10 years. That’s how old YouTube is. It’s also how old the earth is – well, not really, but it might as well seem like it.
We mean, come on, what were our lives like before YouTube? Where did we go for our daily dose of cat videos, for our joy that is cover songs and how on earth did we manage to survive without daily vlogs?! We don’t know (but we’re sure it involved actually going outside and interacting with people *shudder*).
To celebrate this momentous occasion, YouTube has been counting down its best moments from A-Z. Since we here at TenEighty have an unhealthy obsession with the British YouTube scene, we thought we’d join in on the fun and create our own list, dedicated to all those creators we hold near and dear to our hearts. N’awwh.
So grab some popcorn, sit back and enjoy our Alternative YouTube A-Z.
A – Amity Fest
Photo by Alex J Brinnand.
Who doesn’t remember last year’s Amity Fest? You know, that awesome (and slightly pricey) event Marcus Butler, Zoe Sugg, Alfie Deyes, Niomi Smart, Jim Chapman, Tanya Burr, Caspar Lee, Joe Sugg and Louise Pentland threw? We’ve got to admit, it was a lot of fun, with the Gleam crew hosting Q&As, challenges and even DJ sets!
Rumour has it that Amity Fest is going international this year, so be sure to check back with TenEighty for any details that may emerge. We got your backs.
B – Becoming YouTube
Ben Cook‘s Becoming YouTube is a docu-series that, in our opinion, is the most honest and personal look at YouTube we’ve seen. Involving a major part of the UK scene – including everyone from Tom Ridgewell to Jack and Finn Harries, Chris Kendall to Bertie Gilbert – it was a look at the inner workings of YouTube from the creators’ perspectives and it gave us a lot of behind-the-scenes deets. Throw in Ben’s signature brand of self-deprication and you’ve got one hell of a series.
Now, if only he’d release series two already…
C – Collabs
What’s better than your favourite YouTuber making crazy videos by themselves? Them filming with your other faves, of course! Collab videos have resulted in hilarious challenges, amazing short films and even a few tours. They’re easily one of the best parts of YouTube, and we hope they never stops!
D – Don’t Hug Me, I’m Scared
We’re not quite sure what to say about Don’t Hug Me, I’m Scared. We thought it’d be your run-of-the-mill children’s programme with songs and happy children, but NOPE. What we’ve experienced during this series has scarred us for life – so much so that we’re still having nightmares. Make them stop PLEASE.
You have some twisted minds, Becky and Joe, and we don’t know whether we love or hate you for it…
E – Ed Sheeran
Remember that time Jack Harries, Tom Burns, Dodie Clark, Lex Croucher and pretty much everyone else got to hang out with Ed Sheeran for an evening? Yeah, we’re still jealous about it.
Ed is currently one of the most popular musicians in the world and is one of few to have a substantial crossover between YouTube and the music world. To see him speaking with those we watch on a daily basis and take the time to realise that YouTube is a platform he needs to appear on was pretty great, so we hope to see him (and many other musicians) hold more events like this in the future.
He also recently teamed up with Jamie Oliver for #FoodDayRevolution. As if he couldn’t get any better.
F – Fandoms
Where do we even begin? Should we start with fan fiction, spring right into OTPs or delve into the depths of Tumblr to pull out some brilliant (and possibly disturbing) fan art?
We feel it best to leave this one short and sweet because it’s near impossible to explain just how important fandoms are to the YouTube community. They’re the reason our favourite YouTubers are able to make a living doing what they love: they buy merch, watch videos, attend tours and support their faves in whatever way they can. Fandoms are both a brilliant side-effect and rather terrifying reality of YouTube and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
We love you, you crazy bunch of weirdos!
G – Gaming
Yes, we know that YouTube included Let’s Play in their A-Z list, but gaming is such a huge part of the UK community that we felt it would be a great insult not to include it in our list. Gaming is so much more than Let’s Plays, after all.
