He angled his camera towards his brown sofa, the light reflectors highlighting the undertones in his skin. He hit the record button. “Well hello everybody, my name is Tyler Oakley!” pulsated around him as he began filming his next video.
He is a YouTuber.
YouTubers are just like regular people, they live normal lives, go through normal things but the only difference is that they film it, often talking to a camera, doing tutorials, putting up little skits, doing challenges and or even making short films. But what makes it so unique, what makes it so much better than actors on the big screen? How is it that a person you have never met, one you only see through a computer screen can impact you in the most significant way, change your personality, change your life?
He is a YouTuber.
YouTubers are just like regular people, they live normal lives, go through normal things but the only difference is that they film it, often talking to a camera, doing tutorials, putting up little skits, doing challenges and or even making short films. But what makes it so unique, what makes it so much better than actors on the big screen? How is it that a person you have never met, one you only see through a computer screen can impact you in the most significant way, change your personality, change your life?
For many, YouTube is really the first site to search for videos online. Whether it be a video about the latest political election, a funny cat video or a tv show, Youtube has it all. It all started when three men, Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim were looking for videos online but had terrible difficulty in finding them so they created YouTube, intended for sharing videos but has grown and evolved to much more. It is a special place, to some, their own Hogwarts where they can express themselves in an unprecedented way. YouTube isn’t just a place for outcasts making videos, contrary to what most people think. It focuses on real issues and it gives people something to relate to and has enough potential to be huge.
For an expert testimony, this reporter referenced Susan Wojcicki, the current CEO of Youtube who has said YouTube has been putting more and more effort into getting the YouTube community more popular saying, ‘YouTube personalities are well known to their audience but not to other people” and also explained on how and why she wants to change that. She makes it clear that YouTube has a lot of power and it certainly gives “a voice to people who would otherwise not have one” which ties into what YouTuber Bethany Mota had to say about her journey on YouTube, she talked about how it really did give her a platform to voice her thoughts for when she didn’t have that.
In the UK, a poll held by Tesco Mobile found that nearly a third of the population aged 16-25 watch YouTubers at least twice a week. Another survey revealed that 15 out of 22 middle schoolers say that they watch Youtube on an everyday basis and 11 out of the 15 say that these YouTubers have affected them in some way or the other. This information reveals that growth of the YouTube community is truly life changing and it definitely has the power to impact more lives.
Another survey conducted by Variety magazine found that YouTube celebrities are more appealing to Americans, aged 13 to 18 more that mainstream Hollywood stars revealing that The similarity between YouTubers and their viewers is the lifestyle they both share and that’s what makes them appealing. They share their life, their past, their thoughts and it almost feels like having a best friend who you haven’t actually met.
“These people have such a strong connection with their audience, and that just isn’t possible if you’re starring in a Hollywood hit every two or three months,” says Ben McOwen Wilson, the director of content partnership for YouTube EMEA, “There is no genuine personal connection with the audience, which is what it takes to be successful on YouTube.” Whether they vlog or film their whole day, or use social media, these YouTubers connect with their viewers on a daily basis, talk to them and do anything in their power to meet them- something that separates them from celebrities.
You may now think that YouTube is a place for uncultured slobs making crazy weird videos but give them a chance. But, quite the contrary, one Youtuber in particular that has impacted the whole Youtube community is Tyler Oakley, a 25-year old man with almost 6 million subscribers and over 250 million views. He is not just a YouTuber but also is an advocate for The Trevor Project, which is a suicide prevention project specifically orientated to gays, a project for which Tyler raised $250,000. Being an openly gay YouTuber, he always voices his opinion on gay rights and equal rights for all. So you see? YouTube can do things, it can change lives, it can promote well-being and it can be a safety suit for people to fall on when they’re down.
Give them the time of day because the amount of hard work, creativity and love that goes into these videos is unimaginable. Watch their content, theres nothing you can lose from it but theres a lot to gain. The journey that YouTube has taken and given is incredible and deserves to be recognized. “We’re just getting started with YouTube and its potential,” said Omid Kordestani, Google’s chief business officer.
There’s a lot of talk of YouTube possibly being the next television, who knows? Maybe in a few years time, you’ll be watching YouTubers on a weekly basis.
By Urja
For an expert testimony, this reporter referenced Susan Wojcicki, the current CEO of Youtube who has said YouTube has been putting more and more effort into getting the YouTube community more popular saying, ‘YouTube personalities are well known to their audience but not to other people” and also explained on how and why she wants to change that. She makes it clear that YouTube has a lot of power and it certainly gives “a voice to people who would otherwise not have one” which ties into what YouTuber Bethany Mota had to say about her journey on YouTube, she talked about how it really did give her a platform to voice her thoughts for when she didn’t have that.
In the UK, a poll held by Tesco Mobile found that nearly a third of the population aged 16-25 watch YouTubers at least twice a week. Another survey revealed that 15 out of 22 middle schoolers say that they watch Youtube on an everyday basis and 11 out of the 15 say that these YouTubers have affected them in some way or the other. This information reveals that growth of the YouTube community is truly life changing and it definitely has the power to impact more lives.
