Why YouTube is Rewarding Casual, "Unpolished" Content Again—and Why You Shouldn’t Overthink Your Videos

Over the past few years, we've seen the rise of platforms like TikTok, where short, raw, unfiltered content reigns supreme. But what’s interesting is that the influence of TikTok is now trickling back into YouTube—and it’s changing the way creators approach their content.

In the early days of YouTube, casual, “vloggy” content ruled the platform. People filmed on their webcams, shared thoughts on their day, and gave advice—all with minimal editing and production value. It was authentic. It was relatable. It was real.

However, as YouTube grew, so did the expectations. Budgets grew larger, equipment became more advanced, and polished content took center stage. Over time, creators began investing in expensive cameras, editing software, and even entire production teams. The era of high-budget videos and professional production took over. But recently, something has changed.

A New Era of Casual Content

With TikTok leading the charge, audiences have developed an appetite for more spontaneous, raw, and unpolished content. People are more interested in real people sharing their experiences, opinions, and stories in a casual, “off-the-cuff” way.

YouTube, always adapting to trends, has taken notice. In fact, it’s become increasingly clear that the platform is promoting videos where creators simply speak to the camera, without fancy edits or studio-quality lighting. Just like the early days of YouTube. And it’s working.

Take, for example, YouTuber Dough Dash, who built her channel around documenting her life as a DoorDash driver. For most of 2022 and 2023, Dough Dash’s growth was steady but modest, with weekly subscriber increases ranging from 0 to 20. Then, in August and September of 2024, something changed—her subscriber count skyrocketed, with a peak of 11,800 new weekly subscribers.

Why the sudden boom? Dough Dash’s content became more relatable as she started sharing her journey toward escaping the traditional "9-to-5" grind—a topic that resonates deeply with many in today’s economic climate. She also posts daily, multiple times a day. This level of output undoubtably skewed the algorithm in her channel’s favor. At the time of writing this, Dough Dash is approaching 60,000 subscribers.

What’s most inspiring about her success is that it didn’t come from fancy editing or expensive equipment. The key takeaways from Dough Dash’s journey are persistence, relatability, and consistency. If you're someone who's stuck in an overthinking state, wondering what kind of content to produce, take a page from her book—sometimes, the best thing to do is to just start.

The Case of Askjapan

Another creator whose success story speaks to this trend is Askjapan, a 50-year-old man who found viral success with his unfiltered, unscripted content. His videos often feature him talking to the camera while casually eating snacks like Doritos and Pepsi, sharing his thoughts on life and his hobbies. The first video I saw from him was titled, I'm 50 years old Japanese man. I am lonely on Saturday night. I play Sailor Moon SNES game—a simple, humble, and relatable hook.

Though Askjapan had been posting content since 2016, it wasn’t until April and May of 2024 that he began to experience a significant uptick in subscribers. His secret? The hook he uses in all of his titles: “I’m 50 years old Japanese man.” This simplicity, paired with his vulnerability, speaks to a wider audience who find comfort in his candidness and shared experience. Today, he boasts over 154,000 subscribers, with several videos exceeding 1 million views.

What’s most impressive about Askjapan’s rise is that he didn’t rely on high production value or flashy visuals. His success came from being genuine, consistent, and relatable. The lesson here? Patience and persistence pay off—and authenticity can lead to remarkable success.

Charlie: Keeping It Simple

Then there’s MoistCr1TiKaL (aka Charlie, aka Penguinz0–he has a lot of names), a creator who has managed to stay relevant for years simply by talking to his audience. His videos rarely rely on complex gimmicks. Instead, he shares his thoughts, opinions, and commentary on whatever topics he finds interesting. His authenticity and casual approach have earned him a massive following—proving that you don’t need to go over the top to be successful on YouTube.

The Power of Listening

Another key factor for these creators is the ability for their videos to be played in the background while viewers tackle other tasks. Since these videos usually don’t rely heavily on visual stimuli, they can function like mini-podcasts, allowing audiences to listen while multitasking. I can't count how many times I've had a YouTube video running while doing laundry, working out, or even driving (shoutout to YouTube Premium—not sponsored). In a world where time is limited and countless forms of entertainment compete for our attention, having content that's easy to listen to is a huge advantage. When videos can be passively consumed rather than requiring constant visual engagement, they become a valuable asset for both creators and viewers.

The Future of YouTube: Authenticity Over Production Value

Of course, YouTube is still home to some of the biggest names in the business—creators like MrBeast, whose extravagant, high-budget challenges will always have a place on the platform. But the truth is, there’s an increasing demand for more genuine, low-key content that prioritizes connection over spectacle. People want authenticity, they want to hear others’ perspectives, and they want to feel less alone in a world that often feels isolating.

In a time where many are facing uncertainty—whether from financial struggles, political unrest, or personal challenges—people are turning to creators who can offer a sense of relatability. Creators who are just being themselves are filling a much-needed space in our digital lives. This is something that has been especially amplified by the popularity of TikTok and short-form video.

So, What’s the Takeaway for Creators?

If you’re a creator looking to build an audience or expand your reach, take a step back from the overthinking. You don’t need expensive gear or elaborate editing to succeed. Instead, focus on authenticity, relatability, and consistency. Create content that resonates with people, and the audience will come. It’s all about trial and error, and there’s no better time to start than now.

Yes, having a hook or niche is important, but don’t get too caught up in perfecting the formula. Sometimes, the most impactful content is the simplest: you, sharing your thoughts with the world.

In Conclusion

As YouTube shifts toward rewarding more casual, authentic videos, it’s clear that there’s an appetite for unpolished, real, and relatable content. The rise of TikTok and short-form videos has sparked a change in how people engage with content, and YouTube is adapting by embracing this shift. With the ever-looming threat of the U.S. potentially banning TikTok, we may very well see an even bigger increase in this type of content on YouTube than we already are.

If you’ve been hesitating to start a channel, unsure of how to approach it, let the success stories of creators like Dough Dash and Askjapan inspire you. You don’t need a Hollywood production team or the latest camera gear. All you need is your story, your authenticity, and a willingness to share.