YouTubers Write?
Art credits to Anu Korukonda!
November 12, 2015
When faced with the question, “Whom do you approach for advice,” a person would most likely respond by saying their parents, their friends, a teacher, or really anyone who shares a tight bond with them. Could YouTubers soon be added to this list?
Since the middle of 2014, YouTubers have been keeping fans on the edge of their seats with the promise of books that provide humor, advice, and more, all from a YouTube star. For example, comedian Shane Dawson wrote the inspirational book, “I Hate Myselfie,” a collection of 18 essays that describe his childhood as a bullied introvert and his transformation into the celebrity that he is today.
Some YouTubers prefer a subtler and more creative approach when penning their life stories. For instance, Zoe Sugg, a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle blogger who goes by the name “Zoella,” chose to write a work of fiction, Girl Online, which tells the story of how a London based blogger enters the hustle of New York City and happens to meet the love of her life. In this fictionalized account of her life, Sugg describes her successes in both her career and her personal life for her avid fans.
For YouTubers, receiving attention for literature is a relatively new yet exponentially growing trend. YouTubers from all walks of life and areas of specialty are joining in. World famous beauty guru Michelle Phan offers life advice and beauty tips in her book, Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style and Success-Online and Off; gamer and vlogger PewDiePie provides inspiration in his work, This Book Loves You.
Rob Long ’17 expresses his appreciation for YouTubers, stating, “I think it’s great that these icons that are so immersed in their social media filled lives also promote literacy and education by writing these books. It shows teen students, a major portion of their viewers, that there is more to life than their cell phone screens.” Long believes that YouTubers may be using their literature to suggest that social media and education can creatively mix.
Most readers wonder, however, whether these books are really worth the read. In general, the main purpose of these books is to offer words of wisdom and inspiration for fans that seek light amid their tunnel of hardships. Sometimes, the literature merely provides a distracting opportunity for fans to ogle the work of their favorite YouTube stars. YouTubers write their books with the intention of not only making millions from sales, but also establishing a tighter connection between themselves and the reader.
Ansa Raiy ’18 suggests, “Don’t get me wrong, I admire Tyler Oakley, but I still think it can be a little bit distracting, especially to the younger audience. Not everything he says in his books, may apply to them.” It is true that YouTubers tend to write on a broad range of topics which may be irrelevant and, at times, inappropriate to certain age groups.
YouTubers from many areas of expertise are coming together to make a strong impact on future generations by writing books that offer advice on life in general. By taking advantage of their status as social media stars to engage in literature, it truly looks like YouTubers are giving their fans the best of both worlds.
Talia Shakhnovsky • Nov 16, 2015 at 1:38 pm
Youtubers are icons to all of their viewers, and many imitate them. By writing books, they can encourage their audience to read. This is good because it will lead to kids finding new ways to learn, and have fun.
Annie Zhao • Nov 16, 2015 at 1:35 pm
I think it’s interesting that Youtubers are starting to write books. Normally students think books are for nerds and there’s no motives to read. Now that there are more books that people actually, it will expand the audience.
Sara Vena • Nov 16, 2015 at 11:59 am
I think a lot of people can look to Youtubers for advice and it’s a good way to hear someone else’s voice. Also, a lot of people can find empowerment through a video. There’s a lot of great advice given through many different people such as beauty bloggers or even comedians. But they all are trying to give out the same message and I think it’s awesome that these people are looked up to by high schoolers.
Lily Yang • Nov 16, 2015 at 11:54 am
I think Youtubers can be very inspiring and are some of the most influential people for the younger generation. However, I think too many of them are publishing books and probably to make a profit.
sophia ravaioli • Nov 16, 2015 at 11:08 am
I really like this article because I am a lover of Youtubers. Seeing them branching out and bringing literature into the playing field really opens people’s eyes and inspires people more.