In a world where internet phenomena arise, saturate our screens, and then gently fade into the archives of digital history, BoxxyBabee stands out as an emblematic figure of a specific internet culture era.
Known simply as “Boxxy” to her fans and detractors alike, she emerged as a divisive character that fascinated and infuriated the web during the late 2000s and early 2010s.
This blog will dissect the rollercoaster journey of Boxxy, exploring the elements that propelled her to online stardom and eventually led to her gradual fade from the public eye.
Who is BoxxyBabee?
Catherine “Catie” Wayne, known by her internet pseudonym “BoxxyBabee,” created the character Boxxy, who rapidly became an internet sensation in 2008-2009.
She was predominantly active on platforms like YouTube and 4Chan, her high-energy videos, characterized by rapid speech, fluctuating vocal tones, and eyeliner-heavy makeup, became viral phenomena.
The character Boxxy was characterized by her infectious and sometimes gratingly upbeat demeanour, making her a love-or-hate figure within various online communities.
Snapshot of Boxxy’s YouTube Statistics (approximations)
Year
Subscribers
Total Views
Notable Events
2009
20,000
5 million
Initial viral success
2010
150,000
25 million
Peak popularity
2011
200,000
35 million
Fan/anti-fan clashes
2012
210,000
38 million
Declining engagement
2015
240,000
45 million
Sporadic activity
2020
270,000
50 million
Relative inactivity
Please note: These statistics are approximations and are not exact figures.
The Ascent to Virality
Boxxy’s ascent can be primarily attributed to her unconventionally charming videos, where she unabashedly showcased her love for various internet subcultures and fandoms. Her first video, titled “FOAR EVERYWUN FRUM BOXXY,” quickly circulated beyond her initial audience, capturing the attention of millions and polarizing viewers due to her distinctive presentation style.
Fun Fact: Boxxy was one of the earliest examples of viral internet celebrities who gained fame almost exclusively through their online presence, without having traditional media exposure.
The Boxxy phenomenon wasn’t merely confined to her videos; it seeped into various aspects of internet culture, inspiring memes, fan arts, and even spin-off characters. Discussions around her content proliferated on forums, where two primary camps emerged: “Boxxy fans” and the “anti-Boxxy” contingent.
Boxxy wasn’t just a girl talking to a camera; she was a symbol of the burgeoning internet culture that was infiltrating mainstream consciousness. Her content highlighted the potential for user-generated content to achieve widespread virality and inadvertently kickstart debates around digital celebrity, online harassment, and internet fandom.
Decline and Subsequent Fall
As it often happens with internet phenomena, Boxxy’s omnipresence began to wane. Various factors contributed to this:
Overexposure: The incessant debates and wide sharing led to saturation.
Backlash: As her popularity soared, so did the voices against her, criticizing everything from her presentation style to the perceived lack of substance in her videos.
Evolving Internet Culture: New memes, trends, and viral stars began to emerge, diverting attention away from Boxxy.
Aftermath and Legacy
Post peak-Boxxy, Catherine Wayne did attempt to maintain a presence online, often separating her real self from her internet persona. However, she never truly rekindled the wildfire of her early internet days.
Yet, her impact continues to linger in the form of occasional nostalgic recollections and her somewhat iconic status as a memorable figure from a particular internet era.
Conclusion
The story of BoxxyBabee provides a compelling lens through which we can examine the rapid ascent and the ephemeral nature of internet fame.
A seemingly ordinary individual captivated millions, becoming a hallmark of an era where the internet began to significantly reshape culture, only to subsequently fade, leaving behind a digital footprint that encapsulates the chaos, charm, and controversy of early internet celebrity.
In reflecting on Boxxy’s trajectory, one might ponder the sustainability of internet fame and the psychological impact it has on those who unexpectedly acquire it.
Her story symbolizes a peculiar moment in internet history, offering a glimpse into the whimsical and, at times, ruthless world of online virality.
David Dobrik, born on July 23, 1996, in Košice, Slovakia, began his journey to internet stardom on the now-defunct platform, Vine. He later transitioned to YouTube, where his quick-paced, humorous, and star-studded vlogs quickly garnered a massive audience. Forming the ‘Vlog Squad,’ a group of friends who regularly appeared in his videos, Dobrik crafted a unique blend of comedy, pranks, and feel-good content that resonated with millions.
The Rise Of David Dobrik
Dobrik’s rise was rapid. His signature vlogs, precisely four minutes and twenty seconds long, were hugely popular. By blending elements of reality TV, talk shows, and prank culture, Dobrik created a unique brand that appealed to a wide audience.
His charisma and seemingly carefree lifestyle were a hit with fans, and by 2020, he had amassed over 18 million subscribers.
David Dobrik’s YouTube Statistics
Year
Subscriber Count
Total Views
2015
1 Million
100 Million
2016
4 Million
500 Million
2017
6 Million
1 Billion
2018
10 Million
2.5 Billion
2019
14 Million
4 Billion
2020
18 Million
6 Billion
2021
18.5 Million
7.5 Billion
2023
19 Million
8 Billion
The Fall Of David Dobrik
However, in March 2021, the seemingly unassailable empire that Dobrik had built began to crumble. Allegations of misconduct were brought against him and members of the Vlog Squad. The serious accusations came from several individuals and involved claims of endangerment, non-consensual acts, and facilitating inappropriate behavior during the filming of his vlogs.
