Should I make my videos longer? (stream highlight)

Рет қаралды 4,820

2 жыл бұрын

All the cool video essayists are making longer and longer videos these days. Am I doomed to irrelevancy if I don't keep up?
Full Stream: • ask me anything Feb. 4...
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Пікірлер: 94

@EdenLippmann 2 жыл бұрын

As Ebert said: "No good film is too long, no bad film is short enough." Make your videos as long as they need to be, dude.

@dijonjohn1011 Жыл бұрын

I agree with this 100% If there is enough interesting/important content, then make hour long videos.

@mikereilly4914 2 жыл бұрын

One of the best things about this channel is your ability to cut to the chase. Your videos are concise, succinct, and presented in a way that doesn't get bogged down with showboaty pseudo-intellectual bluster. Cherry on top: they're entertaining. Continue to trust your abilities. Make your videos as long as YOU deem correct.

@DampeS8N 2 жыл бұрын

I need both. I need concise content AND long deep-dives. I want to hear a little about a lot, and a lot about a little. Don't need to all be from the same creators.

@dijonjohn1011 Жыл бұрын

I also agree with this haha. Sometimes I have the time to watch a 2 hour long video on social justice issues, other times I just want a quick/concise video covering the same issues.

@macy1066 2 жыл бұрын

“I didn’t have time to write you a short letter, so I wrote you a long one.” I think keeping things bite-sized is very useful. I find your content helpful.

@erebus7306 2 жыл бұрын

The Breadtubers make these long-ass videos that end up repeating themselves for 2 hours. A video should be concise and precise. Keep doing what you doing T1J

@salsal435 2 жыл бұрын

I rather watch a 10 to 15 minutes video than a really long one, make them of different topics that are important now, not everybody has the time to watch a very long video. Thank you T1J!!!

@Bluemagedood 2 жыл бұрын

I think the sweet spot for me is 20-45 minutes. Up to an hour is fine and beyond is just an undertaking. Edit: I'd prefer multi parts than long essays, at least personally.

@ViraL_FootprinT.ex.e 2 жыл бұрын

I mean... Whatever you're doing now is working. I appreciate the "surface level and then let the viewers research the rest" aspect as well. Short(er) videos are great at acting as a compass to point people in the right direction. I've gone down so many rabbit holes of interesting things with that model. Whatever makes you comfortable though fam.

@lrae9519 2 жыл бұрын

I find your voice soothing with even volume and your content informative and important. I'd listen to you however long you want to talk.

@p3r3n5 2 жыл бұрын

I really love long videos, I get very excited whenever I see a several hour long video and rewatch then all the time, but there is DEFINITELY a necessary space for shorter videos like yours. Sometimes I don’t have the energy or time to watch what is basically a documentary no matter how much much I like them, and the simpler “surface level” videos open up a space for more thought and don’t require I watch them a dozen times to understand what’s being talked about.

@SocialNomad 2 жыл бұрын

Honestly, I hate the trend with creators making longer and longer videoes. Sure, some topics need the length to be properly adressed, but mostly they just feel long for the sake of long. And I don't think your videoes are too surface level either, I think they go around the topic enough to catch most of the nuances without going too far on a tangent.

@TheOnlyToblin 2 жыл бұрын

I'm a huge fan of the condensed, 15-20 minute videos you make.

@OsirisMalkovich 2 жыл бұрын

I'm gonna start "The Video Essays Are Too Damn Long" party.

@riderouter Жыл бұрын

I like your videos, and part of what I like about them is the length. They're deep, but concise. Ultimately, you should do what is best for you though.

@jcnot9712 2 жыл бұрын

Jose's videos are a great example of good long videos. A lot of them are essentially research papers, packed full of sources and places to look if you're curious about the subject. The Double Take and Shaun are other great ones. They're the exception and not the rule within breadtube though. I feel like a lot of them are just bloated tabloid op-eds.

@lodgin 2 жыл бұрын

Really honoured to be featured in a stream highlight o.o I do want to stress though that shorter and less explored isn't _bad,_ it's a totally valid choice. Philosophy Tube is still an amazing channel. It's just that the environment for essay content seems to favour greater exploration.

@tecpaocelotl 2 жыл бұрын

I think it's fine as is. 2 hours video is too much. Most videos i seen that are that long, it's usually someone who love their own voice.

