2021 was the Year of SumitoMedia – and just 12 months after we first talked to Sumit, his meme-culture YouTube channel popped from averaging about 50,000 views a month to nearly 600,000. What’s the one constant? Misato from Evangelion, who’s something of a mommy figure.

Mem culture touches on everything, but Kevin notices a difference between people who stream and watch movies vs. people who actually watch TV. What does it even mean to watch TV at this point? Sumit doesn’t have time for TV, since he’s busy platinum’ing every video game. But why?

Chinese social credit as a meme got better and better through 2021, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see it continue for another year… or more. Sumit explains the social credit system and why it’s so bizarre. And the CDC says he needs to ponder more orbs.

Kevin’s frustrated that some people don’t get jokes – at al – and so is Sumit. Matt goes back to Sumit’s 5th tweet ever to find the origins of the ThiccBit, which gets its very first like after more than 3 years.

Sumit really doesn’t like Seth Rogen.

At this point we’ve talked to a whole lot of creators, from YouTube to streaming to music and comedy writing. A lot of people succeed, but not many do it right and do it sustainably. Sumit does, so pay attention to that as we churn through a year that needs memes very, very badly.

Thanks to everyone who showed up for our first live show of 2022, and a special thanks to the Patrons who make this show happen each and every week. We’ve got some good stuff on the way for you, so stick around. Oh, and if you like Smiling Friends, you’ll get a fair bit of content in the next month or two.

Patreon: https://patreon.com/thecreateunknown
 
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Chinese Social Credit & Waifus with SumitoMedia

Why Vsauce2 Became True Crime

There’s a new dream job out there and it’s Creator. The allure of flexing your creative muscles in the limelight for a living is enticing young and old to jump on YouTube and start recording. But a lot can happen on the way to millions of subscribers.

In ‘The Create Unknown’ co-hosts Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor take time off from getting millions of views on the education YouTube channel Vsauce2 to reveal how dozens of dynamic creators have successfully navigated the ever-changing, uncertain landscape of online media — and how others have been swallowed by digital quicksand. Season One guests include Destin Sandlin (Smarter Every Day), Dolan Dark, Grandayy, iJustine, Jake Roper, Michael Stevens, and more.

Through intensely personal conversations, listeners learn what it takes to not only survive but thrive as a creator and in life. Interviews cover everything from getting started as a YouTuber to how you land that first brand deal and the realities of being a digital influencer.

‘The Create Unknown’ is the ultimate behind-the-scenes YouTube podcast. New episodes every other Thursday. Listen for free on your favorite podcast app and on YouTube.