One notable incident involved former Vlog Squad member Seth Francois, who claimed he was tricked into participating in a non-consensual act during a prank for one of Dobrik’s vlogs. A second, more severe allegation was made by a woman, identified as “Hannah,” who told Insider that in 2018, she was sexually assaulted by Vlog Squad member Durte Dom during a night they were filming a video for Dobrik’s channel.
The public reaction to these allegations was swift and fierce. Many fans expressed their disappointment and anger, leading to a wave of public backlash. The controversy put Dobrik’s sponsors and business partnerships in a difficult position, forcing them to reevaluate their associations with the YouTuber.
Several major sponsors, including DoorDash, HelloFresh, and EA Sports, decided to sever ties with Dobrik in response to the allegations. Additionally, Dispo, a photo-sharing app that Dobrik had co-founded and served on the board of, faced potential fallout from the controversy. The escalating situation led to Dobrik stepping down from the Dispo board in an effort to distance the fledgling app from the scandal.
Facing mounting pressure and criticism, Dobrik eventually addressed the situation via social media. He released two apology videos, acknowledging the allegations and expressing regret for his past behavior. Despite these apologies, the severity of the accusations and the public’s response led Dobrik to take a hiatus from social media to reflect and reassess his actions.
After the Storm
As of 2023, Dobrik has resumed posting videos, but the landscape of his digital world has significantly changed. Many former fans remain disillusioned, and the Vlog Squad’s future is uncertain.
However, Dobrik’s story is far from over. His journey serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of internet fame and the importance of accountability, particularly for those with substantial influence.
Lessons Learned
The rise and fall of David Dobrik underscore the volatility and power of internet fame. His story is not just about the individual repercussions of controversies but also a broader discourse on the culture of influencers and online entertainment.
It presents a crucial lesson on the responsibility influencers hold and the potential impact of their actions on their audience and society at large.
If you’re considering starting a podcast, YouTube offers a unique platform to host your content. With its rich ecosystem of creators and users, YouTube provides a fantastic opportunity for your podcast to be discovered by new audiences.
Additionally, the platform’s recent support for podcasts and its integration with YouTube Music mean that your podcast can be easily found and enjoyed by listeners across different platforms.
What is a Podcast on YouTube?
On YouTube, a podcast is structured as a playlist, with each podcast episode represented as a video within that playlist. Full-length episodes should be organized in the order in which they should be consumed. If your podcast has multiple seasons, they should all be included in the same playlist.
Benefits of Podcasting on YouTube
When you create a podcast on YouTube, you can enjoy several perks including:
Inclusion in YouTube Music
Podcast badges on watch and playlist pages
A spotlight on youtube.com/podcasts to attract new listeners
Official Search cards
Easy discovery from the watch page to help listeners find your episodes
Recommendations to new listeners with similar interests
Improved search features to help your audience find your podcast
However, please note that some playlists may not be eligible for podcast features, even if they are designated as podcasts. This can occur if the content isn’t owned by the creator, for example.
How to Start a New Podcast on YouTube
Creating a new podcast on YouTube is simple and straightforward:
Within YouTube Studio, click Create, and then select New podcast.
From the pop-up, select Create a new podcast.
Enter your podcast details, including the podcast title, description, visibility (public or private), and a square podcast thumbnail.
Click Create to save your new podcast
Remember that each podcast episode on YouTube is represented by a video. MP3s can’t be turned into podcasts on YouTube. To create a podcast, upload or add videos to your podcast’s playlist
Adding Episodes to Your Podcast
You can add episodes to your podcast by either uploading new videos or adding existing videos:
Within YouTube Studio, go to Content, then Podcasts.
Select your podcast.
Click Add videos, then either Upload videos (for new videos) or Add your existing videos (for existing videos).
For new videos, upload the videos that you’d like to add to your podcast and enter the video details. Click Create to save changes.
For existing videos, select the videos that you want to add to your podcast. Click Add to playlist and select your podcast from the list. Click Save to add videos to your podcast
Other Useful Features
Setting an Existing Playlist as a Podcast
If you have an existing playlist that you’d like to designate as a podcast, you can do so by:
Within YouTube Studio, go to Content, then Playlists.
Hover over the playlist that you want to designate as a podcast.
Click Menu, then Set as podcast.
Review your podcast’s details and add a square podcast thumbnail. Podcast details include title, description, and who can view your podcast on YouTube.
Click Done to confirm your changes
Editing the Order of Episodes
To edit the order in which your episodes are consumed, reorder them within your podcast playlist:
Within YouTube Studio, go to Content, then Podcasts.
Click Edit on the podcast that you’d like to update.
From the podcast details page
I’m sorry, I couldn’t find any information about a feature to automatically order podcast episodes by release date on YouTube. It appears that the default order of episodes within a podcast playlist needs to be manually set in the YouTube Studio.
Here’s how to do that:
Within YouTube Studio, go to Content and then Podcasts.
Click Edit on the podcast that you’d like to update.
From the podcast details page, click on the Default video order menu and choose how you want your videos to be sorted.
Click Save in the upper right-hand corner to confirm the changes
The following tables showcase the growth and adoption of podcasts:
Table 1: Growth of Podcast Listeners (United States)
Did you know YouTube has been around since 2005? It’s hard to believe, right? Today, it’s the biggest video hangout spot on the internet, with over 2.56 billion users tuning in from all corners of the world1.
But here’s a cool secret: YouTube lets you share private videos. It’s like having a secret club where only invited members can see your special video. This can be super handy when you have a video just for family, exclusive content for super fans, or even a secret business message.
