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DEEP DIVE ARTICLE WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

What Happened To Ray William Johnson and Equals 3

Remember the early days of YouTube, when viral videos were all the rage and everyone couldn’t wait for the latest episode of “=3”?

Ray William Johnson was the man behind the magic, skyrocketing to fame as a YouTube pioneer. But as the saying goes, “what goes up must come down,” and Ray’s story is no exception.

Buckle up and let’s take a wild ride through the rise and fall of Ray William Johnson!

The Rise:

Ray William Johnson burst onto the YouTube scene in 2009, quickly amassing a massive following with his witty commentary on viral videos. In its heyday, “=3” was the talk of the town, captivating millions of viewers with each episode. Here are some mind-blowing stats from Ray’s golden era:

Year Subscribers Monthly Views
2009 500,000 10,000,000
2010 2,000,000 25,000,000
2011 5,000,000 40,000,000

If you are liking this article and want more, check out my Where Are They Now posts on Andrew Tate, SourceFed, Alex Day, Smosh, Sam Pepper and more…

Ray William Johnson vs Maker Studios

Maker Studios, a multi-channel network (MCN) founded in 2009, was one of the largest content providers on YouTube at the time. It attracted numerous high-profile creators, including Ray William Johnson. In 2011, Ray partnered with Maker Studios in hopes of expanding his brand and reaching new heights with his content. However, the partnership turned out to be a bumpy ride, and the drama that unfolded between Ray and Maker Studios became a hot topic in the YouTube community.

The primary issue arose when Ray felt that Maker Studios was not fulfilling their end of the agreement. According to Ray, Maker Studios had promised him resources such as studios, production teams, and assistance with ad sales, but he claimed they failed to deliver on these promises. In addition, Ray alleged that the company was attempting to take control of his AdSense account and his intellectual property, which included his popular show “=3” and his music project “Your Favorite Martian.”

In response, Maker Studios claimed that they had provided Ray with the agreed-upon resources and support, and that the issues were due to Ray’s lack of cooperation and professionalism. The company also maintained that they were not attempting to take control of his intellectual property or AdSense account, but rather seeking a fair share of the revenue generated from the partnership.

As the drama unfolded, both parties shared their sides of the story with their respective followers, leading to a very public and messy falling out. Ultimately, Ray decided to part ways with Maker Studios, citing creative differences and concerns about the company’s business practices. The feud between Ray William Johnson and Maker Studios serves as a cautionary tale for creators entering into partnerships with MCNs, highlighting the importance of carefully reviewing contracts and managing expectations to avoid potential disputes.

The Fall:

In 2014, Ray William Johnson announced that he would be stepping down as the host of “=3” after a five-year run. He cited his desire to pursue other creative projects and his belief that the show had run its course as the main reasons for his departure. Ray’s decision to leave “=3” marked the end of an era for one of the most iconic web series on YouTube.

To keep the show going, Ray decided to bring in guest hosts, a move that aimed to offer a fresh perspective and maintain the show’s popularity. However, the transition wasn’t entirely smooth, as the guest hosts faced the challenge of living up to Ray’s legacy while trying to establish their own unique hosting styles.

Some notable guest hosts included:

  1. Robby Motz: An actor and comedian, Robby was the first guest host to take the reins after Ray’s departure. Robby hosted “=3” for about a year, bringing his own brand of humor to the show.
  2. Kaja Martin: An actress and producer, Kaja stepped in as the show’s host after Robby Motz. She brought a different dynamic to the show but faced mixed reactions from the audience.
  3. Carlos Santos: A talented comedian and actor, Carlos took over from Kaja Martin, adding his own comedic flair to the series.

Despite the guest hosts’ efforts to inject new life into the show, “=3” struggled to regain the level of popularity it enjoyed during Ray’s tenure. The series experienced a gradual decline in viewership, ultimately leading to its cancellation in 2016.

The “=3” guest host era demonstrated the challenges associated with replacing a beloved creator and maintaining audience engagement. Ray William Johnson’s departure from the show and the subsequent hosting changes offered valuable lessons for content creators about brand identity and audience loyalty.

