The Game Theorists channel creator, MatPat, reflects on the past year, highlighting the channel's growth and milestones, including gaining two million new subscribers and launching Film Theorists. He then compares YouTube's and Facebook's year-end rewind videos, noting that they represent different approaches to online video content. While Facebook's video tells a traditional narrative of global events, YouTube's video showcases the platform's community-driven culture and internet trends. MatPat argues that YouTube and Facebook cater to different audiences and purposes, with YouTube focusing on community and creator relationships, and Facebook on sharing news and events. He also discusses YouTube's recent changes, including the push for longer content and the introduction of YouTube Red, a paid subscription service. MatPat concludes that YouTube's unique strength lies in its community-driven culture and that the platform should prioritize its core values rather than trying to emulate traditional TV or movies.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The YouTube rewind video for 2015 included a 22-frame appearance of the channel's host.
2. 86% of the channel's audience said they never watch TV and only watch videos online.
3. The YouTube rewind video is fast-paced and includes multiple references to internet culture.
4. The Facebook year in review video is more narrative-driven and focuses on global events.
5. Facebook's demographics are aging, with usage among high schoolers and college kids down by 59%.
6. Older demographics on Facebook are growing, with increases of 30-80% among users aged 24-55 and over.
7. YouTube's demographics are also getting older, but at a slower rate.
8. YouTube is working to create longer, more premium content, including specialty apps and original shows.
9. YouTube's algorithm is pushing for longer content, with videos found in search results being significantly longer than in the past.
10. YouTube Red, a paid subscription service, pays creators based on how long people watch their videos.
11. YouTube is partnering with large channels to create long-form premium shows through its YouTube Originals initiative.
12. The channel's host believes that YouTube's unique culture and community are at risk of being lost if it tries to become more like TV.