Many people know YouTube as a platform where cat videos go viral or where Jimmy Fallon puts interviews up with random celebrities. Yes, this is true. However, YouTube is an ever-evolving platform that has increased in popularity since its development in 2005. In 2017, YouTube has expanded tremendously and has been recognized as an influential social platform to millions around the world. These reasons below will explain why YouTube today has taken over television and has become a the better source of entertainment and influence.
1. Personal connection
Since I began watching YouTube as my main source of entertainment and information around the beginning of middle school, I have come across many channels whose creators I have felt a personal connection to. On YouTube, there is a much stronger link between the creator and his audience because their power is derived from the audience. Most channels are not sponsored or supported by other networks. The creators rely solely on their audience which bring in the views and the views, combined with advertising, are how the creators make their money. On television, the cast and creators are paid directly by the network that they are televised on. Personally, I love this connection with the YouTubers that I watch on a consistent basis that are grateful and ever so thankful for their audience.
2. Diversity
We’ve all been on YouTube with the intent on watching a specific video and found ourselves hours later lost but captivated by the vast world within it. The diversity within the platform is incredible. Channels can focus on my different categories from gaming to beauty, vlogging to reaction videos, and even channels focused on news within the YouTube community. Diversity to this extent cannot be found within television and is a reason many millennials and upcoming generations are slowly switching to YouTube to binge watch while they lay awake at night or use to procrastinate homework or something of greater importance.
3. Accessibility
Although many television networks including ESPN, TNT, ABC and others are creating apps and making their networks more accessible, YouTube reigns supreme in this aspect. Any YouTube video can be found with the press of a few buttons (or tap of the screen; technology is something else). Are you on your way to a job video and magically forgot how to tie your tie? Bring up the app and search for a tutorial. Are you bored in a waiting room while your friend who dragged you along gets his throat inspected because he’s been sick for a week? Pull up the app and watch your favorite YouTuber prank people in public. YouTube is always there to entertain whenever the time is necessary.
4. Opportunity and exposure
I’d be lying if I said neither my friends nor myself have had the idea of creating a YouTube channel in hopes of gaining an audience and creating entertaining content. YouTube provides any type of person with this opportunity. You don’t have to be an incredible actor, be the funniest person around, or have the best equipment. You just have to have an idea and pursue that idea wholeheartedly. It is important to enjoy the process and create videos with the right intentions, not to make money and gain recognition. Many YouTubers have gained exposure through their love of creating videos and has earned them a comfortable living as well as a dream job.
