The Daily 'Rabbit Hole,' Episode 5: The Accidental Emperor
May 16, 2020
PewDiePie, the controversial Swedish YouTuber, joins Kevin Roose, a tech columnist, to discuss his unexpected rise to fame. They explore PewDiePie's journey from a mere 100 subscribers to an online titan, delving into the controversies that followed his success. The discussion highlights the challenges artists face amid shifting YouTube algorithms and the societal repercussions of his infamous jokes. Additionally, they talk about the battle against mainstream media narratives and how PewDiePie became a symbol of digital resistance in an evolving internet culture.
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PewDiePie's Early Days
- Felix Kjellberg, a Swedish university student, started a YouTube channel called PewDiePie in 2010.
- He initially played video games like Call of Duty and Minecraft, later shifting to horror games with exaggerated reactions.
Intimacy and Unfiltered Content
- PewDiePie's popularity grew due to his intimate vlogs called 'Fridays with PewDiePie'.
- He connected with fans by sharing personal details, gifts, and unfiltered thoughts.
YouTube Megastardom
- In 2013, PewDiePie became the most subscribed channel on YouTube.
- This led to a Disney deal, a book deal, and a YouTube Red series called 'Scare PewDiePie'.