@raz8752 2 жыл бұрын

I for one thank you for being the only youtuber I watch who hasn’t jumped their watch time to 5x their previous length

@KelsieJG__they-them 2 жыл бұрын

I like a mix. Between you, Khadija, and Fiq, I get short, medium, and long video essays about related topics.

@heleneverbach 2 жыл бұрын

I feel like both long and short videos are both fine. I kinda prefer longer ones sometimes because I put them on while sewing and not having to touch the computer to change videos is easier than switching around all the time, but then I also think shorter videos are fine. Honestly just do whatever is more the kind of stuff you personally like

@atdyeam1605 2 жыл бұрын

I think videos around the half hour mark are about ideal. I’ll consistently watch the longer ones from Contrapoints but aside from her I’ll only watch the occasional longer one that interests me. FD Signifier has done some good long ones but I’m so put off by the length I nearly didn’t watch them, and I watch at double speed. Like you said, they’re a huge chunk out of my day.

@AmberAmber 2 жыл бұрын

@T1J I will take whatever you want to give us ‐ though more of you would NEVER be a bad thing! TY for ALL you do✊🏽🤎🖤⭐🌈

@mimio008 2 жыл бұрын

I like the length of your videos. Concise and straight to the point.

@ryalwoods1087 2 жыл бұрын

if you're up for it, I'm up for it! I like more thorough examination when something is complex or has pertinent backstory, or is worth looking at from different angels.

@RhymingMime 2 жыл бұрын

I see your channel as way more encouraging and open to convo (lol you're mentioning that as I write this) and so the shorter video length is a facet of that to me.

@sagewaterdragon 2 жыл бұрын

A lot of long videos are really information-light. Giving me forty examples of a phenomenon doesn't help me any more than one really good example would, it just makes both the creator and the audience waste their time. I really appreciate that you respect the audience's time. No KZfaq channel is releasing single video essays that comprehensively cover important topics in the way that a full college course would, the difference between a two and a half hour video on a topic and a twenty minute video on a topic is how likely I am to click on it.

@meganstorm3248 2 жыл бұрын

Dear God, no. I mean, maybe half an hour or whatever, but these feature length video essays are why I'm not even watching my faves anymore. I cannot spend 10 hours a day on that stuff. Sometimes I'll add one to the Watch Later list, but I know I'm probably never going to actually watch them. And yeah, longer videos means more time for coverage, but check out those feature length ones sometimes - there's a crap ton of filler in all of them. Take the time you need to say what you want to say, but I really appreciate your straightforward delivery. I don't think it's superficial, either, just straightforward. Like you, I respect the work & creativity, but I also kinda resent the disrespect for viewers' time. I think KZfaq is failing to account for the difference between people *watching* videos & putting on 12 hour music or ambiance videos to do other stuff or sleep, and hurting creators by pushing them to make stuff that actually *costs* views. That's just my guess, though, I don't have anything to back it up. Regardless, please please PLEASE don't feel like you have to start making 2+ hour KZfaq videos, I don't wanna stop watching you too.

@mikekaulbars9607 2 жыл бұрын

The problem with longer is they tend to get set aside "for later when I have some time", and we know when that is.

@Pocketfarmer1 2 жыл бұрын

in a normal day I’m good for 15 -20 minutes for a video.

@riverw4721 2 жыл бұрын

I think part of the reason that a lot of these videos are so long is because the scope is so broad. I personally prefer narrower scopes that go into more detail, that fit more easily in a more reasonable time frame.

@TsubataLately 2 жыл бұрын

I've always favored longer videos. I appreciate that's not the type of content every creator seeks to make, and I don't like that the algorithm seemingly incentivizes longer videos over shorter ones. But it is my strong preference.

@benkopczynski2190 2 жыл бұрын

I’ll watch a 15 minute video. I’ll listen to a 2 hour video, but I’ll be working out, gaming, or trying to sleep at the same time.

@theatand 2 жыл бұрын

I like shorter videos as it makes it easier to digest the info both from a time perspective but also from a selling the point perspective. Like a 1hr video won't keep my attention if 10 minutes in they make a point I really don't agree with, it takes to long to get to the conclusion. But a 15-30 minute I would stick around to see if the conclusion even if the one point I didn't agree with.