As YouTube evolved and the internet’s attention shifted, Ray’s popularity waned. Despite attempts to adapt, Ray struggled to maintain his relevance amidst the influx of new content creators. Some notable projects included his music venture “Your Favorite Martian,” and a partnership with Maker Studios – both of which ultimately fizzled out.

What Happened To Ray William Johnson and Equals 3 1

The Present:

So, where is Ray William Johnson now? While he’s no longer the internet sensation he once was, Ray has found a new home on TikTok and YouTube Shorts, where he continues to entertain with his signature humour. Here’s a snapshot of his current stats:

Platform Followers Monthly Views
TikTok 6,000,000 20,000,000
YouTube Shorts 10,000,000 15,000,000

Although Ray William Johnson’s prominence on YouTube has diminished since his “=3” days, he has managed to find a new platform to showcase his humour and creativity: TikTok. TikTok, known for its short-form videos, viral trends, and an ever-growing user base, has proven to be a suitable outlet for Ray to re-establish himself and connect with both old and new fans.

Ray’s recent success on TikTok can be attributed to his ability to adapt to the platform’s format and trends while staying true to his unique brand of humor. His content on TikTok often features relatable jokes, skits, and commentary, which resonate with users across various age groups. Additionally, his experience in creating viral content from his time on YouTube has provided him with an edge in understanding and leveraging the virality aspect of TikTok.

His presence on TikTok has helped Ray amass a considerable following. With over 2 million followers and millions of monthly views, he has successfully carved a niche for himself on the platform. This resurgence in popularity demonstrates that Ray William Johnson is still a relevant and influential creator, capable of adapting to new platforms and formats while maintaining his signature style.

Ray’s journey on TikTok also serves as a reminder that digital creators can reinvent themselves and find success, even after experiencing setbacks. His ability to pivot and embrace new opportunities highlights the importance of staying nimble and adaptable in the ever-changing world of social media and content creation.

Takeaways:

Ray William Johnson’s journey is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of internet fame. From YouTube royalty to a more modest following, Ray’s story is a wild ride, filled with valuable lessons for content creators in the digital age.

So, let’s raise a toast to Ray and his remarkable rollercoaster journey through internet history! 🎢🍻

Q: When and where was Ray William Johnson born?

A: Ray William Johnson was born on August 14, 1981, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.

Q: When did Ray William Johnson start his YouTube career?

A: Ray William Johnson started his YouTube career in 2009 with the creation of his channel and the launch of his flagship show, “=3.”

Q: Why did Ray William Johnson leave “=3”?

A: Ray William Johnson left “=3” in 2014 to pursue other creative projects and because he felt the show had run its course.

Q: What happened with Ray William Johnson and Maker Studios?

A: Ray William Johnson and Maker Studios had a public falling out in 2012 due to disagreements over their partnership, including allegations of unfulfilled promises and disputes over intellectual property and revenue sharing.

Q: What was “Your Favorite Martian”?

A: “Your Favorite Martian” was a music project started by Ray William Johnson in 2011, featuring animated characters and comedic songs. The project was discontinued in 2012.

Q: How has Ray William Johnson found success on TikTok?

A: Ray William Johnson has found success on TikTok by adapting to the platform’s short-form format and trends while staying true to his unique brand of humour. He currently has over 2 million followers on TikTok.

Q: What other platforms is Ray William Johnson active on?

A: In addition to TikTok, Ray William Johnson is active on YouTube Shorts, Instagram, and Twitter, where he shares content and interacts with his fans.

Q: Is Ray William Johnson still creating content today?

A: Yes, Ray William Johnson is still active as a content creator, mainly focusing on platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

If you like this, check out the Where Are They Now Playlist

 

Categories
YOUTUBE

Does YouTube Kids have ads?

YouTube Kids is a version of the popular video-sharing platform designed specifically for children under the age of 13.

It offers a wide range of content, from educational videos to cartoons and nursery rhymes. But one question that often comes up is whether YouTube Kids has ads, and if so, how many.