As you might know, the UK is home to many prominent gamers: Tom Cassell, Felix Kjellberg (he currently lives in Brighton, so shush, he counts) and Daniel Hardcastle. Many vloggers have also branched out into the world of gaming, creating channels solely dedicated to creating families in The Sims, being criminals in Grand Theft Auto and deciding their own adventures in Minecraft. It’s a part of YouTube that doesn’t necessarily always get the love it deserves, but is one that’s always growing.
H – Haters
Hate, trolling, bullying – whatever you want to call it, we’ve all been the target of someone’s insults. It can be tough to deal with, especially when you’re proud of whatever it is said person is hating on, and it can really hurt your confidence and self-esteem.
Haters are always lurking in the comments section of YouTube, waiting to spew out their anger and insults toward unsuspecting creators who are uploading videos in the hopes that they can help make your day a little brighter. While many of them hate to admit it, they read these comments and, while not meaning to, take them to heart. These comments can really hurt a person, resulting in fewer uploads, hiatuses and much worse, which leads us to ponder: how exactly do we control them? Is there a way for us to make YouTube a troll-free environment?
I – I’m Scared
Back in November 2012, Charlie McDonnell uploaded a video explaining his then absence from YouTube. What came of it was a discussion about YouTube, video making and the motives behind both.
Many YouTubers find themselves being sucked into a vortex where they try to cater to their subscribers, while wanting to grow and expand their content. This fear of subscribers is something every YouTuber experiences, as we all want people to like us, and it’s something we need to confront head-on if anything is going to change. Charlie’s video saw a massive response from fellow creators, viewers and subscribers. It created a movement that saw YouTubers doing what they want with their channels, not just what they thought their viewers wanted to see, and it saw honesty come back to the forefront.
Chris Kendall has recently brought up this topic again, leaving us to question what can be done to change things. Do you have any thoughts? Be sure to Tweet us your ideas.
J – Jumpcut
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4ZX2NNDgU4
Remember when jumpcuts were all the rage and anybody who was anybody used them? Real talk, we’re happy those days are over. Yes, they’re still used in order to keep videos flowing and within a reasonable time frame, but back in the day, it was the in-thing to make your jumpcuts as obvious and in-your-face as possible. Oh, how times have changed.
Also, everyone please enjoy Lewis Parker circa 2012. We love you, Lew Lew.
K – Krave Challenge
Everyone knows what the Krave Challenge is. If you don’t, we’re just going to assume you’ve been living under a rock. However, in case you literally have been living under a rock, it’s essentially a challenge posed by Krave cereal that made YouTubers do crazy challenges for a free trip (we know, we’re pretty jealous too).
It’s resulted in Dan & Phil racing across a pool in dinosaur and lion costumes, Jack & Finn creating a wild cereal-feeding machine, Carrie and Tom Fletcher participating in some sibling rivalry and so much more. It’s a hilarious challenge and we hope it makes its return this year!
L – LGBTQ+
YouTube has always been a place for everyone to feel accepted. It has given people the courage to be who they really are and to accept themselves as wonderful and beautiful individuals.
The site is also host to a collection of coming out videos, where LGBTQ+ people discuss and share their sexuality in the hopes of helping those on a similar journey. Some creators have centered the majority of their content around sexuality, while others are still accepting who they are. Sexuality can be a major part of a person’s life and we’re glad YouTube has allowed for a platform of acceptance, education and love.
During LGBTQ+ History Month, TenEighty posted a three-part series looking at some of the UK’s openly gay YouTubers and asked them their opinions regarding content, queer-baiting and closeted YouTubers. Definitely check it out when you get the chance – it’s a must-read.
M -Music
As we’ve shown with our Five of the Best: Anthems By YouTubers and Five of the Best: Song Covers, those bloody YouTubers are a talented bunch! Not only can they create awesome videos, but they can also write and perform ultra-catchy tunes that’ll end up stuck in your head for daysss.