Another survey conducted by Variety magazine found that YouTube celebrities are more appealing to Americans, aged 13 to 18 more that mainstream Hollywood stars revealing that The similarity between YouTubers and their viewers is the lifestyle they both share and that’s what makes them appealing. They share their life, their past, their thoughts and it almost feels like having a best friend who you haven’t actually met.
“These people have such a strong connection with their audience, and that just isn’t possible if you’re starring in a Hollywood hit every two or three months,” says Ben McOwen Wilson, the director of content partnership for YouTube EMEA, “There is no genuine personal connection with the audience, which is what it takes to be successful on YouTube.” Whether they vlog or film their whole day, or use social media, these YouTubers connect with their viewers on a daily basis, talk to them and do anything in their power to meet them- something that separates them from celebrities.
You may now think that YouTube is a place for uncultured slobs making crazy weird videos but give them a chance. But, quite the contrary, one Youtuber in particular that has impacted the whole Youtube community is Tyler Oakley, a 25-year old man with almost 6 million subscribers and over 250 million views. He is not just a YouTuber but also is an advocate for The Trevor Project, which is a suicide prevention project specifically orientated to gays, a project for which Tyler raised $250,000. Being an openly gay YouTuber, he always voices his opinion on gay rights and equal rights for all. So you see? YouTube can do things, it can change lives, it can promote well-being and it can be a safety suit for people to fall on when they’re down.
Give them the time of day because the amount of hard work, creativity and love that goes into these videos is unimaginable. Watch their content, theres nothing you can lose from it but theres a lot to gain. The journey that YouTube has taken and given is incredible and deserves to be recognized. “We’re just getting started with YouTube and its potential,” said Omid Kordestani, Google’s chief business officer.
There’s a lot of talk of YouTube possibly being the next television, who knows? Maybe in a few years time, you’ll be watching YouTubers on a weekly basis.
By Urja
I also like Youtube ! its great I really like to watch PewDiePie and Jenna Marbles! Do you like them as well ? I have never watched Tyler Oakley before.... What's he like ? What are his video's about?
ReplyDeleteI found your story very informing! and I never knew about the information that you put in your story and I can't wait to see what happens to Youtube in time and you're right ! you should give them the time of day after all they are doing this for you! :)
Hello Urja,
ReplyDeleteI disagree about what you said that the kids should see often youtube. I think kids should go outside and play or do sports instead of watching youtube videos all day long. Apart from that I really liked your post and I found your story very informing.
Hello Urja,
ReplyDeleteI find your post very interesting. I agree with you that YouTube can really change things. I really like YouTube because it is the place where you can find tutorials for everything you need. It is also very helpful because it can show you a lot of things that even school can't. It can be said that a big percent of my knowledge comes from YouTube. YouTube can be a great thing, however, it also has a bad side. There are bad people that upload things that are inhumane and target the minds of the children. These things, like pornography and disturbing videos, have affected young people heavily. Overall, YouTube is really powerful and has more good than bad things.
Sincerely,
Me.
Hi Urja,
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you day about watching videos, but being outside and playing is also important . You can learn thousands of things online and I think that there should be a balance between being outside and watching videos. The power of Youtube is rising and it is important for everyone to be aware of the things that are happening online. I also believe that not everything on Youtube is nice. Parents should also be aware of what there kids are watching, because here are many irrespecutful and disturbing videos that might mentally affect their children. Do you discuss the videos you watch with your family?
Have a nice day!
-Isabella, 8th grade
Hello Urja,
ReplyDeleteI find your post quite fascinating. I actually share many of your views on this topic about YouTube. I agree that YouTube is a gateway to a new diverse world. It's astounding how many people's lives have been influenced by this one website/company. I also agree about your stand on YouTubers. We experience a much more personal connection to them than Hollywood stars. YouTubers are people who can actually relate to you in a certain way while maintaining a strong relationship with all of their viewers. They address us personally but,on the other hand, movie stars don't get to establish a connection with us. We also see movie stars in a different light; we think of them as untouchables or people in a higher power. Youtubers, however, are people that don't seem as all mighty. They are like long-lost friends that have just moved away to visit another country. Anyways, Youtube really does have a high impact on everyone, regardless if they don't watch it on a daily basis. It isn't just for entertainment, it's used for tutorials, art, shows, etc. Looking back at your text, I can't really encounter any negative feedback about YouTube. The only thing I want to add on to that thought is that, if YouTube is handled incorrectly it can harm a person. There are some policies regarding this but there are times when disturbing videos are published. If YouTube has a drawback it is this. People should take care when publishing and watching videos. All in all, I seriously felt enlightened by your post and agree with you on this topic.
Sincerely,
Jian Song
Dear Urja,
ReplyDeleteI disagree about youtube changing our life's and having an impact in our life's or in others. I don't think that just watching a video can impact your life because there are more fascinating things that happen to you daily than watching a video online. Apart from what I disagree I really liked your post and found your information really interesting.
Sincerely,
Pedro Gutierrez 8th grade
ASFG, Mexico