So, How Do You Share a Private Video on YouTube?
Just a heads up – you can only do this from your computer for now. The YouTube mobile app doesn’t support this yet2. Now, let’s get started!
Fire up your favorite web browser and open YouTube Studio. Don’t forget to sign in with your YouTube account.
Click on “Content” in the left sidebar of YouTube Studio.
Find the private video you want to share and click on “Private” in the “Visibility” column.
A menu will pop up. From there, click on “Share Privately”.
A box will appear where you can type in the email addresses of your secret club members (or just the people you want to share the video with)3.
And that’s it! The people you’ve chosen will get an email with a link to your video. They’ll need to sign in to their Google account to watch the video4. If you ever change your mind and want to uninvite someone, no problem. Just remove their email address from the “Share Privately” box, click “Done,” then “Save”5.
A Few Fun YouTube Facts
Just for fun, here are some crazy facts about YouTube:
YouTube’s short video feature, YouTube Shorts, got a whopping 50 billion views per day in February 20236.
In November 2022, YouTube had 75 billion visits worldwide. That’s like ten times the world’s population!7.
90 percent of people visited YouTube on their phones in November 20228.
In 2022, more than 2.56 billion users watched videos on YouTube9.
Every minute in April 2022, 500 hours of video were uploaded on YouTube. That’s a lot of cat videos!10.
In 2022, YouTube made more than 29 billion U.S. dollars from ads, which was about 11.35 percent of Google’s total annual revenue11.
Eugenia Sullivan Cooney was born on July 27, 1994, in Massachusetts. Before her rise to fame on social media, Cooney led a relatively quiet life, attending school and developing an interest in fashion, makeup, and acting. She moved to New York City after high school, where her journey to online fame began.
The YouTube Journey
Cooney started her YouTube channel in 2011, sharing her interests with the world. Her early content primarily revolved around makeup tutorials, fashion hauls, and vlogs that gave glimpses into her everyday life. Eugenia’s quirky personality and unique style quickly attracted a fanbase, and her subscriber count steadily increased.
However, it wasn’t just her videos that were gaining attention. Concerns over Eugenia’s health, specifically her weight, began to emerge. Her extremely thin appearance became a point of controversy and worry among her fans and the wider YouTube community.
The Controversy
The controversy regarding Cooney’s health escalated in 2016 when a petition was launched on Change.org, requesting that she be temporarily banned from YouTube due to the influence her thin appearance could have on impressionable young viewers. The petition received more than 20,000 signatures but ultimately didn’t lead to any action from YouTube.
In 2019, Eugenia announced that she would be taking a break from social media to focus on her health. She disappeared from the public eye for about six months, leading to widespread speculation and concern about her well-being.
In a turn of events, popular YouTuber and documentary filmmaker Shane Dawson created a documentary titled “The Return of Eugenia Cooney” upon her return, providing an in-depth look at her journey. The video received widespread attention, amassing over 30 million views and shedding light on her struggle with an eating disorder.
Recent News
As of 2023, Eugenia Cooney continues to maintain her presence on YouTube, with her subscriber count steadily increasing. However, she has largely remained a controversial figure due to ongoing concerns over her health.
Despite the criticism, she has maintained a positive and cheerful demeanor in her videos, which continue to revolve around fashion, makeup, and her personal life. She has been more open about her struggles with body image and mental health, encouraging her viewers to take care of themselves.
Eugenia Cooney’s story underscores the complicated relationship between mental health, public persona, and influence in the era of social media. As she continues her journey on YouTube, she serves as a reminder of the need for open conversations about mental health and body image in the online world.
Born Jenna Nicole Mourey on September 15, 1986, in Rochester, New York, Jenna Marbles holds an interesting life story before her meteoric rise to fame on YouTube. She graduated from Brighton High School in 2004 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Suffolk University and later a Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology from Boston University.
Prior to her YouTube fame, Jenna juggled various jobs, including go-go dancing at nightclubs, bartending, working at a tanning salon, and blogging for Barstool Sports. However, none of these traditional roles would lead her to the global fame she would eventually find.
The YouTube Rise
In 2010, Jenna launched her YouTube channel under the pseudonym ‘Jenna Marbles,’ where Marbles refers to her pet dog, Mr. Marbles. Her rise to fame was meteoric, largely credited to her unique sense of humor and quirky videos, starting with her breakout video, “How To Trick People Into Thinking You’re Good Looking,” which currently has over 70 million views.
Her videos, an eclectic mix of comedy, commentary, and personal vlogs, soon found resonance with a growing global audience. Some of her most popular videos include “What Girls Do In The Car,” “Drunk Makeup Tutorial,” and “How Girls Get Ready.” She quickly became one of the most influential creators on the platform.
Jenna Marbles’ YouTube Statistics
Year
Subscriber Count
Total Views
2010
100,000
5 Million
2011
1 Million
100 Million
2012
2.5 Million
500 Million
2013
8 Million
1.2 Billion
2014
13 Million
1.6 Billion
2015
15 Million
2 Billion
2016
16 Million
2.2 Billion
2017
17 Million
2.5 Billion
2018
18 Million
2.7 Billion
2019
20 Million
3 Billion
2020
20.2 Million
3.3 Billion
2023
20.3 Million
3.5 Billion
The Downfall
However, like many Internet personalities, Jenna Marbles wasn’t immune to controversy. In June 2020, she released a tearful apology video addressing past content that had been offensive and insensitive, particularly focusing on a video from 2011 where she impersonated Nicki Minaj, which was seen as blackface, and another video from 2012 that contained a derogatory slur.
