Rise of True Crime on YouTube

Study Notes

True crime content has exploded on YouTube in the past 5-6 years, with 2 billion views in 2019 and a 30% increase in 2020.
This growth is attributed to the convenience and accessibility of true crime content on YouTube, allowing users to choose from a variety of content creators and formats.

There is a lack of regulation on YouTube regarding true crime content, with no rules on obtaining consent from the victim's family or on the level of graphic or explicit content.
Content creators and viewers benefit from the engagement and monetization of true crime content, while the victim's family may be re-traumatized or grateful for the attention.
The format of true crime content, such as combining makeup and murder, can be seen as inappropriate or offensive to some viewers.

Bailey Sarian, a popular true crime YouTuber, posts makeup and mystery videos, which some viewers find appealing due to the conversational tone and the distraction of makeup application.
Others argue that this format is disrespectful to the victims and their families, as it trivializes the seriousness of the crimes.

Some argue that the format of true crime content is not morally significant, as long as the content is respectful and informative.
Others propose that true crime creators should donate to charities or organizations related to the cases they cover, and that viewers should be more active in supporting these causes.
One solution is to cover older, historical crimes, which would reduce the chance of re-traumatizing the victims' families.

In the past 5-6 years, true crime content on YouTube has seen a significant surge, with 2 billion views in 2019 and a 30% increase in 2020.
The growth of true crime content is attributed to the convenience and accessibility of YouTube, allowing users to choose from a variety of content creators and formats.

There is a lack of regulation on YouTube regarding true crime content, with no rules on obtaining consent from the victim's family or on the level of graphic or explicit content.
True crime content on YouTube raises ethical concerns, as content creators and viewers benefit from the engagement and monetization, while the victim's family may be re-traumatized or grateful for the attention.

Bailey Sarian, a popular true crime YouTuber, combines makeup and murder in her videos, which some viewers find appealing due to the conversational tone and the distraction of makeup application.
Others argue that this format is disrespectful to the victims and their families, as it trivializes the seriousness of the crimes.

Some argue that the format of true crime content is not morally significant, as long as the content is respectful and informative.
Others propose that true crime creators should donate to charities or organizations related to the cases they cover, and that viewers should be more active in supporting these causes.
One solution is to cover older, historical crimes, which would reduce the chance of re-traumatizing the victims' families.