@bielzenef 2 жыл бұрын

To me the problem with those 3h "deep dives" is that more often than not they could be much much shorter, but the author is not very good at presenting information in a concise fashion. They're more Derridean wandering ramblings than anything else. The "exploration" and "questioning" can be pretty shallow irrespective of size. I think people gravitate towards that style because 1) length and monumentality gives them an appearance of authority and 2) people are fucking lonely, and having someone talk at you for hours about something that interest you can be soothing. Ultimately you do you man, but don't think less of your videos because they're not as long.

@anirudhviswanathan3986 Жыл бұрын

Animetube though has done some super interesting stuff with longer videos. Super Eyepatch Wolf's video essays are really something else. And Stevem does some super transformative analysis stuff, like animating interview quotes from production notes of anime productions.

@technopoptart 2 жыл бұрын

i cant say no to a long video and will actually sit for a three hour one BUT it really tears creators up trying to keep up with the work sooooo

@McSwift0421 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I watch videos like that in small bursts, but I find overall it's harder to get the entire "gist" of the thing unless I'm super into the topic. Sometimes they're just background noise while I'm playing a game.

@andersonic 2 жыл бұрын

I'd rather hear what you have to say than wait until you can stretch it to an hour or more. Watching long videos is also a huge investment. Sarah Z and Contrapoints put out hour+ videos that, when I finally get around to watching them, are totally worth it. But most youtubers I like convey a lot in 15-45 minutes. Chris from Comic Tropes lately does 20-30 minute videos that feel like an hour of content.

@meander112 2 жыл бұрын

Engagement for the engagement god!

@dant8008 2 жыл бұрын

I like the length of your videos. I don't have time for longer.

@FerGalicia 2 жыл бұрын

Yes and more often

@LuffyMonkey0327 2 жыл бұрын

i wouldnt mind if you made a couple of longer videos. but even your shorter videos are good, too. at the end of the day, you do you.

@xkriolox 2 жыл бұрын

Too long videos do not benefit much my routine of watching videos before going to work, but this is me...

@GaasubaMeskhenet 2 жыл бұрын

thank god I can watch stuff faster than 2x speed

@elustran 2 жыл бұрын

Less is usually more. But being concise, deep, and complete is hard. Also, I have a few hours a week to consume hard content, tops. Shorter videos mean more exposure to diverse voices.

@VeganAtheistWeirdo 2 жыл бұрын

In response to the title question: Oh please no, don't. I've got 3 videos right now that are an hour plus, one is 2+, that I've cycled back down to the bottom of my queue a few times over already because newer, shorter videos were released in the meantime before I got to them. Then there's the "backlog" playlist that consists entirely of 2+ hour vids (49 so far, I just checked) that are from my subscription creators, and I'm sure they will be good, but I just don't often have the time to devote to a single video like that. And that playlist keeps getting longer, because like you said here, it seems to be the new trend. I've never really been a trendy person, and this is no exception. 😕

@AxelLeJeff 2 жыл бұрын

I think 30 minutes is fine, but I need to hold onto some of these 2 hour ones until days off

@afirewasinmyhead 2 жыл бұрын

I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s not a fan of the super long videos. It literally feels like an inconvenience when a creator I like puts out a new video and I see something like a 1:52:34 duration, like… I need to schedule time to watch KZfaq now? 😩 Sorry if this is controversial. 30 mins is ideal, if I like the topic then I don’t mind 45-60 mins, but beyond that… best to break it into multiple videos, I think.

@viridianloom 2 жыл бұрын

Naw fuck that, I like your videos being shorter than the average left-tube video. I find that your channel has been fantastic for getting like a fast but thorough break down on topics and honestly, if I find that particular subject interesting, maybe I'll go seek out a 2 hour video on it. But its your channel where I feel like I get that introduction that sparks that interest.

@DrVincentDoom 2 жыл бұрын

15 - 25 minute videos are best for people driving like myself in between jobs. I probably drive for an hour or two on the job so short videos just fit.

@JacobShrum 2 жыл бұрын

There are definitely videos that are 3 hours and up that do somehow manage to be full of substance and interesting points throughout, but that is far from always being true. I've seen a lot of long videos that are rambly and repetitive, hitting you over the head with the point way too many times and full of sections and asides that really feel like they should have been cut. Videos should be as long as they need to be, and I can't think of any of yours that I've felt overstayed their welcome.