Facing heavy backlash, Jenna took the initiative to address the controversies head-on, apologizing for her past mistakes and promising to do better. However, the Internet’s response was mixed, with many fans arguing that she had been unjustly targeted due to the shifting cultural context.
Despite the ongoing debate, Jenna decided to step back indefinitely from her YouTube channel, stating, “I think I’m just going to move on from this channel for now. I don’t know if that’s forever, I don’t know how long it’s going to be.”
Recent News
Since stepping back from YouTube, Jenna Marbles has maintained a relatively low profile, sporadically appearing on her partner Julien Solomita’s Twitch streams and his YouTube channel. As of 2023, Jenna has not resumed her YouTube channel, leading to speculation that she might have permanently retired from the platform. Despite this, Jenna still has an active presence on Instagram and occasionally tweets to her followers.
While Jenna Marbles’ future on YouTube remains uncertain, there is no denying the enormous impact she’s had on the platform. Her raw humor, candidness, and quirky content made her one of the biggest names on the platform, contributing significantly to the formative years of YouTube. Regardless of her current hiatus, her influence on YouTube and internet culture at large remains undeniable.
It’s a testament to Jenna Marbles’ legacy that despite controversies and her stepping back from YouTube, her subscriber base remains largely intact, and her videos continue to amass millions of views. In many ways, Jenna Marbles’ story serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of internet fame, but also as a reminder of the power of authenticity in a world increasingly dominated by curated online personas.
Rumble, a rapidly growing video-sharing platform, has gained attention as an alternative to YouTube, championing free speech and content diversity.
Short answer? – Who Owns Rumble? – Rumble, founded in 2013 by Chris Pavlovski, is primarily owned by its founder and private investors. Peter Thiel’s Thiel Capital invested $6 million in Rumble in 2021, signaling its potential as a growing video-sharing platform.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Rumble’s ownership, including any sales and relevant stats in tables.
Rumble’s Founding and Ownership
Founder: Chris Pavlovski –
Rumble was established in 2013 by tech entrepreneur Chris Pavlovski, whose expertise lies in digital media and online video technology. Before founding Rumble, Chris had worked on various online video projects and had gained valuable insights into the industry.
Recognizing the need for a platform that upheld free speech and content diversity, he set out to create Rumble as an alternative to existing video-sharing platforms with more restrictive policies.
Chris’s vision for Rumble was to build an online space where content creators could freely express their ideas and opinions without fear of censorship. In addition, he aimed to provide creators with transparent and fair monetization opportunities, setting Rumble apart from competitors like YouTube, which often faced criticism for their monetization policies and practices.
Under Chris’s leadership, Rumble has grown significantly, attracting millions of users and billions of video views. The platform’s commitment to free speech, diverse content, and fair monetization has resonated with creators who feel limited by the restrictions imposed by other platforms.
Rumble Monthly Active Users (MAU) based on the data provided by Statista:
Quarter
Rumble MAU (in millions)
Q1 2020
1.6
Q2 2020
3.5
Q3 2020
5.0
Q4 2020
31.6
Q1 2021
30.0
Q2 2021
27.5
Q3 2021
36.0
Q4 2021
33.3
As Rumble continues to evolve and expand, Chris Pavlovski remains dedicated to maintaining the platform’s core values, ensuring that Rumble remains a supportive and open environment for creators and viewers alike.
Current Ownership Structure
As a of September, 2022 – Peter Thiel-backed video platform Rumble plans to go public via a SPAC (special purpose acquisition company) deal with CF Acquisition Corp. VI.
The transaction values Rumble at $2.1 billion and is expected to provide the company with $420 million in cash, including a $100 million private investment in public equity (PIPE) from investors like Thiel Capital, Fidelity Management, and BlackRock.
Rumble seeks to leverage this deal to further expand its user base and compete with YouTube.
Peter Thiel Investment in Rumble
In November 2021, Peter Thiel, a well-known venture capitalist and co-founder of PayPal, made a significant investment in Rumble, highlighting the platform’s potential and growing influence in the online video market. Thiel, who is also an early investor in Facebook and a partner at the Founders Fund, invested $6 million in Rumble through his venture capital firm, Thiel Capital.
This substantial investment not only showcases Rumble’s increasing prominence as a viable alternative to YouTube but also demonstrates the confidence that prominent investors like Thiel have in Rumble’s future growth and success. The financial support provided by Thiel Capital allows Rumble to further develop its platform, enhance its features, and expand its user base.
The backing from a renowned investor like Peter Thiel also brings credibility and increased visibility to Rumble, potentially attracting more creators and viewers to the platform. With the additional resources and support from Thiel Capital, Rumble is well-positioned to compete against established players in the online video market, such as YouTube, and continue to champion free speech and fair monetization for content creators.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and Peter Thiel has made numerous other investments throughout his career.
Rumble’s Growth in Numbers
Rumble Statistics
Unique users (2021)
Over 30 million
Video views (2021)
Over 2 billion
Top channels
Dan Bongino, Devin Nunes, Diamond and Silk
Rumble, founded by Chris Pavlovski in 2013, is a privately held company primarily owned by its founder and other private investors.
The platform has seen significant growth in recent years, with over 30 million unique users and more than 2 billion video views as of 2021.
High-profile investments, such as Peter Thiel’s $6 million investment, showcase Rumble’s potential as a major player in the online video market, providing content creators with an attractive alternative to YouTube.
