The Rise of Anime YouTubers: From Face Reveals to Fandom Feuds

The Beginnings of Anime YouTube Friendships

The anime YouTube community has grown significantly over the years, with many content creators becoming household names among anime fans. Some of these creators have known each other for quite some time, forming friendships that have lasted for years.

One such group of friends includes Joey, Garnt, and John, who first met at Anime Expo in 2017. This meeting was particularly memorable for Joey, who distinctly remembers approaching John and complimenting his appearance. Little did they know that this encounter would mark the beginning of a long-lasting friendship and professional relationship within the anime YouTube community.

The OGs of Anime YouTube

As the years have passed, these content creators have established themselves as some of the original voices in the anime YouTube space. While some may shy away from the label of "anituber," there's no denying the impact they've had on the community.

John, in particular, had an interesting journey into the world of anime YouTube. Initially, he didn't show his face in his videos, which led to much curiosity among his viewers. When he finally did a face reveal, it caused quite a stir in the community.

The Unexpected Face Reveal

John's decision to show his face was met with surprising reactions from his audience. He recalls uploading his face reveal video and immediately receiving a flood of comments. The responses ranged from compliments on his appearance to shock at his age. This experience highlighted the unpredictable nature of internet fame and the intense curiosity surrounding content creators' identities.

The Spite That Launched a Career

Interestingly, John's entry into anime YouTube was fueled by an unusual motivation: spite. He was inspired to create content after hearing a podcast host criticize one of his favorite anime, Hunter x Hunter. Instead of letting it go, John channeled his frustration into creating a video explaining why people should watch Hunter x Hunter.

This video, born out of a desire to defend a beloved series, unexpectedly launched John's career as an anime YouTuber. What started as a one-off project quickly turned into a passion for video creation.

The Unexpected Success

John's Hunter x Hunter video gained traction quickly, introducing him to a community he hadn't been part of before. He found himself fielding questions about his anime preferences and MyAnimeList profile, things he hadn't considered important before entering the anime YouTube space.

The success of this video and the joy John found in creating content led him to continue making videos, despite initially planning to return to his regular life after the Hunter x Hunter project.

Finding One's Calling

For John, creating YouTube videos clicked in a way that other creative pursuits hadn't. He had previously tried his hand at various artistic endeavors, including being part of an electronic band, working as an illustrator and storyboard artist, and even training as a wrestler for six months.

However, it was YouTube content creation that truly resonated with him. He describes the feeling as natural and enjoyable, unlike the uphill battle he experienced with other creative pursuits.

Controversial Content and Fandom Reactions

As anime YouTubers grow in popularity, they inevitably create content that may be perceived as controversial by certain fandoms. John experienced this firsthand with a video he made about the anime series Bleach.

The Bleach Video Controversy

John created a video discussing what he perceived as the "fall of Bleach." Initially, the video was well-received, even by Bleach YouTubers who appreciated the in-depth analysis. However, over time, it became apparent that some of the information in the video was inaccurate.

The main issue stemmed from John basing his analysis on the Shonen Jump chapter index, which he later discovered was not a reliable source of information. This led to a backlash from the Bleach fandom that persisted long after the video's release.

Dealing with Fandom Backlash

The experience with the Bleach video taught John valuable lessons about the importance of thorough research and the passionate nature of anime fandoms. Despite attempts to correct the misinformation, the video continued to draw criticism from Bleach fans.

This situation highlights a common experience among anime content creators: the challenge of navigating passionate fanbases and the potential for backlash when discussing popular series.

The Rite of Passage: Upsetting Fandoms

Many anime YouTubers consider upsetting at least one fandom a rite of passage in their content creation journey. It's almost inevitable that when discussing various anime series, a creator will express an opinion that doesn't sit well with a particular fanbase.

While it's important for content creators to be mindful of the information they present and the opinions they express, it's equally crucial for viewers to approach content with an open mind and remember that differing opinions are a natural part of engaging with media.

The Evolution of Anime YouTube

As the anime YouTube community has grown and evolved, so too have the content creators within it. Many have expanded their content beyond simple reviews or analyses, delving into more complex topics and creating longer, more in-depth videos.

