YouTube creators were in panic mode over mysterious view drops, but the real story isn't what you think. This week we expose the truth behind the YouTube drama that had major channels like Linus Tech Tips and Markiplier reporting massive analytics drops, plus reveal the game-changing platform updates you need to know about.

What You'll Discover:

Major YouTube Updates Covered:

Alternative Platforms Discussion:

Key Topics: YouTube algorithm changes, creator analytics, ad blocker issues, live streaming updates, AI content tools, platform alternatives, creator monetization, YouTube drama 2025

Whether you're a seasoned YouTuber or exploring content creation, this episode separates fact from fiction in the ever-evolving creator economy landscape.

YouTube Chapters:

Join our creator community at https://indiecreator.community for ongoing discussions about platform alternatives and independent content creation strategies.

👍 Like this video if it helped clarify the YouTube situation, subscribe for weekly creator economy insights, and share your thoughts about these platform changes in the comments below.

When live streaming platforms become digital coliseums where audiences pay to watch creators suffer, who draws the line? This episode of the Independent Creator PodcWhen Audiences Pay to Watch Creators Suffer: The New Digital ColosseumWhen Audiences Pay to Watch Creators Suffer: The New Digital Colosseumast tackles the uncomfortable reality of platform responsibility following the tragic death of French streamer Jean Pormanove during a live broadcast on Kick.

Host Josh explores the growing crisis of IRL shock content, where creators endure abuse and harassment for donations while platforms collect their cut. From Johnny Somali's international incidents to paintball gun attacks on innocent bystanders, we examine how the pursuit of viral content is pushing streamers toward dangerous extremes.

Key Topics Covered:

Why This Matters:

Featured Case Studies:

Ready to join the conversation about creator safety and platform ethics? Subscribe for more independent creator insights, hit the notification bell for episode updates, and share your thoughts in the comments below. Connect with our community in the Discord server linked in the description to continue this important discussion about the future of content creation.

Connect & Grow:

🎵 Music: Epidemic Sound – Royalty-free tracks for creators

☁️ Hosting: Hetzner Cloud – Affordable, reliable hosting for your projects. Use my link below to receive €20 in cloud credits after signing up.

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This directly supports our channel and helps us keep sharing tools and tips we genuinely use and trust. Thank you for your support!

Related Episodes:

#IndependentCreator #CreatorEconomy #ContentCreation #PodcastLife #CreatorTools #AlternativeStreaming #CreatorBusiness #DigitalMarketing

🟩 In this conversation, I go over the customization of Owncast, a self-hosted streaming platform. Exploring various user submissions showcasing unique designs and functionalities, emphasizing the importance of community and creativity in content creation. I also highlight the flexibility of Owncast, allowing users to tailor their streaming experience to their preferences, including aesthetic choices and technical setups.

Shayne's Stream

——————————— 👋 CONNECT👋 ———————————

⏱️Chapters

———————————————————————

As a content creator myself and one who has traveled the far reaches of live streaming platforms, I began to grow tired of the fact that the majority of live streaming platforms and services were controlled by just a few large corporations. This was when I found the open source alternatives. Seeing the possible solutions for a creator like myself, in taking back control of my content. To learn that there is a better way in doing things.

Exploring Alternative Video Hosting Platforms: PeerTube, Rumble, Odyssey & BunnyStream

In this episode, we explore various video hosting options beyond YouTube, including PeerTube, Rumble, Odyssey, and BunnyStream. We discuss PeerTube's federated, open-source platform and its setup requirements; Rumble's focus on free speech and its alt-right leanings; Odyssey's free speech stance with a lesser extreme approach; and BunnyStream for more professional, private video hosting. The pros and cons of each platform are covered, providing valuable insights for creators seeking alternatives to YouTube.

——————————— 👋 CONNECT👋 ———————————

🎯

Main Site: https://2tonwaffle.com

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@twotonwaffle

Mastodon: https://masto.2tonwaffle.com/@joshb

Discord: https://discord.gg/xDpzcugFws

Forum: https://2tonwaffle.com

—————————— 🤝 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL 🤝 ——————————

☕️ Support The Channel: https://shop.2tonwaffle.com

•Nerd or Die: https://nerdordie.com/shop/ref/indiecreator/

•Ecamm Live: https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=indiecreator

•Hetzner - https://hetzner.cloud/?ref=qcHruAEmZI6k

•Shop Humble Bundle now for thousands of games with sales happening every day!

——————————— 🎧 MUSIC 🎧 ———————————

•Streambeats by Harris Heller - https://www.senpai.tv/

•Streamsight - https://streamsight.net/

•Backing Track - https://backingtrack.gg/

⏱ TIME CODES ⏱

00:00 Introduction to Alternative Video Hosting

00:31 Exploring PeerTube: A Federated Open Source Solution

01:43 Setting Up and Using PeerTube

03:59 PeerTube Features and Benefits

11:20 Rumble: A Controversial YouTube Alternative

14:35 Odyssey: A Free Speech Platform

19:26 BunnyStream: Professional Video Hosting

23:43 Conclusion and Community Engagement

———————————————————————

WHAT IS THE 2TONWAFFLE 🧇 ⏬❓

The 2TonWaffle Community was created to bring together the elements of indie gaming news and reviews, alternative platform discussions, and independent content creation. Providing a space for people to learn about these topics that are typically hidden from the general public. To bring awareness to those who might be looking for some alternatives and for those same people to share what they've experienced with other like-minded people.