Music has a special place in the hearts of many of our faves and we’re happy they’ve decided to share that side of themselves with us. It makes us feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside.
N – Networks
If you watch any YouTuber with a decent subscriber count, odds are they’re either a member of a network or have been approached by one at some point.
In case you’re not totally familiar, networks are companies that work with YouTubers to help them grow their audience and earn money through their videos. Essentially, they’re helping your favourites to keep making content and dedicating a large amount of time to their videos, short films and other endeavours that somehow relate to the site.
Are you a YouTuber looking to join a network, but aren’t quite sure where to begin? Then be sure to check out our guide to joining a network, which features advice of Chris Foxx, Cherry Wallis, Tom Ridgewell and LaurBubble.
O – Oreo Lick Race
It appears all videos pertaining to the Oreo Lick Race have been taken down due to the UK’s new advertising regulations, so have this killer video by Tom Ridgewell and Hazel Hayes instead. Don’t worry, it still deals with the oh, so delicious cookie, so it’s all good.
The Oreo Lick Race resulted in hilarious videos, a few NSFW references and, as aforementioned, a few legal headaches when it came to debate of whether or not those who partook in the challenge should have outwardly told viewers they were paid by Oreo to do so. That being said, it was a major part of the UK YouTube scene for a little bit and thus we felt it deserved a spot on our list.
P – Puns
Oh, Evan Edinger, what have you done to our country? Ever since you moved here, all our favourite YouTubers have come down with a case of punitis and can’t stop spouting the cringiest of puns. Seriously, Bri‘s affected… and even those twins Niki and Sammy Albon.
Don’t worry though, Evan. You’ll always be king. We’re just happy we have Dodie Clark to limit the punniness.
Q – Q&A
We’re all a bit nosey. So what better way to feed our curiosity than a good old Q&A!
Whether you want to know something as simple as what someone’s favourite colour is to something as deep as the meaning of life, Q&As have something for everyone! And as with everything else, most YouTubers use them to let their creativity fly, as is the case with our featured one from PJ Liguori.
Maybe we should host a Q&A one day. We’re sure you’re all super curious as to what happens at our TenEighty HQ parties… On the other hand, maybe it’s better if those details don’t get out.
R – Radio 1
Let’s be honest, YouTubers have pretty much taken over BBC Radio 1. Starting with Dan & Phil’s Christmas specials, YouTubers have become a staple of the UK’s biggest radio station, with shows from Ben Cook, Louise Pentland and Charlie McDonnell (just to name a few), Jack Howard and Dean Dobbs‘ Clickbait and wins at the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards (we’re looking at you, Zoe Sugg). Some of our faves have even been featured in the ever popular Innuendo Bingo, which just brings the level of hilarity to a whole new level.
You know what they say. First Radio 1, next, the world.
S – Summer In the City
Photo by Olly Newport
Summer In the City is the UK YouTube event, filled with panels, meet and greets, fun activities, live performances and much, much more. It’s also the place where TenEighty launched its first physical magazine (oh, the memories). Whether you’re a creator, viewer or just someone looking to have some fun, Summer In the City is the place to be, and we just can’t wait to attend it again this August!
Interested in re-living last year’s hysteria? Why not check out our coverage of Summer In the City 2014?
T – TenEighty (obviously)
Photo by Olly Newport
Before you have a go at us, let us just state that it’s our list, so we can self-indulge all we want (and there’s nothing you can do about it)!
TenEighty came to life in April 2014 as a place where both creators and viewers could find news, features and interviews about their favourite and fellow creators. A year on, we’ve released a physical magazine, featured the likes of Luke Cutforth, Bethan Leadley and Lindsay Atkin on our cover, and become one of the first places you guys come for news.
Not to get all soppy, but we’re pretty grateful for the love and support we’ve received so far. Without repeating what we said in April, we love you guys and wouldn’t be anywhere without you. *group hug*
U – Unnecessary Otter
“Unnecessary, Unnecessary Otter. Unnecessary, Unnecessary Otter. Oooooooh… and Hazel.” Everybody sing along!
