Tips and Wisdom for starting a kid-run epistemology YouTube channel
December 24, 2024 10:33 AM Subscribe
Our kids are 9 (F), 11 (F), and 12 (M). They're pretty cool. Like many kids their age, they're really into YouTube. They're also pretty politically/socially aware as their mom has been a progressive elected official and activist in a red island over the last 5 years. That said, they mostly like YouTube for funny shorts, Fortnite videos, music, skibidi, and some science content. We're aiming help them channel some of this in a different direction and could use your insight!
In light of the worsening information environment, my wife and I have decided to start a family "media production company" to produce YouTube content with them, which they seem pretty into. The mission/vision is to create content about how we know what we know, and what's worth knowing. The idea is to work together on creating content that is both cool in its own right, but also strengthens skills around sourcing, fact checking, the scientific process, etc. while creating it together. The real purpose here is not to monetize, but rather to use a vehicle they are already drawn to as an entry point for deeper exploration and epistemic strengthening. Topics would be wide ranging but tie back to this big theme.
I have a deep background in tech and some dated video editing skills, but in general we're pretty new to this from the production side. I'm looking for tips, ideas, guidance from MeFites on any aspects of this you can help with:
- Any good YouTube video editing tutorial resources?
- Tips and tricks on developing workflows for doing this kind of thing with kids?
- Other similar types of projects out there we could take inspiration from?
- Things to watch out for when getting started on something like this, technical or otherwise?
Any guidance you could offer would be most welcome!
In light of the worsening information environment, my wife and I have decided to start a family "media production company" to produce YouTube content with them, which they seem pretty into. The mission/vision is to create content about how we know what we know, and what's worth knowing. The idea is to work together on creating content that is both cool in its own right, but also strengthens skills around sourcing, fact checking, the scientific process, etc. while creating it together. The real purpose here is not to monetize, but rather to use a vehicle they are already drawn to as an entry point for deeper exploration and epistemic strengthening. Topics would be wide ranging but tie back to this big theme.
I have a deep background in tech and some dated video editing skills, but in general we're pretty new to this from the production side. I'm looking for tips, ideas, guidance from MeFites on any aspects of this you can help with:
- Any good YouTube video editing tutorial resources?
- Tips and tricks on developing workflows for doing this kind of thing with kids?
- Other similar types of projects out there we could take inspiration from?
- Things to watch out for when getting started on something like this, technical or otherwise?
Any guidance you could offer would be most welcome!
Well, under the category of inspiration, the YouTube "Luke Beasley" channel just reached 1.02 Million subscribers. The host appears to be young but poised and intelligent with a very good vocabulary. The YouTube "Adam Mockler" channel has 725 thousand subscribers and a relatively young host.
Of course we live in a very politically charged environment, so the above examples are just to show that it's not only older adults with credentials who can enter the YouTube arena. But for safety it would be important to watch over their content before publication to avoid back lash.
posted by forthright at 1:01 PM on December 24, 2024 [1 favorite]
Of course we live in a very politically charged environment, so the above examples are just to show that it's not only older adults with credentials who can enter the YouTube arena. But for safety it would be important to watch over their content before publication to avoid back lash.
posted by forthright at 1:01 PM on December 24, 2024 [1 favorite]
I realize you’re already used to your family being in the spotlight but I personally would be very concerned about putting children out there in this way at this point in time. I also feel that children are already being pushed so hard to be in front of the camera and to have their looks and personalities scrutinized. Even in a channel with a “serious” topic, there will still be pressure and comparisons made about looks, clothes, etc. Perhaps you could be the face of the project and have them do the writing, production, etc.? That would both give them a bit more privacy and avoid some of the downsides.
posted by knobknosher at 4:14 AM on December 26, 2024 [7 favorites]
posted by knobknosher at 4:14 AM on December 26, 2024 [7 favorites]
You said that your goal is to channel your kids’ enjoyment of youtube into a different direction, probably something that’s educational for them.
I would encourage them to create a video on their own, using a phone or cheap camcorder, with parents as advising consultants. It could be about anything, whatever they’re into, even fortnight. They would learn about how the sausage of a video is made, giving them insight to whether or not to trust stuff they see on youtube— so that’ll help with your goal — while also being creative and having fun. You can decide if it seems appropriate to post the final result online.
Da Vinci resolve is a good video editor.
posted by Hawthorn at 5:50 AM on December 26, 2024 [2 favorites]
I would encourage them to create a video on their own, using a phone or cheap camcorder, with parents as advising consultants. It could be about anything, whatever they’re into, even fortnight. They would learn about how the sausage of a video is made, giving them insight to whether or not to trust stuff they see on youtube— so that’ll help with your goal — while also being creative and having fun. You can decide if it seems appropriate to post the final result online.
Da Vinci resolve is a good video editor.
posted by Hawthorn at 5:50 AM on December 26, 2024 [2 favorites]
I share knobknosher's caution. Putting videos of your children on the public internet, in any context, will leave them open to all sorts of possibly harmful outcomes. Are you prepared to read weird or predatory comments from strangers about your 9 year old daughter? Do you feel comfortable with the idea that anyone will be able to download your content, edit it, and use it for their own purposes?
Your children are also potentially unable to give informed consent for the use of their image. Do they fully understand that they will be giving up part of their privacy? Are they prepared for what might happen if their friends (or bullies) at school find the videos?
