Essential Quarantine Entertainment: YouTube

If you're like me, you're probably desperately searching for new shows, movies, videos, books and music in order to keep you entertained throughout the long days, and prevent you from going near that ever-growing pile of work that needs to be done that's sitting in the corner of your room. I have a habit of filling the notes on my phone with lists, usually just to keep track of things I enjoy so I can go back to them at a later date, but I thought now would be a good time to share some of my recommendations of the best things to keep you entertained throughout this incredibly boring and draining time.

Today I'll be talking about YouTube.

YouTube is a bit of a funny one for me, I've been watching videos on there since the platform was basically born. I've kind of managed to keep up with current trends on the site and managed to pick my way through the shit (such as Logan and Jake Paul, Morgz, that whole group that includes touchdalight, the list goes on), and find the ones actually worth watching.

David Dobrik & The Vlog Squad

Don't get me wrong, up until very recently, I was convinced I was far too cool for David Dobrik and the vlog squad - I don't even know why I thought this, but I was convinced all his videos were stupid and were targeted at children, probably in the same realm as team 10 (I'm sorry David if you see this ily). Thanks to my friend Eva, I randomly ended up watching a few vlog's of David's when I was at her house one night, and to say I've been obsessed ever since is probably an understatement. Each vlog of David's sits at exactly 4 minutes and 21 seconds, and they are absolutely jam packed with ridiculous stunts, celebrity appearances, practical jokes, car giveaways, injuries, and of course, his friends. David's friends are an integral part of his videos, each and every one of them brings something different to the vlogs and they are all hilarious. I don't want to say too much else about David, as I feel his videos are best enjoyed when you have absolutely no idea what you're walking into - but trust me, if you think you are too cool for David Dobrik you are so wrong.

It's also worth noting basically all of the vlog squad have their own channels. They all make similar content to David, however my favourites are Jeff Wittek and Zane Hijazi.

Jeff Wittek

Another member of the Vlog Squad!

Apart from being quite frankly the best looking man on the platform, Jeff Wittek is one of the best YouTubers I have watched in recent years. Jeff's channel mainly revolves around his barbershop interview series, where he interviews other content creators whilst giving them a hair cut. The videos are similar to that of Hot Ones (which I'll talk about later), or the Eric Andre show, as Jeff uses his incredibly dry humour, stand offish personality, and practical jokes to make his guests feel somewhat uncomfortable throughout the video, but always manages to keep them laughing throughout the experience and makes sure they enjoy their time in his video. What I also love about these videos is the haircut itself, you see the process of him cutting hair and actually doing a really good job (he was a barber prior to making YouTube videos), so even if you aren't enjoying the guest or the video that much, you still want to see the end result. Some of my favourite episodes of his are his interviews with Sean Evans, David Dobrik, Kian Lawley, Zane Hijazi, and Brother Nature.

Cody Ko & Noel Miller

Although Cody Ko and Noel Miller have separate channels, to me it makes sense to speak about them as a whole. Cody and Noel both fall under the 'commentary' section of YouTube - this is basically where a person makes a video reacting to and poking fun at other creators videos or the creator themselves. However, the two can be seen at their best when making videos for their 'That's Cringe' series on Cody's channel - here you will find the two on top form, bouncing off one another and hitting out with incredibly witty remarks and often slightly offensive humour. The pair are not afraid to show their dislike towards other people on the platform (particularly Jake and Logan Paul), and although some people may take their humour the wrong way (Jake Paul), they actually often times end up making videos with the people they make fun of. Cody and Noel dabble in way more than just YouTube, they also have a podcast together under Tiny Meat Gang, where each week they essentially just chat to and joke around with one another for an hour at a time, and address any current affairs or social media drama that may have occurred that week. Tiny Meat Gang is also the name of their hip hop duo, where they have absolutely nailed the comedic rap genre - I was honestly pretty shook when I listened to their music, so I won't spoil it for anyone, but their music can be found on all platforms. The pair also frequently tour together, showcasing their stand up comedy skills. I was lucky enough to see them in Glasgow at the start of this year and was thoroughly impressed by the show, it was everything you see on their channels but better. That's Cringe episodes that are definitely worth a watch are Vape Hotbox, Epic Morning Routine, The Kombucha King (as well as the follow up Visiting the Kombucha Lair), and You.

