When I started making YouTube videos in my bedroom at 12 years old, the term ‘YouTuber’ was only just beginning to enter public consciousness. It took many more years to crystallise into a term people understood, let alone took somewhat seriously. Even towards the tail end of my decade making videos, I watched with mild amusement as the adults around me squirmed, trying to remember what exactly this hobby of mine was. “How are your friends, love?” one well-meaning family member asked. “The ones on the computer?”
Some 15 years on from my first upload, there are now many terms used to describe someone who makes videos for people to watch on the internet. They range from the specific (gamer, streamer, TikTokker) to the vague (content creator) to the often mocked (influencer). Now, YouTuber’s Creator Consultation is pushing for the UK government to recognise online content creation as a legitimate profession. The manifesto calls for better financial support, accreditation, and representation for ‘Creators’ on the Creative Industries Taskforce.