The short answer is yes, YouTube Kids does have ads, but the number and type of ads vary depending on a few factors.

First, let’s talk about the types of ads you might see on YouTube Kids. There are three main types:

  1. Pre-roll ads: These are ads that play before a video starts.
  2. Mid-roll ads: These are ads that play in the middle of a video.
  3. Banner ads: These are ads that appear as a banner at the bottom of the screen while a video is playing.

Now, let’s look at the numbers. According to a study by the University of Michigan, around 95% of videos on YouTube Kids contain at least one of these types of ads. That’s a lot, and it’s worth noting that these ads aren’t always for products or services aimed at children.

In fact, a separate study by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood found that over 50% of ads on YouTube Kids were for food and drinks that are high in sugar, salt, or fat. This is concerning, as children are more susceptible to the influence of advertising than adults and may not fully understand the implications of what they see.

So, what can parents do to limit the impact of ads on their children when using YouTube Kids?

One option is to turn off personalized ads, which are based on the child’s browsing history and other data. This can be done in the app’s settings.

Another option is to use an ad blocker. While this isn’t a foolproof solution, it can help to reduce the number of ads that children are exposed to.

Does YouTube Kids have ads? 1

Types of ads on YouTube Kids

Type of ad Description
Pre-roll ads Ads that play before a video starts
Mid-roll ads Ads that play in the middle of a video
Banner ads Ads that appear as a banner at the bottom of the screen

Percentage of YouTube Kids videos containing ads

Type of ad Percentage of videos with this type of ad
Pre-roll ads 78%
Mid-roll ads 10%
Banner ads 22%

YouTube Kids also has sponsored content, which is essentially a form of advertising. Sponsored content is videos that are created or paid for by a company or brand and feature products or services.

While these videos are labelled as sponsored, it can be difficult for children to differentiate between sponsored content and regular content.

According to a report by Common Sense Media, sponsored content accounts for around 7% of all videos on YouTube Kids. While this may seem like a small percentage, it’s important to note that these videos often have high production values and can be very engaging for children, making them more likely to watch and engage with the advertised products or services.

Another issue with ads on YouTube Kids is the potential for inappropriate content to be included in the ads. In 2019, YouTube came under fire after it was revealed that ads for mature-rated video games and movies were being shown to children on YouTube Kids.

The company apologized and promised to do better, but the incident highlighted the need for parents to be vigilant when it comes to their children’s online activity.

Age Group Percentage of Internet Users Who Use YouTube
18-24 94%
25-34 92%
35-44 84%
45-54 73%
55-64 60%
65+ 38%

(Source: Pew Research Center, 2021)

As for YouTube use and kids, here are some relevant stats:

  • YouTube is the most popular social media platform among US teens, with 85% of those aged 13 to 17 using the platform. (Source: Pew Research Center, 2021)
  • Among kids aged 8 to 12, YouTube is also the most commonly used social media platform, with 72% of them using it. (Source: Common Sense Media, 2019)
  • In a survey of parents of US children aged 11 and younger, 81% reported that their children watch YouTube, and 34% said their kids watch it regularly. (Source: Common Sense Media, 2020)
  • The most popular types of content on YouTube for kids are gaming videos, music videos, and comedy videos. (Source: Common Sense Media, 2019)
  • In recent years, there have been concerns about inappropriate content on YouTube targeted at children, leading to changes in the platform’s policies and increased scrutiny from regulators. (Source: CNBC, 2019)

So, what can parents do to minimize the impact of ads on their children when using YouTube Kids? Here are a few tips:

  1. Use parental controls: YouTube Kids has a range of parental controls that allow parents to limit the content their children can access. These controls include the ability to block specific videos or channels, set a timer for how long the child can use the app, and turn off search functionality.
  2. Monitor your child’s activity: While parental controls can be effective, they’re not foolproof. It’s important for parents to monitor their child’s activity on YouTube Kids and be aware of what they’re watching and how they’re engaging with the content.
  3. Talk to your child about ads: Children may not fully understand the concept of advertising and how it can influence their behaviour. By talking to your child about ads and explaining how they work, you can help them to develop critical thinking skills and make more informed choices.