It’s simply not a list about YouTube without including Hazel Hayes’ series about a stuffed stoat. Whether you’re a fan of children’s programmes, animals or are interested in having a good ole’ time, Unnecessary Otter is the show for you! Also, isn’t Otter is the most pleasant stoat you’ve ever encountered? We mean, he just radiates kindness.
Don’t worry, parents, Otter’s not really this angry in real life. It’s all an act, we promise. *Shifty eyes*
V – Vlogging
What is the definition of vlogging? Is it showing viewers the day-to-day events that shape one’s life? Is it speaking about one’s views and opinions? Or is it simply sitting in front of a camera and letting your thoughts spew out of your mouth? Trick question – it’s all those things.
Vlogging is the essence of YouTube and is the reason why most of us are here on this site right now. We love the vlogs our favourites create and just can’t get enough of the hilarious banter, the deep conversations and the absolute randomness that those we love watching get into.
Is there anything better than watching those videos? Answers on a postcard.
W – Writing
Seriously, just how talented are YouTubers? Not only do they create awesome videos and record some absolutely killer music, but they also know how to write! Unless they’re hiring someone to write for them – but we won’t go down that road.
The list of YouTube authors includes the likes of Carrie Hope Fletcher, Tanya Burr and Joe Sugg – and it pretty much continues to grow by the day. Whether you’re in the mood for advice, a feel-good story or even a comic book, YouTubers have got you covered, and we dare say, we’re downright green with jealousy! Why can’t we be this talented?!
X – eXile
Unfortunately, the YouTube community has had to deal with its fair share of scandals and allegations over the past two years. As many of us learned, YouTube is not a right, but a privilege and some creators were seen to have taken advantage of that privilege by hurting their viewers.
These situations have made YouTube a stronger, more tight-knit community and have ensured that those who hurt their viewers have been exiled and are seen for who they truly are. While it is terrible to see what happened to those who were taken advantage of, what’s come of all this is a lot of discussion and the creation of a community that is supportive of those in need, and has resulted in a movement of creators and fans who are here to help.
Y – YouTube Creator Spaces
The YouTube Creator Spaces are the places where some of the best videos are made. Filled with a variety of sets, camera equipment and much more, they’re placed throughout the world and have become a creative hub for many. New additions include the Creator Space New York which opened earlier this year, followed by the recent announcement of YouTube Space Berlin opening.
London’s YouTube Space is easily one of the coolest (and we’re totally not just saying that because it’s close to home). Not only has it been the backdrop for such series as the aforementioned Becoming YouTube and Unnecessary Otter, but it’s also one of the spaces set to host Stan Lee’s new superhero programme, which includes involvement from Laurbubble and Tom Scott.
So cool.
Z – Zoella
The final entry on our list is the one and only Zoe Sugg and, let’s be honest, how could we not include her? Zoe is currently one of the biggest YouTubers in the world, with over 8,000,000 subscribers, and has managed to branch out of YouTube with a book series, her own make-up line and even some charity work. She’s also been featured in YouTube’s UK advertising campaign and is seen as a role model to many.
Congrats on all the success, Zoe! We’re pretty stoked to see what the futures holds for you.
And there you have it…
The TenEighty Alternative YouTube A-Z. It’s amazing to see how distinct and talented the UK scene is and we’re so proud of everyone in it. Seriously, we have some of the best damn creators around and if this list doesn’t prove that to you, then we don’t know what will.
What did you think of our list? Is there anything you feel we should have included or even omitted? Be sure to drop us a line on Twitter to let us know.
A final happy birthday to YouTube! Thanks for being so amazing.
For more, check out 10 Fun Facts You Never Knew About YouTube, 5 Top Vlogging Tips or TenEighty’s Guide to Joining a Network.
For updates follow @TenEightyUK on Twitter or TenEighty UK on Facebook.
