YouTube Phenomena

Have you ever wondered how the site YouTube can make the average person famous? It just takes an interesting video and an audience to watch it. There are channels for music videos, channels for the news and others just for personal use.  

The idea of YouTube phenomena makes web-celebrities hungry for more and they show up on local and cable television to promote their videos and related products. Sometimes these videos are composed by a third party. A popular video like this is features Antoine Dodson as he “sings” to “hide your kids and wife” from the dangers of the neighborhood. Yet, can we consider him the web-celeb? He didn’t create the popular song by himself; another YouTube user took his words and made it into a song. What I want to know is, why is he showing up on television shows and on Iphone Apps and not the creative geniuses who made the rant so popular? Shouldn’t they be given some credit as well?

The creators of Antoine Dodson’s song have created another song. I think it is better than the first. Do you think that this woman will become famous too?

Who are influencers?

When you are about to make an online purchase, or before you try out a new restaurant, do you read the customers reviews on? I do not. This is because; I (probably like you) only pay attention to the negative reviews.

According to the post: Social Media Reading¬¬-Influencers, “90% of consumers surveyed trusted recommendations from people they knew personally, 70% trusted opinions from other consumers posted online, and 70% trusted brand websites”. This means that consumers trust the opinions of strangers about a product as the company website. This is interesting because if we (consumers) trust a review as much as the company website, are these “influencers” doing munch on their part.

However, there are cases when influencers can make a difference. Which is why, companies need to keep an eye out for these people. If someone has a large enough audience, and is seen as a credible expert, then they possess the power to change the opinions of others. What does this mean for a company? That they need to watch out for what is being said about their company and products and who is saying it.

Also, I think that it is very important to note that every review is completely arbitrary to the reviewer. What if they were having a bad day or that they have bad taste or what if they received a faulty product? All of these things would skew their perception, and ultimately yours, of the product or service in question.


The English comedian, Michael McIntyre does a good job explaining consumer reviews over the internet. If you would like to watch his interpretation please watch the video below starting at 2 minutes.