Hot Ones

If you're like me and love a good old celebrity interview, but are fed up of the same generic questions and interview format, then Hot Ones is the place to be. The premise of Hot Ones is that celebrities are interviewed whilst eating chicken wings (or vegan wings) that get progressively hotter as the interview goes on. A lot of what makes this series great is the incredible interviewer Sean Evens - he very obviously does extensive research into his guests and makes them feel as comfortable as possible throughout their sometimes traumatising experience eating spicy wings. There are whole youtube videos dedicated to Sean's interviewing skills, showcasing clips of celebrities praising him on his questions and being shocked when he hits out with a fact they thought no one knew. The guests are put in a vulnerable position due to the spicy food, which often leads to some hilarious and iconic moments ('look at us, who'd of thought'), but also really opens up the conversations to be far more honest than standard interviews and can bring celebrities down from the pedestal we often place them on, reminding the viewers they are just normal people at the end of the day. My favourite episodes of Hot Ones are Shia LaBeouf, Paul Rudd, David Dobrik, Charlie Day, and The Jonas Brothers.

Olivia Neill

I'm pretty sure every female in the UK watches Olivia Neill, and is probably just as obsessed with her as I am. Olivia is, in my eyes, the British Emma Chamberlain, but if Emma Chamberlain was as funny and relatable as she thinks she is. After only being on YouTube for one year, Olivia has amassed a massive 400,000 subscribers, and for good reason, she is absolutely hilarious. Her content is filmed vlog style and varies from get ready with me's, to day in the life videos, to 'sesh' vlogs, and so much more. I think what draws people in to her is the fact she is actually someone who is relatable on YouTube - there are so many girls on the platform who try act quirky and relatable yet are sitting in their million dollar mansions (Emma Chamberlain), and are actually incredibly out of touch with their viewers. Olivia is the opposite, she is incredibly genuine and does not try to make her life seemed polished and perfect, she says it as it is and doesn't go out her way to act like someone she isn't - her videos are filmed in the family home which she still lives in, and often speaks about school, boy drama, and her friends. There's actually a few videos of her talking about her admiration of other female YouTubers who she has become friends with, and how she has always been a big fan of them, which is incredibly refreshing on a platform that is often times fake and revolves around drama. All of Olivia's videos are great, but my favourite's are her get ready with me's.

Sarah Baska

I've been a massive fan of Sarah Baska since the Vine days, where should would post videos of her swooning over One Direction, and just being generally hilarious. Sarah's videos cover everything from vlogging concerts, get ready with me's, reaction videos, and everything in between. What I really like about Sarah is that she's not afraid to show when she is a fan of something. I turn 20 this year and sometimes I feel like it's embarrassing to still be obsessed with artists or bands (even actors in my case), but Sarah reminds us that you're never too old to look up to and admire someone - she is a massive Harry Styles and One Direction fan (join the club lmao) and is absolutely not afraid to show it, a lot of her videos revolve around reacting to his music or vlogging his shows. Her videos are very different to anything else I've seen on YouTube, she is so funny and you can tell her awkward and quirky sense of humour is genuine, and not something she puts on in an attempt to be relatable and funny. She's not afraid to discuss taboo topics in her videos either, she has made various videos about her experiences with drugs, struggling with body image, anxiety, and much more. Although she is friends with a lot of big YouTubers who are often the centre of drama and controversy, Sarah keeps to herself and does not try to be like anyone else, and often calls out her friends when they are in the wrong. Sarah's most iconic videos are her vlog of Tana Mongeau's wedding, her get ready with me's, and her vlog about being stranded in Miami.

I understand basically all the YouTuber's I've listed here are incredibly well known and most people watch them, but if you don't then I hope you found some today that can save you from the quarantine boredom that we are all struggling with. I'll probably do similar posts like this in the future discussing my favourite films, books, and songs. I'll finish this post with a few honourable mentions if none of the above were your cup of tea!

1. Jenna Marbles / Julien Solomita

2. Caitlyn Rae

3. Jenn Im

4. Patricia Bright

5. Kurtis Conner

6. Yes Theory

7. Devon / Sydney Carlson (see my previous post for more on them)

8. Sunbeamsjess

9. Jamie Genevieve

10. Amanda Steele

11. Sophie Floyd

12. J Aubrey