A group of creators calling themselves Virtual YouTubers - or VTubers - have exploded in popularity over the past few years. Today, their videos get over 1.5 BILLION views every month. But what exactly is a VTuber, and why are they so popular? In this episode, experts, fans, and the world’s most popular VTuber help us understand why the secret to being authentic online may just involve being radically artificial. Check out the video podcast at yt.be/LikeDescribe!

The Rise of the VTubers

YouTube's first official trends podcast, Like & Describe, is hosted by long-time YouTuber, first-time podcaster MatPat. Each episode brings you little known stories behind the biggest YouTube trends. We explore all the ways creators large and small are driving pop culture, and share insights you can't find anywhere else.

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We’re talking Anime! MatPat is joined by creators JazzyGuns & Shonen Showdown, as well as YouTube trends expert Earnest Pettie, to delve into how Black creators have amplified anime's impact on mainstream culture. Get ready for a conversation jam packed with all things Anime that explores the influence of the artform, celebrates its diverse fanbase, and examines its expanding role in shaping popular culture. Shonen Showdown (aka Rob) is a focal point of the anime community that specializes in anime and manga debates, character power rankings, and anime inspired comedy. Jasmine is dedicated to in-depth anime reviews and gameplay on her personal channel, Jazzy Guns, and her duo channel, Dwayne and Jazz.  Creator Call-Outs: CalebCity RDCworld1 SSJ9K KING VADER Synsei_ Cj Dachamp Codenamesuper BucketHatSplash Anime Sundays Rinnegoddess YaBoyRoshi Lupasan Video Mentions:  If Anime Shows Were People I Asked 100 Anime Fans To Make A Tier List Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Polygon Article: Anime is huge — and we finally have numbers to prove it

Discussing The Influence of Black Creators on Anime’s Rise

*Each host has been compensated for their involvement in this series. 2023 came jam-packed with trends ranging from music to video games to, of course, crazes that were just downright absurd. In this especially epic episode, our host, MatPat is joined by co-host Anthony Padilla, to uncover the 2023 Trending Topics (US)! Witness as Anthony challenges MatPat's YouTube prowess by serving up the cleverest of clues that'll keep MatPat guessing.  So, think you're a trendspotter? Put your knowledge to the test! How many trends could you nail? Drop your score in the comments at yt.be/likedescribe Music Fans! Explore the soundtrack to your own year on YouTube with 2023 Recap. Explore the music you loved. The feelings you felt. Plus a totally custom album cover based on your listening. Get your YouTube 2023 Recap by visiting youtube.com/musicrecap?utm_source=recap_eoypodcast_eoy23 on mobile. Featured Videos (*spoiler alert!*): Miley Cyrus - Flowers (Official Video) Peso Pluma, Natanael Cano - PRC (Video Oficial) Bowser - Peaches (Official Music Video) | The Super Mario Bros. Movie Garten of Banban - Official Trailer Garten of Banban 2 - Official Trailer Grimace shake 

Can MatPat guess the Trending Topics of 2023?

This episode, MatPat sits down with hip-hop experts Tuma Basa and Curtiss King to dive into the ways that type beats have changed the hip-hop industry, how art gets produced, and hot takes on AI in music. Tuma Basa is the Director of Black Music & Culture at YouTube. He’s been working in the Hip Hop space for 25 years, and is responsible for a little playlist you might’ve heard of…RapCaviar.  Curtiss King is a California-based producer and rapper who’s worked with artists like Kendrick Lamar and Mack 10. Visit his channel Curtiss King TV for the latest industry commentary and insights. Featured Videos: Lil Nas X - Old Town Road (Official Video) ft. Billy Ray Cyrus Desiigner - Panda (Official Music Video) CJ - WHOOPTY [Official Music Video] J. Cole - procrastination (broke) In celebration of Hip Hop's 50th anniversary, YouTube is rolling 50 Deep. Check out the 50 Deep flagship playlist at: yt.be/yt50deep  Check out the video podcast at: yt.be/likedescribe 

From Type Beats to Billboard Hits

Every day, people all over the world post videos of themselves doing everything from slurp-ily eating Ramen, to crinkling paper, to playing Minecraft while whispering about the world that they’re exploring. In 2022 alone, videos related to ASMR received over 90 BILLION views on YouTube. In this episode, MatPat searches for answers to all of his burning ASMR questions. Like, can he find the first ever ASMR video? What is actually happening in the brain when people experience ASMR? And can he finally feel the brain tingles?  Check out the video podcast, plus a video of MatPat’s full lesson with Maria from Gentle Whispering ASMR, at yt.be/LikeDescribe! To contribute to Dr. Richard’s research, head to asmruniversity.com and scroll down to click the ASMR Research Survey. Featured Videos:SLEEPY VIBE

ASMR: The Truth Behind the Tingle

MatPat kicks off the New Year by talking about the top YouTube videos and creators of 2022…and his predictions for future trends in the year to come. He’s joined by YouTube’s Global Director of Culture & Trends, Kevin Allocca, and Culture & Trends Manager Maddy Buxton. As they dig into YouTube’s year-end US Top 10 lists, they geek out about everything from comfort creators and cozy gaming to the future of AI-generated content.  YouTube's 2022 Top 10 Lists: www.youtube.com/trends/2022/us/  Check out the video podcast at yt.be/LikeDescribe!

The Rise of the VTubers

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