Q: Who is the founder of Rumble?
A: Rumble was founded in 2013 by Chris Pavlovski, a tech entrepreneur with a background in digital media and online video technology.
Q: Who owns Rumble?
A: Rumble is primarily owned by its founder, Chris Pavlovski, and other private investors.
Q: Has Rumble received any significant investments?
A: Yes, in November 2021, Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and a renowned venture capitalist, invested $6 million in Rumble through his venture capital firm, Thiel Capital.
Q: Why did Peter Thiel invest in Rumble?
A: Peter Thiel’s investment in Rumble showcases the platform’s growing prominence in the online video space and provides the platform with additional resources to compete with established players like YouTube.
A: Rumble has experienced significant growth since its founding, with over 30 million unique users and more than 2 billion video views as of 2021.
Q: Is Rumble planning to go public in the future?
A: There are currently no public statements regarding Rumble’s plans to go public. As a privately held company, any plans to go public would be announced by the company at a later date.
YouTube Premium is a subscription-based service offered by YouTube, allowing users to enjoy an ad-free viewing experience, access exclusive content, and benefit from additional features such as offline playback and background play.
The short answer – How much is youtube premium? – YouTube Premium costs $11.99/month in the US, offering ad-free viewing, offline playback, background play, and access to YouTube Originals. Pricing may vary in other countries.
In this article, we will delve into the regional pricing of YouTube Premium, discuss key statistics related to its performance, and compare it to other rival streaming services.
YouTube Premium Features
Feature
Description
Ad-free viewing experience
Eliminates ads across all videos, providing a seamless experience
YouTube Originals
Access to exclusive content such as series, movies, and documentaries
YouTube Music Premium
Ad-free listening and offline playback on the YouTube Music app
Offline playback and background play
Download videos for offline viewing and play videos in the background while using other apps or with the screen off
YouTube Premium Regional Pricing
Region
Price
United States
$11.99/month
United Kingdom
£11.99/month
European Union
€11.99/month
Canada
CAD$11.99/month
Australia
AUD$14.99/month
India
₹129/month
Other regions
Varies
It’s essential to note that the perceived value and affordability of YouTube Premium can vary due to currency conversion rates and differences in purchasing power across regions.
YouTube Premium Key Stats and Metrics
Statistic
Value
Year
Number of YouTube Premium subscribers
Over 30 million
Q3 2020
Subscriber growth
Over 60% increase
2019-2020
Revenue generated
Over $1.6 billion
2020
User engagement
150 minutes of content/day
N/A
Annual retention rate
95%
N/A
YouTube Premium vs Rival Streaming Services
In this section, we will compare YouTube Premium to other streaming services, focusing on pricing, content libraries, and user experience.
The services we will compare include Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify (for music streaming), and Apple Music (for music streaming).
Streaming Services Pricing Comparison
Service
Basic Plan Price
Netflix
$8.99/month (US)
Hulu
$5.99/month (US)
Amazon Prime Video
$8.99/month (US)
Spotify
$9.99/month (US)
Apple Music
$9.99/month (US)
YouTube Premium
$11.99/month (US)
Please note that pricing may vary depending on the region.
Deciding if YouTube Premium is worth it:
Think about your YouTube habits: how often you watch, your patience for ads, and if you need offline or background play.
Evaluate YouTube Originals: how much you like exclusive content and how it compares to other platforms.
Tailoring your streaming choices:
Find a balance with other services: consider your budget and the content you prefer.
Look at free options: try ad-supported YouTube and free music sources.
Make a smart decision: consider your unique needs and re-evaluate as things change.
Q: How much does YouTube Premium cost per month?
A: YouTube Premium costs $11.99/month in the US, offering an ad-free experience, offline playback, background play, and access to YouTube Originals. Pricing may vary in other countries.
A: Yes, YouTube Premium offers a family plan for $17.99/month in the US, which allows up to 6 family members (aged 13+) living in the same household to enjoy its benefits.
Q: Are there any discounts for students on YouTube Premium?
A: Yes, eligible students can subscribe to YouTube Premium at a discounted rate of $6.99/month in the US. A valid student ID and enrolment verification are required.
Q: How can I try YouTube Premium for free?
A: YouTube offers a 1-month free trial for new users to try out YouTube Premium. After the trial period, users will be charged the standard monthly fee unless they cancel the subscription.
Q: Can I access YouTube Music with YouTube Premium?
A: Yes, a YouTube Premium subscription includes access to YouTube Music Premium, allowing ad-free music streaming, offline playback, and background listening.
Q: How does YouTube Premium’s cost compare to other streaming services?
A: YouTube Premium’s cost is competitive with other streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, while offering unique features such as ad-free YouTube viewing, offline video playback, and background play.
Q: Is YouTube Premium available worldwide?
A: YouTube Premium is available in many countries, but its availability and pricing may vary. Visit the YouTube Premium page to check availability and pricing in your region.
Q: Can I cancel my YouTube Premium subscription anytime?
A: Yes, you can cancel your YouTube Premium subscription at any time. Upon cancellation, you will retain access to Premium features until the end of your billing cycle.
In today’s digital world, online advertising has become an essential revenue stream for content creators and website owners. Two of the most popular platforms for monetizing content are Google AdSense and YouTube.
Can you pick what adverts and categories of adverts are displayed on my videos and blogs? – Yes! In fact you can enable, disable and pick the topics and categories yourself within the AdSense settings.
