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The Internet Is Being Ruined by Bloated Junk

Jan 15, 2024 - theatlantic.com
The article discusses the trend of increasing content length across various online platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter. It highlights how platforms that were once known for short-form media are now allowing users to post longer content, with YouTube videos reaching up to 12 hours and TikTok testing a 15-minute limit for some creators. The article suggests that this shift is driven by the desire to increase ad revenue and engagement numbers, with longer content providing more opportunities for ad placements and keeping viewers engaged for longer periods.

However, the article also criticizes this trend, arguing that it often results in bloated and unnecessary content. It points out that content creators are often trying to game algorithms to increase their visibility and revenue, rather than focusing on the quality of their content. The article concludes by suggesting that good content should dictate its own length, rather than being artificially extended to meet platform or algorithmic demands.

Key takeaways:

  • Online platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter, once known for short-form content, are now featuring longer content, with some videos reaching up to 12 hours.
  • Creators often extend their content not because the subject requires it, but to game algorithms, increase engagement numbers, and earn more revenue.
  • Algorithms, which are supposed to recommend the best content, end up creating incentives for people to generate bloated content. The length of a video or article can sometimes be seen as an indicator of quality.
  • Platforms like TikTok and YouTube have introduced features to speed up video playback, acknowledging that content has become too long. However, the length of content is often driven by the need for ad space, which generates revenue for the platforms.
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