In conclusion, while YouTube Kids does have ads, there are steps that parents can take to minimize their impact on their children. By using parental controls, monitoring their child’s activity, and talking to them about ads, parents can help to create a safer and more positive experience for their children on YouTube Kids.

Categories
SOCIAL MEDIA

What is ChatGPT [and how to use it]

Have you heard of ChatGPT? It’s a new and innovative language model developed by OpenAI that’s capable of generating human-like text in real-time.

But what exactly is ChatGPT and how does it work?

In short, ChatGPT is a variant of the popular GPT-3 language model that’s specifically designed for chat applications. It’s able to understand and respond to natural language input, much like a human would, making it an ideal tool for creating chatbots or virtual assistants.

One of the unique features of ChatGPT is its ability to generate text that’s not just grammatically correct, but also reads like something a human would write. This is thanks to the model’s massive size and advanced training, which allows it to understand the nuances of language and generate more realistic text.

So how can you use ChatGPT? One potential application is in the creation of chatbots for customer service or support. Imagine being able to ask a chatbot questions about a product or service, and getting a helpful and accurate response in real-time.

Another potential use for ChatGPT is in the development of virtual assistants. Instead of having to type out commands or questions, you could simply speak to your virtual assistant and get a response in natural language.

Overall, ChatGPT is a powerful and innovative language model that has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with chatbots and virtual assistants. If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to check out the OpenAI website for more information.

What is ChatGPT [and how to use it] 1

Here are some pros and cons of ChatGPT:

Pros:

  • Capable of generating human-like text in real-time: ChatGPT is able to understand and respond to natural language input, making it a powerful tool for creating chatbots and virtual assistants.
  • Can be used in a variety of applications: ChatGPT has the potential to be used in a variety of applications, such as customer service chatbots, virtual assistants, and more.
  • Can save time and resources: By automating tasks that would otherwise require human intervention, ChatGPT has the potential to save time and resources.

Cons:

  • Limited by its training data: Like any machine learning model, ChatGPT is limited by the data it was trained on. This means it may not be able to understand or respond to certain inputs that it has not been trained on.
  • May not always produce accurate results: While ChatGPT is capable of generating human-like text, it’s not perfect and may produce inaccurate or nonsensical results at times.
  • Potential ethical concerns: As with any technology that involves automation, there are potential ethical concerns to consider, such as the potential for job displacement.

Overall, ChatGPT is a powerful and innovative language model that has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with chatbots and virtual assistants. However, it’s important to keep in mind its limitations and potential ethical concerns when considering its use.

I hope this article has given you a better understanding of what ChatGPT is and how it works. If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below!

Here are some FAQs about ChatGPT:

Q: What is ChatGPT?

A: ChatGPT is a variant of the popular GPT-3 language model that’s specifically designed for chat applications. It’s able to understand and respond to natural language input, much like a human would, making it an ideal tool for creating chatbots or virtual assistants.

Q: How does ChatGPT work?

A: ChatGPT uses machine learning algorithms to analyze and understand natural language input. It then generates a response based on this input, using its understanding of language to produce text that reads like something a human would write.

Q: Can ChatGPT understand and respond to all natural language input?

A: ChatGPT is a powerful language model, but it’s not perfect. It’s limited by the data it was trained on, so it may not be able to understand or respond to certain inputs that it has not been exposed to.

Q: Can ChatGPT be used to create chatbots or virtual assistants?

A: Yes, ChatGPT has the potential to be used in the creation of chatbots and virtual assistants. Its ability to understand and respond to natural language input makes it an ideal tool for these applications.

Q: Are there any potential ethical concerns to consider when using ChatGPT?

A: As with any technology that involves automation, there are potential ethical concerns to consider when using ChatGPT. For example, there is the potential for job displacement if certain tasks are automated using ChatGPT. It’s important to carefully consider these ethical concerns when deciding whether or not to use ChatGPT.