Expanding Content and Reach

Anime YouTubers have found ways to diversify their content, often branching out into related areas such as manga reviews, Japanese culture discussions, and even personal vlogs. This expansion has allowed them to reach broader audiences and maintain viewer interest over time.

Collaborations and Community Building

One of the strengths of the anime YouTube community has been the willingness of creators to collaborate with each other. These collaborations not only provide entertaining content for viewers but also help to foster a sense of community among creators and fans alike.

The Impact of Anime YouTubers

The rise of anime YouTubers has had a significant impact on the anime industry and community as a whole. These content creators have become influential voices, capable of introducing viewers to new series, providing in-depth analysis of popular shows, and even affecting the success of anime releases.

Introducing New Audiences to Anime

Many anime YouTubers have played a crucial role in introducing new audiences to anime. Through their passionate discussions and recommendations, they've helped to break down barriers for newcomers and make anime more accessible to a wider audience.

Fostering Critical Discussion

By providing in-depth analysis and criticism of anime series, these YouTubers have encouraged viewers to engage more critically with the media they consume. This has led to more nuanced discussions within the anime community and a greater appreciation for the artistry and storytelling in anime.

Influencing the Industry

As anime YouTubers have grown in popularity and influence, they've begun to have an impact on the anime industry itself. Some creators have been invited to anime conventions as guests, while others have had the opportunity to interview industry professionals or even contribute to official anime releases.

Challenges Faced by Anime YouTubers

Despite their success, anime YouTubers face numerous challenges in their careers. These can range from dealing with copyright issues when using anime clips in their videos to managing the expectations and sometimes harsh criticism of their audience.

Copyright and Fair Use

One of the biggest challenges for anime YouTubers is navigating copyright laws and fair use policies. Using clips or images from anime in their videos can sometimes lead to copyright strikes or demonetization, forcing creators to find creative ways to discuss anime without relying too heavily on visual aids.

Burnout and Content Creation Pressure

Like many content creators, anime YouTubers can struggle with burnout. The pressure to consistently produce high-quality content, stay up-to-date with the latest anime releases, and maintain an engaging online presence can take its toll over time.

Managing Online Interactions

Dealing with online interactions, both positive and negative, is another challenge faced by anime YouTubers. While many fans are supportive and engaging, creators also have to navigate criticism, trolling, and sometimes even harassment.

The Future of Anime YouTube

As the anime industry continues to grow and evolve, so too will the world of anime YouTube. New creators will emerge, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative content ideas to the platform.

Embracing New Technologies

The future of anime YouTube may involve embracing new technologies and platforms. Virtual reality, for example, could provide new ways for creators to engage with their audience and present content.

Diversifying Content

As the anime community becomes more diverse, there will likely be a greater demand for content that explores different aspects of anime and Japanese culture. This could lead to more specialized channels focusing on niche topics within the anime world.

Greater Industry Integration

As anime YouTubers continue to gain influence, we may see greater integration between these creators and the anime industry. This could involve more collaborations, official partnerships, or even YouTubers transitioning into roles within the industry itself.

Conclusion

The rise of anime YouTubers has significantly impacted the way fans engage with anime and with each other. From humble beginnings driven by passion (or in some cases, spite), these creators have built communities, sparked discussions, and helped to bring anime to a wider audience.

While the journey hasn't always been smooth, with challenges ranging from copyright issues to fandom backlash, anime YouTubers have persevered, continually adapting their content and approach to meet the needs of their audience.

As the anime industry continues to grow and evolve, so too will the role of anime YouTubers. Whether they're introducing viewers to new series, providing in-depth analysis, or simply sharing their love for anime, these creators will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in shaping the global anime community.

The story of anime YouTube is far from over. As new creators emerge and established ones continue to evolve, we can look forward to even more diverse, engaging, and thought-provoking content in the years to come. The passion, creativity, and dedication of these creators ensure that the world of anime YouTube will remain a vibrant and essential part of the anime fandom for years to come.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/ewzxjqCUziU?feature=shared