The bad news: if you’re one of those people who still thinks YouTube is just for cat videos and meme humor, you’re behind the times. Sorry boomers.

While some people still think influencers and content creators are just low-profile celebrities, those in the know realize that they can rival established figures on a variety of topics.

Today, it is known that YouTube, TikTok and other platforms are filled with respected and genuine experts. If you want to dive deeper into a particular topic, skip the library and go straight to YouTube’s content library.

Some argue that this is a simple act of becoming an adult.

It’s natural that as YouTube ages, the users who have been there from the beginning grow with it. This is why the evolution of the platform has seen it change from cat videos to content with real depth.

Content like ContraPoints.

ContraPoints and the art of video essays

With over 1.8 million subscribers to her channel, Natalie Wynn aka ContraPoints has mastered the art of the video essay.

A philosopher for the fast-click generation, ContraPoints tackles important issues in a connected way.

From tackling the trans rights debate to delving into incel culture and the significance of pop culture’s obsession with luxury, some have argued that labeling ContraPoints a YouTuber is a disservice to him.

But we think this is a misunderstanding of what – and how – YouTube and other podcasts or video platforms can be used.

Before the explosion of social media and platforms like YouTube, mainstream media controlled who spoke about the culture of the day. From right-wing radio pundits to left-wing columnists, you can always find someone with views similar to yours – but they carefully select their voices on a carefully curated platform.

Now, commentators and critics can be anyone and come from anywhere – just like ContraPoints. YouTubers with specialized knowledge and an innate understanding of how to serve content to people whose values ​​align with theirs find a fast track to fame and credibility.

High concept meets high quality production

What ContraPoints embodies is the idea that YouTube and social media platforms are today’s amphitheater: filled with entertainers, scholars, and cutting-edge voices.

And, like an amphitheater, the trick is knowing how to perform. ContraPoints not only wins over fans with her provocative nature, she also does it with panache.

The videos are political and cultural, but created in a way that feels like modern theater.

He’s here to teach, challenge, and question, but does so with lots of costume changes and hilarious visual effects as references to philosophers and academics. From Nicki Minaj to Nietzsche, everything is done with a keen audience awareness.

Style meets substance: ContraPoints theater

It used to be thought that style and substance were enemies. To be one, you cannot have another.

But combining the two is part of the genius of ContraPoints. This shows a level of respect for the audience.

Like any great theater expert, ContraPoints knows that, if you want people to come back, give them something to come back to.

Shakespearean audiences knew what they were getting when they visited the Globe. Maria Callas wouldn’t have fans lining up in the streets if they didn’t expect quality at every show. And ContraPoints has revived video essays and reimagined philosophy in a way that keeps millions of people coming back for more.