Artisan Age of YouTube

Also known as the "Pre-influencer era of youtube"

The umbrella term for the golden age (2005-2009) and silver age (2010-2013) of the platform. The peak of creativity and coolness in videos. Including, but not limited to: AVGN, RWJ, Jenna Marbles, NigaHiga , TGWTG, Game Over by Poykpac, Jacksfilms, Pewdiepie, Epic Meal time, Overly Attached Girlfriend, Boxxy, Bobby Burns, Dan and Phil.

As opposed to the (ugh) Post-artisan age/influencer era of YouTube which started at

the bronze age (2014-2016) and the iron/dark age (2017-present day; worsened by the pandemic) where creativity and close-knit dynamics with audiences were replaced by low brow videos, low effort commentary toxicity/bullying, diss tracks, scandals involving forests, boxing matches and formulaic but financially extravagant Mr. Beast videos.

David: man I miss OG YouTube.

Simon: Fr dude, it was the Artisan age of youtube, funny stuff, like corridor digital, nostalgia critic. Freddie W and RocketJump.

David: Ever notice that youtube just dropped in artistic quality when VGHS ended? YouTube red showed up straight after, then that was it. Apocalypse, The Paul brothers. Viners came out of nowhere. Now it's a wasteland of creativity.