YouTubers are advocating for a new “kickback”feature on the platform following the viral success of one of Asmongold’s reaction videos.
React content has surged in popularity, with many prominent creators on Twitch and YouTube posting videos that feature their reactions to other people’s content.
OTK co-founder Asmongold went viral in 2022 for his reaction to the Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard trial on both Twitch and YouTube, and he has continued to explore react content on both platforms since then.
On September 18, 2024, just a day after Asmongold reacted to one of his videos, YouTuber Zackary Smigel expressed the need for a new “kickback” system after noticing his video’s views “slowed down.” His tweet quickly resonated with many, leading to widespread support among other creators.
“I have no issue with people reacting to my videos in a transformative way—I actually encourage it. But it definitely sucks to see my video slow down at 300k views while Asmongold’s reaction gets almost a million. My video was only up for 5 days, and it’s pretty much lost all momentum,” he stated in his initial post, humorously suggesting that Asmongold should wait “at least” a week before reacting to him in the future.
I have no issue with people reacting to my videos in a transformative way—I actually encourage it. But it definitely sucks to see my video slow down at 300k views while Asmongold’s reaction gets almost a mill. My vid was only up for 5 days, and it’s pretty much lost all momentum. pic.twitter.com/mo8DCI7LZl
— Zackary Smigel (@zas11s) September 18, 2024
As the conversation grew, Smigel elaborated: “This is blowing up. Just to clarify, I’m not mad at the player, but at the game. Honestly, I feel like YouTube should implement a system similar to quote tweets or a kickback system for reaction videos.”
This is blowing up. Just to clarify, I’m not mad at the player, but at the game. Honestly, I feel like YouTube should have a system similar to quote tweets or a kickback system for reaction videos.
— Zackary Smigel (@zas11s) September 18, 2024
Asmongold has since set his video reacting to Smigel’s content to private.
YouTuber Justin Whang retweeted Smigel’s post, expressing support for a system that accommodates reaction videos, emphasizing it would benefit both creators and the platform.
“Some kind of integrated reaction system like this would be a win/win and give people a reason to specifically stream on YouTube,” he noted.
Another user reminded the community that video replies were once a popular method for creators to react, until YouTube discontinued the feature due to some backlash over arguments being dismantled in video replies.
Other users chimed in to suggest that the proposed “kickback”should involve sharing the revenue generated from the video. One user stated, “I would take it even further by saying YouTube should make it so the person reacting to the vid has to split some of the revenue with the original creator.” Another added, “Nah, there needs to be a built-in revenue split for circumstances like this.”
YouTube has dynamic features and has consistently introduced new tools on the platform, revealing several enhancements during its Made By YouTube event on September 18, 2024. These included a new Discord-like update for Communities, a gifting program for YouTube Shorts creators, and an AI tool to assist with creating short-form videos.
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