As a content creator myself and one who has traveled the far reaches of live-streaming platforms, I began to grow tired of the fact that the majority of live-streaming platforms and services were controlled by just a few large corporations. This was when I found the open-source alternatives. Seeing the possible solutions for a creator like myself, in taking back control of my content. To learn that there is a better way of doing things.

———————————————————————

📚 Disclaimer: This video and description contain affiliate links. Some links go to my website or are affiliate links where I'll earn free stuff, a small commission, or good mojo if you make a purchase. There is no additional cost to you for using these links, but it does help support me, and this content...and (sometimes) gives you discounts, too!

🔴 Looking Back at Alternative Platforms of 2023

Do mainstream platforms leave you longing for more control over your content and how you connect with your audience? Our latest chat delves into the game-changing PeerTube 6.0 release, which brings a suite of features set to empower creators like never before, including password-protected videos and video file replacement sans the re-upload hassle. We unpack the intricacies of setting up a PeerTube instance and discuss how this and other platforms are reimagining monetization, breaking away from traditional ads and towards direct fan support and diverse payment models. And amidst our exploration, we offer tips for creators and viewers navigating these new waters, with an emphasis on community building and the richness of an ad-free experience.

As we peer into the crystal ball towards 2024 and beyond, we find ourselves at the precipice of a new era for independent content creation. We share our experiences with platforms that prioritize creator autonomy and discuss the importance of diversifying content to attract and sustain a wider audience. The conversation turns to the promising future of federated services and our role in nurturing a varied and dynamic content landscape. All this while pondering the evolving ethos of platforms like Live Space and SharePlay, and approaching new contenders with a mindful balance of curiosity and caution. Join us as we map out a path through the evolving ecosystem of digital connection and creation.

🗓️⏰ **BE SURE TO CLICK "REMIND ME" TO GET NOTIFIED WHEN WE'RE LIVE **

Join us every Tuesday at 9:30 pm Eastern on our Owncast server https://indiebasement.live. Don't forget to subscribe and tune in on your preferred podcast platform. Note that audio-only podcast episodes are released the day after (Wednesday)

⏱ Timestamps:

——————————— 👋 CONNECT👋 ———————————

—————————— 🤝 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL 🤝 ——————————

——————————— 🎧 MUSIC AND SOFTWARE 🎧 ———————————

——————————— 🎬 VIDEO GEAR 🎬 ———————————

——————————— 🎙️ AUDIO GEAR 🎙️ ———————————

———————————————————————

🔴 Holiday Gift Ideas for Creators and Essentials of Livestreaming

For those just dipping their toes into the vast ocean of content creation and live streaming, we break it all down to the basics for you. Start small, be patient, and manage your expectations - that's our mantra. A phone, with its built-in camera, can be a great starting point. But beware, you wouldn't want to damage your precious device! We also touch on the perks of an audio control interface, assuring you it isn't paramount for a successful stream. And we don't stop there - we give you the lowdown on some super user-friendly software options too.

Finally, we move on to the visual side of things - the webcams. We traverse through options for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros. But hey, why not think outside the box? We introduce the idea of using retro tech like old camcorders for a unique streaming aesthetic. Remember, finding your own niche and enjoying the process is key. To sum it up, this episode is packed with insights about the joys of tinkering with equipment and patience, vital traits for every content creator. So, tune in, whether you're a veteran, a newcomer, or shopping for one, we've got something for everyone.

🗓️⏰ **BE SURE TO CLICK "REMIND ME" TO GET NOTIFIED WHEN WE'RE LIVE **

Join us every Tuesday at 9:30 pm Eastern on our Owncast server https://indiebasement.live. Don't forget to subscribe and tune in on your preferred podcast platform. Note that audio-only podcast episodes are released the day after (Wednesday)

⏱ Timestamps:

——————————— 👋 CONNECT👋 ———————————

—————————— 🤝 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL 🤝 ——————————

——————————— 🎧 MUSIC AND SOFTWARE 🎧 ———————————

——————————— 🎬 VIDEO GEAR 🎬 ———————————

——————————— 🎙️ AUDIO GEAR 🎙️ ———————————

———————————————————————

🔴 Building the OwnCast Community

Owncast RocketChat - https://owncast.rocket.chat/channel/owncast-community

I also want to share exciting future plans like a newsletter and spotlight content creators to enhance the OwnCast community further. I encourage you to get involved and help us grow this passionate community of alternative platform users.

