The video discusses how PewDiePie, a gamer, became the world's most popular YouTuber. The host explains that YouTube's algorithm change in March of last year, which prioritized retention time over views, contributed to PewDiePie's success. He notes that Let's Play videos, like PewDiePie's, are ideal for this algorithm as they are long, have minimal editing, and encourage binge-watching. Additionally, PewDiePie's international appeal, having started his channel in Sweden but now uploading from Italy, helped him gain a global following. The host concludes that understanding YouTube's algorithm and using it to one's advantage is key to success on the platform, likening it to a strategy game.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. PewDiePie is a 23-year-old gamer who was about to overtake Smosh to become the number one most subscribed channel on YouTube.
2. Gaming channels take up 16 of the top 100 subscribed channels on YouTube.
3. If you eliminate music channels and channels owned by large companies, gaming channels are even more dominant.
4. YouTube's algorithm used to prioritize views, but now prioritizes retention time, or how long people watch a video.
5. This change in algorithm benefits gaming channels, which often feature long-form content.
6. Let's Play videos, which involve playing and commenting on games, are popular on YouTube.
7. PewDiePie has gained 1.5 million subscribers in 30 days and has 212 million views.
8. His channel is considered Swedish, despite him now living in Italy, which has helped him gain a following in multiple countries.
9. YouTube promotes channels locally, which means PewDiePie's channel was promoted in Sweden, Italy, and other countries.
10. A study of the top 241 channels on YouTube found that the average comedy video lasts for 3 minutes and 25 seconds, while gaming videos last for 9 minutes and 36 seconds.
11. Top gaming channels upload 8 or more videos per week, while non-gaming channels typically upload 1-2 videos per week.
12. PewDiePie's channel has a unique advantage due to his international appeal and YouTube's promotion of his channel in multiple countries.