The Influence of Algorithms and Business Models on YouTube

YouTube's ad-based business model and the power of influencers are not solely dependent on algorithms, but rather a successful combination of algorithms, monetization, and funding from entities like Natalie, crowder, and Shapiro. This has allowed creators to earn a living and democratized culture, giving marginalized communities and individuals a voice. However, the constant cycle of introducing mid-roll ads and rewarding long watch time has impacted the structure of videos and viewers' perception of content creators. The concept of parasocial relationships, where viewers feel a real connection with the YouTubers they watch, is still a new and intriguing phenomenon that is changing the way we consume media.