Why Do All YouTube Videos Look Alike?

Many crustaceans from all sorts of starting points evolve to end up looking similar, likely due to outside pressures. That’s sort of like what happens with YouTube videos.

LEARN MORE
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To learn more about this topic, start your googling with these keywords:
- Convergent Evolution: The process by which certain species independently evolve similar traits.
- Carcinization: a form of convergent evolution in which non-crab crustaceans evolve a crab-like body plan.
- Decapods: Crustaceans including lobsters, crabs, crayfish, and shrimp.
- YouTube algorithm: A secret set of complex computer-based rules that recommends videos presumably to increase user engagement.

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CREDITS
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David Goldenberg | Script Writer, Narrator and Director
Sarah Berman | Illustration, Video Editing and Animation
Nathaniel Schroeder | Music

MinuteEarth is produced by Neptune Studios LLC

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Lizah van der Aart • Sarah Berman • Cameron Duke
Arcadi Garcia i Rius • David Goldenberg • Melissa Hayes
Alex Reich • Henry Reich • Peter Reich
Ever Salazar • Leonardo Souza • Kate Yoshida

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REFERENCES
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[TheAgamemnon]

20 minutes is about the threshold between "Okay that I can squeeze in and watch right now" and "That is too long, I'll watch that later when I have the time (but forget)"

[temp_name_change_later]

2:43 it's kinda funny how knowledge of hbomberguy has basically just become a standard part of youtube culture to the point that random unrelated creators make reference to him

[aliensinnoh]

I like 20 minute videos because it’s the perfect length for accompanying a meal.

[franklsuarez]

I like the idea presented in Blue Ocean Strategy. Instead of trying to compete (Red Ocean), you go where there is less competition (Blue Ocean). I like educational channels that employ this Blue Ocean Strategy, by providing truth content, instead of sugary clickbait.

[jordanr.]

3:08
Therapist: Mr. Beast Crab isn't real, he can't hurt you.
Mr. Beast Crab:

[davidjennings]

Tbh when I started seeing all these Mr beast videos I also thought YouTube was converging on a load of crab.

[judymyers]

Winning formula for YouTube is to give your viewers the thing they want to see. Being a YouTuber is business, and in every business niche we see multiple brands offering same product to the people. It's just some do it better than others. It's practically the same with YouTube. I would say that the most difficult part is starting and growing your channel, but patience and hard work (with a little bit of Famester to help) will always pay off eventually.

[Bruno_Noobador]

I all my years I would never have guessed the MinuteEarth would reference *both* Hbomberguy and _skibidi toilet_ in the same video

[aerienix]

Can’t evolve tail chainsaws, you say? Just wait a couple million years.

[SG-bplg]

Remember, don't click on clickbait. Do your part to help make soulless hacks starve.

[brromo]

3:01 Skibiti Toilet in a Minute Earth video

[hebl]

There used to be a time when I could keep up with all the channels I'm subscribed to. But now that so many of them are releasing longer and longer videos, they just end up piling on my to-watch list and will probably never get watched.
The 5-minute or less videos on the other hand have a pretty high chance that I'll watch them as soon as I notice they're released. I hope you guys stick with this short format. Brevity used to be a virtue among many science communicators, now there are only a few of you left that respect our time.

[terdragontra]

thanks for introducing me to the frog crab, absolutely love them, their proportions are so weird

[TheClaramayBelles]

Ngl love the metaphor, it's very creative 😂

[scrappymark]

Must use the ‘mouth open shocked face’ in the thumbnail!

[christopherg]

I would say there are at least 4 niches:
- Shorts
- ~ 5 minutes
- ~20 minutes
- The mentioned hour+ content

[cfv]

And then just appears a weird Hbombercrab with a ten hour tail.

[Catalyst]

In other words, the algorithm enforces certain appeal factors/characteristics based on what gets views. In turn, some creators pivot towards those styles in the hopes of becoming more successful.

[alex.g]

I actually really like the message of this video. I thought it was going to be saying “they HAVE to do A because algorithm and you!” But I’m glad you’re suggesting creativity. I dislike how the blame is sometimes put on the viewer. It’s all three factors that are to blame.

[blackamaterasuflame]

Thank you for meeting your Hbomberguy reference quota, your channel may continue for another year unimpeded.