@KHIMERA609 2 жыл бұрын

If I got a few hours to kill, I'll play a videogame and a KZfaq video in the background. I'd rather listen to one good 2 hours long video than whatever KZfaq thinks it's a good idea to shoves into my playlist.

@Tacom4ster 2 жыл бұрын

I like long essays

@elliel.5915 2 жыл бұрын

I generally prefer shorter videos, half an hour max. Anything close to an hour or longer, I have to dedicate time from my day to watch it, and I just end up not getting around to many of them.

@ProletariatPrince 2 жыл бұрын

I literally cannot keep up with all the content. Like I watch them. I love them. But I dont have enough time in the day. My watchlist has like 200 videos in it no matter how fast I watch.

@Molecular-Brainwaves-Translate 2 жыл бұрын

A lot of essayists are streamers. Destiny makes long videos, but they're just 2 hour streams. Meanwhile Vaush has been doing prepared videos that are more formatted, but are still often longer than 20 minutes. Shark3ozero does stuff similar to that.

@dippyfresh1635 2 жыл бұрын

If you ever did want longer vids, you could just add more references to bolster your points. I personally hate watching longer videos that are stream clips though. The person usually rambles and reads chats too much. Scripts that are precise and to the point are my preference to listen to.

@kevinbrownlee3279 Жыл бұрын

Yessir Longer!!!!! Please Sir!!!!😄😄😄😄😄

@clrobinson1776 2 жыл бұрын

I don’t watch the longer videos very often. Just don’t have the time. The ones I have tried to watch end up being someone just repeating themselves over & over.

@sisyphyus 2 жыл бұрын

Watch videos at 1.5 speed, not as much time out of your day, and keep it on in the background when doing dishes and shit. Super easy, barley an inconvenience.

@moeezS Жыл бұрын

Same as you, I also have a life and other responsibilities. The only way I can consume those film length video essays is listening to them over commute or at night. I appreciate you're one of the leftist channels that I can get concise and shorter videos that are as intellectually stimulating and engaging, and I need that in my rotation. Otherwise I get burnt out on the long videos.

@kxqe 2 жыл бұрын

They should be “right-sized”. For example, this “help wanted” video where you’re asking for help with a specific request, only needs to be long enough to get the question out to folks. If there’s more to say, then longer may be right. I think the inherently competitive nature of media is one reason why some creators make longer videos, because they can hold viewer attention and lock out other creators for that period of time, increasing their proportional influence. The algorithms may also support that, as well as organic promotion. T1J, you don’t seem to be a person who is relentlessly seeking eyeballs in the competitive landscape, and your draw is in your content, not gimmicks, so your best bet is to just keep the videos right-sized for the amount of content. But what do I know, my videos rarely get many views...

@lkf8799 2 жыл бұрын

I like 12-45min. It's stressing me out how long some of the videos are now. If it's an interesting topic do a series. Breaking it up into easier to watch chunks gives you lots of material for several videos and keeps the conversation going. Win-win. The beautiful thing about KZfaq and Netflix etc. is that each episode can be as long as it needs to be. Do a 12min video and next week do a 54min video. Whatever you want.

@DazeyChaineMusic Жыл бұрын

YES DUH

@reneedailey1696 2 жыл бұрын

I like both, TBH- Any content from you I'll eat up, I don't much mind if it's 10 minutes or 40.

@racheltadeu346 Жыл бұрын

I would watch longer videos of yours but I definitely don't need them to be like 2 hours. 20-40 minutes seem nice to me. But mostly I hope you make the kind of stuff that you want to make.

@samsontelbate7634 2 жыл бұрын

No 15 to 40 minutes is a good range

@Mythdon 2 жыл бұрын

One thing I've noticed is your longer 15-20+ minute videos is those videos are a bit more nuanced and are more of a deep dive than your shorter videos. I've noticed in your longer videos, you tend to give more examples for your argument(s) and dig pretty deep into each example or scenario you're talking about. But I do like your shorter videos too, because of how concise and straight to the point they are. Your shorter videos are nice for getting the basic gist in a short amount of time, even if at time, nuance can be at risk of being left out. I think the length of a video depends on the topic being covered and how it's covered. I say just pick whatever length you suits whatever topic you're covering for the video.

