort of follows the title.
    That didn't happen. But the 9 minutes about youtube algorithm and creators on it was still very interesting and worth the time.
    I played the full video at 2x speed on my phone while reading the comments.
    Also subscribed to keep tabs on the channel.

  • @Ashpolt
    @Ashpolt ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Wow! I am strongly interested in this topic and / or product and am engaged enough to comment and like!
    (But seriously I fully empathise with this, I have a moderately popular insta account that grew super quickly at first but then dropped off massively once the platform pivoted to reels and The Algorithm only rewarded that and nothing else, and suddenly I went from considering a post that got less than 200 likes in the first hour "bad" to struggling to get 150 likes total on a post, despite the fact that I hadn't changed what I was doing and, if anything, the quality of my content was getting higher. These robot overlords that rule our digital lives are fickle and annoying.)
    Also wow I can't believe what happened at 47:22! Everyone stick around for that! But don't skip to it, it doesn't make sense if you don't have the buildup.

  • @matthewkondziela6733
    @matthewkondziela6733 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I got "I promise, this video is only 9 minutes long" and then saw the run time , but I am also subscribed and got a notify.

  • @hoshitoshi
    @hoshitoshi ปีที่แล้ว +2

    8:56 this is so damn smart wtf, i can't recall coming across anyone doing this (though i'm sure ur not the first ofc) the stats you gotta hit for monetization is insane :|

  • @n00tles
    @n00tles ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I have nothing but respect for how clear this actually was to the struggle of trying to make on platforms, and having to make For platforms instead.

  • @catzalotATJ
    @catzalotATJ ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is the best dive into it i have ever seen great work Jenna.

  • @darialasecka
    @darialasecka ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I respect the fact that this video was actually ~9 minutes long (not a clickbait as I thought while clicking on it lol). I left it playing in the background like you asked :D

  • @PeachyAnnaBelle
    @PeachyAnnaBelle ปีที่แล้ว +8

    So thrilled when there's a Jenna update! I watched "I promise, this video is only 9 minutes long", and I will watch every update thereafter with bells on

  • @cthulhie
    @cthulhie ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The 'thank you' did indeed slightly startle me! I entirely forgot it was running. Not that the content wasn't obviously riveting, but there was a squirrel climbin' around in a tree outside and I had to stare at it intently alongside my cat.

  • @mackenziestorey620
    @mackenziestorey620 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    "This video is only 9 minutes long" really got me. I saw it a few days ago, and was intrigued. But I didn't have time. Got it recommended again today, and now here I am. (engagement)
    Edit: Wait, this actually is only 9 minutes long? Huh
    Edit 2: While this video was silently playing, I started reading some of the comments. Jenna no longer works at Polygon? She mentioned something in the video that made me think she might have; but I had no clue.

  • @rapsodia1042
    @rapsodia1042 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    this video getting recommended to me was how i found your channel! best luck jenna, Im happy to let this play in the back while i work and i hope many others do too

  • @tylersasaki2935
    @tylersasaki2935 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This video is only 9 minutes long is what I clicked on and I'm glad I did. Keep doing you, Jenna!