If you go ahead with this, I strongly suggest not putting your kids in front of the camera. Let the adults have that burden. Or find a way of doing it that doesn't involve YouTube (make a zine/educational posters/stickers instead).
posted by fight or flight at 8:41 AM on December 26, 2024 [2 favorites]
Your children are also potentially unable to give informed consent for the use of their image. Do they fully understand that they will be giving up part of their privacy? Are they prepared for what might happen if their friends (or bullies) at school find the videos?
If you go ahead with this, I strongly suggest not putting your kids in front of the camera. Let the adults have that burden. Or find a way of doing it that doesn't involve YouTube (make a zine/educational posters/stickers instead).
posted by fight or flight at 8:41 AM on December 26, 2024 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I hesitated to answer but your question is on my mind.
Tips and tricks on developing workflows for doing this kind of thing with kids?
My main advice content-wise is
- start with shorter-form content
- make 3-5 videos before you start posting, and try to have some in the can and post on a not-stressful schedule - one a month or one every two weeks, regularly, is better than a bunch and then none
- make sure everyone is okay with the videos before they go up
I think the most likely outcome is that it's a lovely family project, although it does sound like you have a bit of a platform to work from.
Things to watch out for when getting started on something like this, technical or otherwise?
I involved my kids in my media career. They were younger than yours are, but I blogged about them a bit when that was a thing (on a professional site with strong viewership) and brought them to PR events and put pictures of them enjoying the Legoland opening, etc. online. They're not angry about it, but they don't look back on it super fondly either.
When I was in that world...I have to say I saw some dark stuff. Parents screaming at their kids to get the right shot, family narratives continued online that were outright lies.
Last year my youngest posted a TikTok - like his third- that got like 80k views and some comments, and we talked it through and he decided to delete it. He thought he wanted the attention and when it arrived, he decided he did not.
Out of that experience, I would be very very clear with yourselves as parents what your lines are if your kids get uncomfortable at any step in your journey. At the start, if you do start to get negative comments, if you build a following, if you feel like you are Doing Good - and they still don't like it.
I would encourage you to engage with the stories of kids and families of different walks of life who have had both positive and negative experiences, and keep thinking about it - don't let the channel rule you. Attention is a currency, especially in politics.
I think having a topic is better than putting your life online, but social media is social. I guess as a political family you have already made some choices, but if the content is coming from your kids, that's a next-level decision.
For me...I would actually worry more if my kids had social media success than if they had failure. The pressure to continue to churn out content - more clicks - is something pretty much everyone feels (just think about favourites here), even when it's not monetized. The world of teen/late teen/early 20s content creation can be a very difficult environment even for pretty grounded kids. I have seen some of that up close lately and it can be really tough.
I do believe that kids get a lot out of contributing to the world. But having their juvenilia up forever - posted and screen grabbed and commented on - is quite a bit different than helping in a tutoring program or a food bank.
Be sure that you are making these choices primarily for your kids' well-being, if you are involving them. The way you've described the project sounds pretty adult-driven. If it's just to learn about making content, you can make it and not publish it.
posted by warriorqueen at 9:53 AM on December 26, 2024 [4 favorites]
Tips and tricks on developing workflows for doing this kind of thing with kids?
My main advice content-wise is
- start with shorter-form content
- make 3-5 videos before you start posting, and try to have some in the can and post on a not-stressful schedule - one a month or one every two weeks, regularly, is better than a bunch and then none
- make sure everyone is okay with the videos before they go up
I think the most likely outcome is that it's a lovely family project, although it does sound like you have a bit of a platform to work from.
Things to watch out for when getting started on something like this, technical or otherwise?
I involved my kids in my media career. They were younger than yours are, but I blogged about them a bit when that was a thing (on a professional site with strong viewership) and brought them to PR events and put pictures of them enjoying the Legoland opening, etc. online. They're not angry about it, but they don't look back on it super fondly either.
When I was in that world...I have to say I saw some dark stuff. Parents screaming at their kids to get the right shot, family narratives continued online that were outright lies.
Last year my youngest posted a TikTok - like his third- that got like 80k views and some comments, and we talked it through and he decided to delete it. He thought he wanted the attention and when it arrived, he decided he did not.
Out of that experience, I would be very very clear with yourselves as parents what your lines are if your kids get uncomfortable at any step in your journey. At the start, if you do start to get negative comments, if you build a following, if you feel like you are Doing Good - and they still don't like it.
I would encourage you to engage with the stories of kids and families of different walks of life who have had both positive and negative experiences, and keep thinking about it - don't let the channel rule you. Attention is a currency, especially in politics.
I think having a topic is better than putting your life online, but social media is social. I guess as a political family you have already made some choices, but if the content is coming from your kids, that's a next-level decision.
For me...I would actually worry more if my kids had social media success than if they had failure. The pressure to continue to churn out content - more clicks - is something pretty much everyone feels (just think about favourites here), even when it's not monetized. The world of teen/late teen/early 20s content creation can be a very difficult environment even for pretty grounded kids. I have seen some of that up close lately and it can be really tough.
I do believe that kids get a lot out of contributing to the world. But having their juvenilia up forever - posted and screen grabbed and commented on - is quite a bit different than helping in a tutoring program or a food bank.
Be sure that you are making these choices primarily for your kids' well-being, if you are involving them. The way you've described the project sounds pretty adult-driven. If it's just to learn about making content, you can make it and not publish it.
posted by warriorqueen at 9:53 AM on December 26, 2024 [4 favorites]
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posted by rabia.elizabeth at 11:17 AM on December 24, 2024 [3 favorites]