I really liked this documentary. The hour and a half went very quickly, and while I agree that it would have been very nice for the video to have been more inclusive, the individual interviews were short enough that adding anyone else would have made those far too superficial. As it is, the pace flows and it doesn't get too bogged down with any one personality or aspect of being a "YouTuber". Given the vast content on YouTube and the huge number of individuals submitting video every single day, it would be very difficult to give the subject full justice; this movie makes a valiant effort, but due to the nature of the medium is unfortunately limited to skimming the surface.
Topics touched on include: the challenge of providing content (in many cases daily); some of the technical aspects involved; the ups and downs of comments; ups and downs of in many cases, unintended and unexpected celebrity; the monetary benefits; and the personal costs. YouTube can become a sort of addiction for both provider and viewer alike. Imagine placing your self-worth into the hands of thousands of strangers--YouTube feedback can be unfairly brutal. Popularity is fickle; one day's superstar can be tomorrow's has-been. Any addiction can have consequences, and in the case of YouTube, popularity (as well as income) can vanish overnight. Given the personal investment that has gone into most of these videos--time, effort; literally putting themselves in the public eye, it is understandable that such a reversal can lead to feelings of failure and abandonment.
Relying on YouTube as an income source requires living with a certain level of uncertainty; the majority of the interviewees claim it's not the for money. True or not, most of the providers were working at other jobs when they started, and there's no guarantee that anyone will be successful enough at YouTube to quit their "day job". It is also interesting that often the most successful providers are essentially entertaining themselves--that may be one of the keys to their popularity.
While some people argue that monetizing YouTube content commercializes the medium; the fact is, it rewards the successful, allowing them to devote their time and money to producing a better product. The film demonstrates this effect as many of the content providers proudly show the improved equipment and sets this income has provided.
While the tone of the film is kept light, it does (too) briefly touch on the darker aspects of being on YouTube. Overall a commendable effort and recommended for anyone interested in this medium. The film does well in exploring YouTuber's motives, their inspirations, consequences and more. If anything, it could provide the impetus for someone sitting on the fence to go ahead and try their hand at making their own videos, but doesn't ignore the "dark side". I would love to see a series exploring these issues in more depth.