Google AdSense allows website owners to display targeted ads on their sites, while YouTube enables creators to earn revenue from advertisements shown on their videos. Both platforms provide a lucrative way to monetize your online presence, but to truly maximize your earnings and user satisfaction, it’s crucial to target ads by niche.
Targeting ads by niche ensures that the advertisements displayed on your website or videos are relevant to your audience, which in turn leads to better user experience and increased ad revenue. By catering to the specific interests of your visitors, you’re more likely to engage them with the ads and generate higher click-through rates. This not only benefits your earnings but also improves the overall experience for your users, making them more likely to return to your content in the future.
The objective of this article is to provide a step-by-step guide on how to enable and disable ads by niche in both Google AdSense and YouTube.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to optimize your ad targeting, increase your revenue, and enhance the user experience for your audience.
Setting Up Google AdSense Account
Before you can begin enabling and disabling ads by niche, you’ll need to set up a Google AdSense account and verify your website or YouTube channel. Follow these steps to get started:
Click on “Get Started” and sign in with your Google account
Provide the required information, such as your website URL or YouTube channel, email address, and preferred account type (Individual or Business)
Accept the terms and conditions, and click “Create Account”
Verify your site or YouTube channel:
For websites: After creating your account, you’ll receive a verification code. Add this code to your website’s HTML source or use a plugin to insert the code, depending on your site’s content management system. Once you’ve added the code, return to your AdSense dashboard and click “Verify” to complete the process.
For YouTube channels: If you haven’t already, enable monetization on your channel by visiting YouTube Studio (https://studio.youtube.com/), clicking on “Monetization” in the left-hand menu, and following the on-screen instructions. Once monetization is enabled, your channel will be automatically linked to your AdSense account.
Configure ad settings:
After your site or channel is verified, navigate to the “Ads” section in your AdSense dashboard
Choose the ad types you’d like to display on your website or YouTube channel (e.g., display ads, text ads, video ads, etc.)
Set your ad preferences, such as the ad format, size, and style, to best suit your content and layout
Now that you’ve set up your Google AdSense account, you can move on to enabling and disabling ads by niche for a more targeted advertising approach.
Enabling Ads by Niche in Google AdSense
With your Google AdSense account set up and your site or channel verified, you can now enable and disable ads by niche to better target your audience. Follow these steps:
Accessing the Allow & Block Ads section:
Log in to your Google AdSense account
From the left-hand menu, click on “Blocking controls” and then select “All sites” or the specific site you want to manage
Navigating to the “General Categories” tab:
In the Allow & Block Ads section, you will see multiple tabs
Click on the “General Categories” tab to view and manage the niche categories available for your ads
Enabling and disabling specific niche categories:
In the General Categories tab, you’ll see a list of niche categories, each with a corresponding percentage indicating how much of your current ad impressions belong to that category
To enable ads from a specific niche, locate the category in the list and click on the toggle switch to turn it on (green)
To disable ads from a specific niche, locate the category in the list and click on the toggle switch to turn it off (grey)
Saving your settings and monitoring ad performance:
After you’ve enabled or disabled the desired niche categories, your changes will be saved automatically
Monitor the performance of your ads by regularly checking your AdSense dashboard for updates on earnings, impressions, and click-through rates
By enabling and disabling ads by niche in Google AdSense, you can optimize your ad targeting, improve user experience, and potentially increase your ad revenue.
Enabling Ads by Niche on YouTube
Similar to Google AdSense, YouTube also allows you to enable and disable ads by niche to better target your audience and improve user experience. Follow these steps to customize your ad preferences on YouTube:
Accessing YouTube Studio:
Log in to your YouTube account
Visit YouTube Studio (https://studio.youtube.com/) or click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select “YouTube Studio” from the dropdown menu
Navigating to the “Monetization” tab:
In the left-hand menu of YouTube Studio, click on “Monetization”
This will take you to the monetization overview page, where you can manage your monetization settings and view your estimated revenue
Selecting “Ad Categories” under “Ad Settings”:
In the Monetization tab, find the “Ad Settings” section and click on “Ad Categories”
This will open a new window, where you can enable or disable ad categories for your YouTube channel
Enabling and disabling specific niche categories:
In the Ad Categories window, you’ll see a list of niche categories available for your ads
To enable ads from a specific niche, locate the category in the list and click on the toggle switch to turn it on (blue)
To disable ads from a specific niche, locate the category in the list and click on the toggle switch to turn it off (grey)
Saving your settings and monitoring ad performance:
After you’ve enabled or disabled the desired niche categories, click “Save” at the bottom-right corner of the window to save your changes
Monitor the performance of your ads by regularly checking your YouTube Studio dashboard for updates on earnings, views, and audience engagement
By enabling and disabling ads by niche on YouTube, you can optimize your ad targeting, enhance user experience, and potentially increase your ad revenue while maintaining a relevant and engaging environment for your audience.