🗓️⏰ **BE SURE TO CLICK "REMIND ME" TO GET NOTIFIED WHEN WE'RE LIVE **

——————————— 👋 CONNECT👋 ———————————

—————————— 🤝 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL 🤝 ——————————

——————————— 🎧 MUSIC AND SOFTWARE 🎧 ———————————

——————————— 🎬 VIDEO GEAR 🎬 ———————————

——————————— 🎙️ AUDIO GEAR 🎙️ ———————————

———————————————————————

🔴 Bots, Streams, and Games: Unleashing the Power of Interactive Streaming

In our next segment, we explore how chatbots like Beepbot and Aitum are transforming the streaming experience. We take you through their unique features and capabilities, and how they can be utilized for quote systems, currency, giveaways, and even games. We'll also talk about the cross-platform functionality of Aitum, a feature that streamers with multiple devices will find particularly handy. Listen in as we also touch on how chatbots integrate with Twitch channel points and OBS, simplifying the process for streamers to switch between games and scenes.

Finally, we examine the world of live streaming and the tools that can enhance the experience. We discuss Streamlabs OBS, a streaming software known for its stream deck plug-ins, lighting control, and integration with platforms like TikTok and Discord. We also address the new changes YouTube needs to improve its live streaming aspect. Another tool we cover is Mix It Up, a chatbot initially created for Mixer but now integrated with Twitch, YouTube, and Trovo. We highlight its versatility and features that make streams more visually and interactively appealing. Join us for this exciting discussion as we uncover the best tools and strategies for enhancing your streaming experience.

🗓️⏰ **BE SURE TO CLICK "REMIND ME" TO GET NOTIFIED WHEN WE'RE LIVE **

⏱ Timestamps:

——————————— 👋 CONNECT👋 ———————————

—————————— 🤝 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL 🤝 ——————————

——————————— 🎧 MUSIC AND SOFTWARE 🎧 ———————————

——————————— 🎬 VIDEO GEAR 🎬 ———————————

——————————— 🎙️ AUDIO GEAR 🎙️ ———————————

———————————————————————

🔴 Customizing Owncast Themes for Live Streaming

https://github.com/taintedcypher/owncast-themes

🗓️⏰ **BE SURE TO CLICK "REMIND ME" TO GET NOTIFIED WHEN WE'RE LIVE **

——————————— 👋 CONNECT👋 ———————————

—————————— 🤝 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL 🤝 ——————————

——————————— 🎧 MUSIC AND SOFTWARE 🎧 ———————————

——————————— 🎬 VIDEO GEAR 🎬 ———————————

——————————— 🎙️ AUDIO GEAR 🎙️ ———————————

———————————————————————

In today's video, join me as we dive deep into the world of locally-based and cloud-based chatbots for streamers. I shed light on what makes both sides unique and why they are two sides of the same coin.

We start our journey by examining locally based bots; these are programs installed on your computer that you initiate before starting your stream. I walk you through some of their unique features and discuss the boundless possibilities this system offers. We take a peek at some incredible features like customized sound effects, automated responses, scene changes, and personalized entry sequences for regular viewers.

We'll talk about Firebot, a locally installed chatbot, along with glimpses into the incredible work of streamer 'Nutty'. Nutty's mind-blowingly inventive ideas show you how you can use these bots to create interactive experiences for your viewers.

Then, we change gear and shift our gaze to cloud-based chatbots. Streamlined, user-friendly, and versatile, cloud-based chatbots are installed on servers elsewhere rather than on your computer. The ability to create triggers, call-backs, and shout-out commands, while simpler, still holds vast possibilities. We'll also explore some popular cloud-based chatbots like Nightbot, Moobot, Beatbot, Stream Elements, and Botrix and discuss their features.

You'll understand how both locally-based and cloud-based chatbots can enrich your streaming experience in different ways. Whether you are a beginner or a pro streamer, you'll gain insights into which option would suit your streaming requirements the best.

So come join me on this tech journey, and let's unleash the power of chatbots. Your roadmap to an immersive streaming experience starts here. Let’s jump right in!

(When available, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission!)

CREATOR TOOLS:

►Notion: https://notion.grsm.io/saizlstfeeri

Get a 10% discount when you sign up for Beepbot Pro with the code “2TonWaffle”

https://beepbot.app/

📰Keep up to date on everything within the independent creator space by signing up at https://indiecreatorhub.com

🏘️ SOCIAL NETWORKS

Mastodon: https://feed.indiecreatorhub.com/@2TonWaffle

Watch live here on YouTube or on one of the following services

Twitch: twitch.tv/indiecreatorhub

Check out our community server!

Discord: https://discord.gg/QZCY44YAwP

Music used in many of our videos is from the following artists.

Streambeats by Harris Heller - https://www.senpai.tv/

Some links in this description are affiliate links and when clicked, if you buy the service or product, I may make a small commission from that sale. This helps keep this channel afloat. My opinions on products and services remain unbiased.