@ilianceroni 2 жыл бұрын

Honestly more than one 3h long video every 2 months, I wish people made short videos more often and having a “seasonal” theme or exploring a subject with multiple videos… I mean, those 3h long video are already divided in like 6 parts around 20 minutes each… And I’m not just presenting my preferences: I’m pretty sure yt values more if someone publish more videos regularly, so more spam, more views, more people exposed to such points of view and potentially joining their patrons

@jcnot9712 2 жыл бұрын

not breadtube, fd signifier length but yes I would definitely watch longer videos from you.

@yungjoemighty879 2 жыл бұрын

Always

@brandbird 2 жыл бұрын

Anything past 45 minutes feels like a chore to watch, 90% of the time. Most of the longer ones are not really going deep or anything like that, they just don't know how to keep it succinct.

@borisspringsteen1987 Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't watch much longer than 20 or 30 minutes. Like you, I've got other things to do.

@3DWinters 2 жыл бұрын

No less than four hours but on CP time that would mean about 15 minutes.

@Buggaton 2 жыл бұрын

Why am I in the background talking about maps and TV formats?! Hbomb and Philosophy Tube both have a staff these days, editors, producers and sometimes co-writers too, Shannon Stucci doing shit loads of work on the Scanline vids. If your earnings rose enough you could hire folks to help make bigger stuff but it's up to you if you want to enter that particular video style or just keep doing you doe (sorry). I'll keep watching regardless so I guess think more about what you want to do in the conversation rather than what your current fans want. You probably knew all of this.

@wendyleeconnelly2939 Жыл бұрын

I like short videos.

@verraguid Жыл бұрын

10 mins minimum is best

@ShieAyla Жыл бұрын

Yes. Longer...... Please. Maybe not 2 hours tho. Max 1hr. 20 mins to 1hr.

@PogieJoe 2 жыл бұрын

Why does everyone want longer videos? I can barely keep up with half of my subscriptions.

@Kram1032 2 жыл бұрын

Imo, just do videos that are as long as they need to be. Don't ever do five hour epics for the sake of hitting five hours. If they are that long, it better be because they actually need to be that long. But also, I don't think you need to be afraid to do such long formats if the content actually requires that sort of time commitment to work out. That said, five hours is really really stretching it and it's pretty rare. Most people simply can't do two long movies in a row lol. Imo, movie-length is about workable, so 1.5-2.5 hours is ok as a "long" video. I find it hilarious whenever a YTer goes "oh NOES I'm so sorry for the 14:52 video, I promise it's worth this long time investment" 15 min is like on the long end of a short video to me. But if you want to make a quick point that takes five minutes to make, then make it a five minute video.

@constancejenkins9354 2 жыл бұрын

The subject matter should drive the length. Say what you need to say and if it is 15 minutes or 2 hours it will be the "right" length. I tend not to watch hours long videos all the way through since most are full of padding or repetition.

@0Luxis0 2 жыл бұрын

What?! What kind of question is that? If you have more to say, then yes, else, no. wut (am i missing something?! lol)

@realMacMadame 2 жыл бұрын

I never watch anything over an hour if I can help it. 2.5 hours? No.

@timlash 2 жыл бұрын

YT videos s/b 12 min long at most imho.

@johnallenbailey1103 2 жыл бұрын

@nuanceblacksywin4868 2 жыл бұрын

No.

@hogannull7022 2 жыл бұрын

Are you targeting people getting ready for work for 15 minutes, people on their hour lunch or people trying to pass time in their work shift. The "manosphere" video listened to because it was awesome but usually listen to majority report length videos.

@pabloquijadasalazar7507 2 жыл бұрын

Nah bro. If you got that much to say, you haven’t thought about it enough, or it needs to be a series not a single video.

@GillamtheGreatest 2 жыл бұрын

honestly video length bloat has been getting to be an issue. i have been unsubbscribing from people that release longer videos

@L0LWTF1337 2 жыл бұрын

Alternate Title: should I put effort into my videos?

@Max-xs8dv 2 жыл бұрын

I think if you're going to try to cover a topic and do it justice it needs at least 15 minutes.

@ninasmith-pd8fv Жыл бұрын

I adore you content, but please don't. I wont be able to watch them. At best, do a longer version while keeping in the 20 minute window for a more condensed version. It does not take 2 hours to discuss any topic.