Should you trust reviews on YouTube?

Watching reviews is a critical aspect of researching a product purchase, but are you being mislead? Here's my take on the current state of tech reviews on YouTube.

This video contains my opinion, no one elses. That is all.

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[JATMN]

Thanks for weighing in on this Angus.
More people need to understand this better.

[DPrintingNerd]

But, Angus, what is the best 3d printer?

[TheMrMobile]

Outstanding – and almost 100% applicable to the mobile-tech YouTube scene as well. Thanks for providing some inspiration as I work on a similar declaration of content boundaries.

[AtomicShrimp]

I try to be honest in my reviews, but of course it's subjective and I will tend to focus on the features or failings that I care most about, rather than in general. I have a set of terms and conditions that I impose on companies who want to send me free samples - they must accept that I will not just provide a glowing review in return for free stuff. I use affiliate links, but tell my viewers that's what they are, and advise them to google the product, avoiding my link, if they have an objection

[jonathanfairchild]

This is why I respect your channel. You seem to be very honest in your reviews and open about your viewpoints on topics. I really enjoy your 3d printer reviews as I'm on the market for one. I also really like your videos about certain technologies and really like your project videos.

[DPrintingNerd]

I'm going to start a channel where I review YouTube reviews. You can trust my videos talking about whether you can trust the videos.

[spikekent]

Awesome insight, thanks Angus. I have 3 YouTubers that I trust ... You (obviously), Chuck and Tom.
All 3 of you have proved your honesty and integrity on countless occasions. Of course I add my own opinions, thoughts and experience before buying something. Thats just plain old common sense.
Keep up the great work

[Makenitso]

The thing about reviews is the person doing them. You have proved yourself as a decent human being and i have no problems hearing your point of view on a product or service. I can make up my own mind if i actually want to buy something and i'm quite capable of dealing with my own bad decisions...i only wish the greater youtube audience was the same.
We all need to earn a living so i have no problems with sponsored videos, affiliate links or product placement...so long as i am aware of it. in fact, i prefer affiliate links so i know i'm buying the same thing you spoke about and not just because you spoke positively about it but because i would already know how to use it and what to expect when it arrives. it's hard getting the real deal here in Australia.

[modraccin]

Hey Angus! I want to thank you for the loads of useful and entertaining videos - and thank you also for telling manufacturers no, when they have unrealistic wishes. I hate it when people review stuff and say they couldn't test this and that because of time constraints. These reviews are a waste of time. Keep it up!

[ArtHiccupPrints]

Great critique of the process, it's the transparency of your content that makes it so good. I don't think anyone can blame you for having affiliate or sponsored links to supplement your income. If you keep to your principles and carry as you have, you will be fine. Keep up the good work!

[prometheus]

I see absolutely nothing wrong with reviewers providing affiliate links. I learn so much from youtubers and they do so much work they should be paid. If yall cant make a living and we lose these services where do we go for tutorials and fair reviews? Due diligence should tell you who is a "company man" and who cares about their reputation. I say put those links up, make your money and keep providing us with an "unbiased" (just to trigger someone) opinion. Thank you for all you and others do . We appreciate it

[jeffgould]

And this is why I watch you Angus! Inteligent, logical, honest, and fun!

[marfinhead]

You just got a new patreon supporter for this video.
I've enjoyed your presentation skills from day one, but this video shows your integrity thanks for doing a great job.

[SupaMario]

Keep up the awesome work! i support your ebooks and paid designs! your knowledge and help has been huge to me and my network of 3d printer Nerd buddies! Just wanted to say a huge Thank you and keep it up!

[SD-mxiv]

Thanks Angus. This sort of ethics lesson should not even be necessary to anyone over 10 years old. (The age by which we tend to realize we overpaid for something.) The things you pointed out are Caveat Emptor 101. My 3D printing hobby is the very first that has ever started by watching YouTube videos. The wonderful thing about YouTube is that you can see lots of opinions about the same thing in one place/search. When you watch a few of them, you see the range of different personalities and approaches to presentation. This itself should clue anyone into how facts can suffer, from presenter to presenter. One reliable red flag seems to be the "everything is great" review. You and a handful of other online reviewers tend to concentrate as much on the "worts" as on the beauty marks. This says a lot.

[stormbringermornblade]

And it video like this that keep me paying more attention to you than most of the other channel's out there you are one if not the most honest of the lot.

[alfredenglund]

I totally agree, the viewer cant just trust 1 person, when i was looking to buy a cetus because of your review btw :) i looked on facebook, talked to cetus owners, and i watched alot of reviews and came up with that this printer is amazing and i orderd it. couldn't be happier with the printer :)

[dPrintCreator]

Recently I came across this problem for the first time in my life.
Gearbest gave me the Anet E-10 to review and I accepted the machine because I really liked to do such a review.
After i made some tests, I also made some video's about the machine and I think I am very honest in telling my viewers what I think about the printer. I am not only positive, in fact, I tell people not to buy it if they don't have any experience in tinkering a machine. That said, I do use the affiliate program Gearbest provided me, because this gives me a chance to maybe do more reviews of their machines but also of machines I buy myself, like I did with the Da Vinci Pro 1 and the Fabrikator 2. I bought these printers because I liked to review them and I will buy more printers in the future, just because I like to do reviews.

I also don't think it's possible to be unbiased, but at least I am being as honest as I can possibly be, and I think that's the best a reviewer can do. Also, I tell people all the facts. Yes I got this printer for free, Yes I am allowed to keep it after the review, No, the out of the box experience is not good at all... Etc..

[ussrover]

very good Angus.
years ago I was looking at VOIP ended up buying a model X due to research. On a computer/tech show we arranged for that company to be on as well I gave them my honest review both the good bad and ugly (mostly good), we were not paid nor charged for time on show.
When a review is posted I take it with a gain of salt, if the reviewer has purchased said item I feel that review is more honest than one from a "donated from vendor" type review

[tedbeverly]

Thanks for the video Angus. This is really eye opening as i get started with my own business!