The article discusses the decline of YouTube's "Rewind" feature, which was once a yearly highlight reel of popular content on the platform. The author argues that YouTube has lost touch with its community and has resorted to using algorithms to create a generic, unengaging "Rewind" video.
The author identifies two main problems with the 2019 "Rewind" video: dishonesty and a lack of human perspective. The video failed to include major events and controversies that occurred on the platform, and instead focused on showcasing a curated selection of popular creators and content.
The author also critiques YouTube's increasing reliance on algorithms and its attempt to distance itself from its community. The platform has repeatedly stated that it is just a neutral platform, rather than a participant in the community.
The article concludes that the old "Rewind" videos are gone, and that YouTube has lost its connection with its community. However, the author suggests that creators can still come together to create their own "Rewind" videos that truly represent the platform's culture and community.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The YouTube Rewind 2019 was not well-received by the community.
2. The creator of the video, MatPat, thinks that YouTube Rewind 2019 had an unfixable problem.
3. PewDiePie was called in to review YouTube Rewind 2019 and provide feedback.
4. MatPat believes that YouTube treats gamers as second-class citizens.
5. The YouTube Rewind 2019 did not include popular YouTubers and instead featured a list of top videos and trends.
6. MatPat thinks that YouTube's problem with Rewind is dishonesty.
7. The creator suggests that YouTube should not try to virtue signal or preach to its audience.
8. YouTube Rewind 2019 was created by a machine rather than a person.
9. The video had a lukewarm response from the community, with only half the views and comments of the previous year's Rewind.
10. MatPat believes that YouTube is no longer a part of its own community and has become a neutral platform.
11. The company has been saying "we're just the platform" in response to various controversies over the past two years.
12. MatPat thinks that this neutrality has resulted in a loss of passion and excitement from the community.
13. The old YouTube Rewinds are not coming back, and it's up to creators to pick up the torch and create their own content.
14. MatPat believes that there is still a culture and community on YouTube, even if the company itself is no longer involved.