Tips and Best Practices
In addition to enabling and disabling ads by niche, there are several other strategies you can employ to optimize your ad targeting and maximize your revenue on both Google AdSense and YouTube. Here are some tips and best practices to help you make the most of your advertising efforts:
Importance of understanding your audience:
Analyze your audience demographics, interests, and behavior using tools like Google Analytics or YouTube Analytics to better understand their preferences and tailor your ad targeting accordingly
Regularly reviewing ad performance:
Keep track of your ad performance metrics, such as click-through rates, impressions, and earnings, to identify trends and make data-driven decisions about which ad categories are most effective for your audience
Making data-driven decisions:
Use the insights gained from your ad performance analysis to fine-tune your ad targeting by enabling and disabling niche categories that are more or less relevant to your audience
Balancing user experience with revenue goals:
Strive to find a balance between user experience and ad revenue by carefully selecting ad categories that are relevant to your audience without being overly intrusive or disruptive
Staying up-to-date with policy changes and industry trends:
Regularly review Google AdSense and YouTube policies, as well as industry trends and best practices, to ensure your ad targeting strategies remain compliant and effective
By implementing these tips and best practices, you can optimize your ad targeting on both Google AdSense and YouTube, leading to increased user satisfaction and higher ad revenue. Keep experimenting and refining your strategies to find the best combination of ad categories that resonates with your audience and drives the best results for your content.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve provided a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to enable and disable ads by niche in both Google AdSense and YouTube, allowing you to better target your audience and improve user experience. By following these steps and implementing the tips and best practices discussed, you can optimize your ad targeting and potentially increase your ad revenue.
As you continue to experiment and refine your ad targeting strategies, it’s essential to stay informed about relevant statistics and trends in the digital advertising industry. Here are some key stats to consider:
Digital Advertising Statistics
Statistic
Value
Global digital advertising spending (2021)
$389 billion
Expected global digital advertising spending (2023)
$525 billion
Share of mobile in digital ad spending (2021)
58.9%
Average click-through rate for display ads
0.46%
Average click-through rate for video ads
1.84%
Google AdSense and YouTube Statistics
Statistic
Value
Number of AdSense publishers (2021)
Over 2 million
Google’s share of global digital advertising market (2021)
28.9%
YouTube ad revenue (2020)
$19.77 billion
YouTube’s share of Google’s total ad revenue (2020)
12.5%
By staying up-to-date with industry trends and statistics, you can make more informed decisions about your ad targeting strategies and ensure that your Google AdSense and YouTube advertising efforts remain effective and relevant in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Remember, the key to successful ad targeting lies in understanding your audience, regularly reviewing your ad performance, and making data-driven decisions to optimize your strategies. So, keep experimenting and refining your approach to find the perfect balance between user experience and revenue generation for your content.
Once a titan in the world of YouTube gaming, Machinima was known for its groundbreaking content and unique approach to gaming entertainment.
At its peak, it was a hub for talented creators and housed some of the most iconic series in the early days of YouTube. However, Machinima’s downfall was just as dramatic as its rise to fame.
This article will delve into the history of Machinima, its legal issues, the top channels associated with the network, and the infamous PewDiePie incident.
The Rise of Machinima
Machinima was founded in 2000 by Hugh Hancock, an early pioneer of the machinima technique, which involves creating animated films using real-time computer graphics engines. Despite its humble beginnings, Machinima’s real breakthrough came in 2006 when it joined YouTube and capitalized on the platform’s rapid growth. With an audience hungry for gaming content, Machinima seized the opportunity to expand and evolve its unique offerings.
The company quickly grew into a massive network, signing thousands of content creators and accumulating millions of subscribers. Machinima’s unique selling point was its innovative combination of gaming and animation, setting it apart from other gaming channels on YouTube.
By harnessing in-game assets and game engines, the network was able to create original series that resonated with its audience. This approach not only helped popularize the machinima technique but also laid the foundation for future gaming-related content on YouTube.
Machinima’s success was driven by its ability to identify and foster talented creators who shared its passion for storytelling and gaming. The network provided a platform for these creators to experiment with the emerging machinima genre, ultimately producing iconic series like Red vs. Blue, Arby ‘n’ the Chief, and many others. This allowed Machinima to carve out a niche within the YouTube gaming community and attract a loyal following of viewers.
As the network grew, Machinima continued to innovate and explore new formats, genres, and styles. It expanded its content offerings to include not just machinima-style animations, but also gameplay videos, live-action series, and gaming news shows. These diverse content offerings helped establish Machinima as a go-to destination for gaming enthusiasts, further solidifying its place within the YouTube ecosystem.
Key Stats During Machinima’s Peak
Metric
Value
Subscribers
12 million
Total Video Views
6 billion
Content Creators
50,000+
Top Channels Associated with Machinima
Red vs. Blue (Rooster Teeth)
Arby ‘n’ the Chief (DigitalPh33r)
Inside Gaming (later rebranded as Funhaus)
CaptainSparklez
SeaNanners
The Fall of Machinima
As YouTube continued to grow and change, the platform’s landscape evolved to favor a more diverse range of content, focusing on user-friendly algorithms and monetization options for creators. Machinima, however, found it increasingly challenging to adapt to these changes and stay relevant in this dynamic environment. The once-iconic network started to falter, and cracks began to show in its business model and practices.
One of the major issues that led to Machinima’s decline was the company’s questionable business practices. Creators and fans alike criticized the network for its controversial contracts, which often locked content creators into long-term, restrictive agreements. These contracts hindered creators’ ability to negotiate better terms or switch to more favorable networks, which in turn stifled their growth and success on the platform.
Moreover, Machinima was plagued by a lack of transparency in its dealings with creators. There were numerous instances where the company failed to communicate clearly with its partners about revenue shares, payment schedules, and other important matters. This lack of transparency further eroded trust between the network and its creators, causing many to become disillusioned with Machinima.
As a result of these issues, numerous creators decided to leave the network in search of better opportunities and more supportive environments. This exodus led to a decline in content quality on the Machinima channel, as many of its top creators took their talents elsewhere. The loss of these creators not only impacted Machinima’s content offerings but also hurt its viewership, as loyal fans followed their favorite creators to new networks.
The inability to retain and attract top talent, coupled with the ongoing controversies surrounding its business practices, put Machinima in a precarious position. The network that had once been synonymous with cutting-edge gaming content and groundbreaking animation techniques was now struggling to maintain its relevance and appeal in a rapidly changing YouTube landscape. This inability to adapt ultimately led to Machinima’s decline, signaling the end of an era in YouTube gaming history.
Legal Issues
In 2013, Machinima found itself in the midst of a legal battle as a group of content creators filed a class-action lawsuit against the company. The creators claimed that Machinima had engaged in various unlawful business practices that negatively impacted their careers and violated their rights. Among the allegations were deceptive advertising and copyright infringement, which raised serious concerns about the ethics and legality of the company’s operations.
The lawsuit accused Machinima of using deceptive advertising practices by manipulating viewership numbers and engagement metrics, creating a false perception of the success of the creators’ content. This manipulation allegedly caused content creators to receive lower revenues and lose potential advertising deals. Additionally, the lawsuit claimed that Machinima unlawfully used copyrighted materials belonging to the creators, further infringing on their intellectual property rights.
In 2015, Machinima faced another significant legal challenge when the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charged the company with deceptive marketing practices. The FTC’s investigation revealed that Machinima had paid several high-profile influencers, including popular YouTubers, to promote the Xbox One console in their videos without proper disclosure. This lack of transparency violated FTC guidelines, which mandate that paid endorsements must be clearly disclosed to ensure that consumers are not misled.
Machinima ultimately settled the FTC charges by agreeing to disclose any future paid endorsements clearly and prominently. However, the damage to the company’s reputation was already done. These legal battles, coupled with the ongoing controversies surrounding Machinima’s business practices, further eroded the network’s credibility and standing within the YouTube community.
The fallout from these legal issues contributed to the decline of Machinima as a leading gaming network. As trust between content creators and the network weakened, more creators left the platform in search of better opportunities, further exacerbating Machinima’s decline.
The PewDiePie Incident
In 2012, Machinima faced a significant public relations crisis when PewDiePie, the world’s most subscribed YouTuber at the time, publicly criticized the company for its questionable business practices. PewDiePie, whose real name is Felix Kjellberg, accused Machinima of locking him into an unfavorable contract that limited his creative freedom, revenue potential, and ability to negotiate with other networks.
The dispute between PewDiePie and Machinima caught the attention of the broader YouTube community and sparked a widespread discussion about the ethics of multi-channel networks (MCNs) and their treatment of creators. As the issue gained traction, other content creators began sharing their own experiences with Machinima and other MCNs, shedding light on the exploitative nature of some contracts and the power imbalance that often existed between networks and their creators.
PewDiePie’s allegations highlighted some of the key problems facing creators in the YouTube ecosystem at the time, including long-term, restrictive contracts and the lack of transparency in revenue sharing agreements. The ensuing public debate led many creators to reevaluate their relationships with MCNs and demand better terms, fairer contracts, and greater autonomy.
The fallout from the PewDiePie incident further tarnished Machinima’s reputation, as more creators and fans became aware of the company’s alleged mistreatment of its partners. This increased scrutiny not only drove away existing creators but also made it more difficult for Machinima to attract new talent, ultimately contributing to the network’s decline.
In response to the growing concerns about the ethics of MCNs, YouTube implemented policy changes and introduced new tools to help creators better understand and manage their partnerships with networks. These changes empowered creators to take greater control over their careers and negotiate better terms with MCNs, making it increasingly difficult for networks like Machinima to maintain their previous levels of influence and control within the industry.
The End of an Era
Despite the numerous controversies and challenges that Machinima faced, the company made several attempts to revitalize its brand and regain its former glory. These efforts included diversifying its content offerings, investing in original programming, and exploring partnerships with other media companies. However, these attempts were ultimately unsuccessful in reversing Machinima’s downward trajectory.
In 2016, seeking a fresh start and hoping to leverage the resources of a larger media company, Machinima was acquired by Warner Bros. Digital Networks, a subsidiary of WarnerMedia. The acquisition was initially seen as a promising development for the struggling gaming network, with the expectation that the partnership would provide Machinima with the financial backing and industry connections necessary to regain its competitive edge.
Under the ownership of Warner Bros., Machinima underwent a series of internal restructurings and strategic changes, with the aim of streamlining its operations and refocusing on its core strengths. However, these changes were not enough to revive the network’s waning popularity and address the underlying issues that had contributed to its decline.
In January 2019, after years of declining viewership and a loss of relevance in the YouTube gaming community, Machinima was officially shut down by its parent company. The decision to shutter the network was a final acknowledgement that Machinima’s brand was beyond repair and that its once-iconic status within the gaming world could not be salvaged.
As part of the shutdown process, Machinima’s extensive library of content, which included thousands of videos and series from its peak years, was removed from YouTube. This decision marked the end of an era, as countless hours of gaming history and creative work were lost to the digital ether.
The closure of Machinima serves as a cautionary tale for other digital media companies and content creators in the fast-paced world of online entertainment. Its story highlights the importance of adaptability, transparency, and nurturing strong relationships with creators in order to survive and thrive in an ever-changing landscape. While Machinima’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence and inspire future generations of gaming content creators, its downfall stands as a stark reminder of the challenges and pitfalls that come with navigating the turbulent waters of the digital media industry.
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