Why watch reaction videos? Some would say its like “Netflix and chill” without the implied sex: “Why would you do THAT when you could just watch the MOVIE?”
No, it’s not just because it’s so hard to find a pretty gal to watch movies with.
Before the singularity (however we define it now), watching movies used to be a communal experience. Families, friends, and dates met at the cinema for opening blockbuster weekends and chatted it up at the diner afterward.
Today, our media consumption has become so fragmented, personalized, and solitary that many now tune into YouTube to watch others watch movies we like, to restore our basic human desire for connection through art.
Why People Watch Reaction Videos
People (AKA the “audience”) watch movies for a vicarious experience. “Reactors” record themselves watching movies so that “reaction viewers” (AKA “patrons”) can experience their vicarious experience as well. Got it?
Why? Patrons tune-in to reaction channels for:
Validation of Feelings: Did a specific scene make you cry, laugh, or cringe? Seeing others express that exact same emotional response validates your own reaction.
Camaraderie: Reactions feel like hanging out with a friend who might shares our interests. As CS Lewis said in Shadowlands, “We read to know we’re not alone.” Since nobody reads today, we watch, and the digital difference is negligible. And it takes less time!
Vicarious Discovery: There can only one “first time.” Well, unless you’re forgetful! Imagine getting to forget your favs and rediscover them again, but with a hint of recognition, as if returning home. That’s the emotional high viewers get when they relive through a reactor’s fresh eyes. And when you know how the reactor typically responds, you’ll look forward to other discoveries: “Oh, I can’t wait until they see [similar movie].
Authentic Human response: My jam. A reaction video involves actual humans providing what we hope is a genuine emotional response in a world full of curated social media propaganda and AI slop that continually thump, “Because sometimes it’s not about [intellectual strawman], it’s about [inspirational gibberish disguised as profundity].”
Reaction Channel Challenges
As a writer and story developer, I’m uncomfortable in front of the camera. I prefer watching others. Plus, I’m supposed to be the analytical and dispassionate one, providing objective notes couched in compliments and encouragement to other writers. I’m still growing my reaction muscles.
I imagine most Reactors got into this game because they were emotionally open and verbal, the kind of people who haven’t seen it all and still talk at their TVs. Others have told them they were fun to watch.
But a lark becomes a hobby, and the hobby, a business. Reactors with a few hundred flix in their catalog are no longer newbies. They have formed opinions, and if successful, found sponsors, founded fan base Patreons with monthly polls, extended watch hours, and so forth.
Questions:
- Since viewers watch reactors to validate their feelings, does that incentivize reactors to love everything? Do they censor or curate their opinions? And if so, are they faking that “authentic reaction”?
- How do reactors keep talking when overwhelmed, tired, emotionally dry, or at a loss for words? It is more than the fear of YouTube punishment?
- Do they start reacting to only popular stuff to increase their stats?
I’ve noticed that certain movies make the rounds on a reaction circuit. We can’t keep blaming the algorithm when multiple reactors upload the same movie – Shawshank Redemption, Hackshaw Ridge, or Forrest Gump – in the same week. Are they drafting off each other’s waves or is this some reaction to some social media stimulus, like an actor’s death?
The Problem of Curation
As businesses, music and movies run on hits, weeks in the top 10, year-end lists and awards. That means that most reactions consist of money-makers and Oscar bait, not hidden gems.
That’s unfortunate, since reactions are where underappreciated art finds a second life! Many bands have deep catalogs that never find the love. If you don’t know what I mean, find reactions to Billy Joel that are not “Piano Man” or “We Didn’t Start The Fire” or “Uptown Girl.” For Kansas, any that aren’t “Carry On, Wayward Son” or “Dust in the Wind.”
I could go on. My point is, since Reactors are incentivized by their patron’s viewing habits, and limited by their curiosity. That means there’s always a gap in the market. Sometimes, it’s undeserved.
The Problem of Fair Use
Most reaction viewers just want an authentic connection with art, and I got into reactions to keep engaging in the cultural conversation about our entertainment and values. Nobody wants to get sued or deplatformed.
The owners of that music and movie want their cut, whether YouTube patrons watch their original or not.
“Fair use” is the principle that allows Reactors to showcase content they don’t own because they’re transforming it, or using it for entertainment or educational purposes. This owner infringement battle determines whether that recent blockbuster or Eagles song is even allowed to be “aired” on YouTube – even with attribution, commentary, reaction, review, or whatever else. What a hassle!
Then again, how are the Eagles going to capture a new generation of potential fans if they punish Reactors? It’s not like they’re touring!
The Challenges of Reactions with Analysis
A quality vicarious experience produces satisfaction. Again, that’s why we watch reactions! But what if the movie doesn’t connect? It fails to make us suspend disbelief? What if Neos sees the Matrix?
I’m a movie nut that still craves that satisfaction of getting lost, feeling the comfort of cinematic structure and characters that ring true in a consistent and unified story world that doesn’t insult my intelligence or offend my sensibilities!
But sometimes that catalyst doesn’t activate. Then the writer/ story developer in me wants to push the narrative back into alignment. Because that’s what I do! I sense a friction:
- Confusion: The story failed to make its case, so I’m seeking closure.
- Disbelief or Frustration: A contrivance snaps us out of the illusion. Again, AI slop, over-the-top spectacle when you wanted a character moment, etc.
- Manipulation: Worse than noticing actors acting or hearing fake, on-the-nose dialog is realizing that the film makers are consciously manipulating the audience’s emotions in such an overt or condescending way.
- Dissatisfaction: When a scene, sequence or story fails to deliver an anticipated payoff. Our brains step back from emotional connection to inspect why it fell flat.
But I’m noticing that when a reactor becomes an analyst, reaction viewers get offended: “Stop whining with your negative thoughts, monkey! This thing was meaningful to me! Emote, damn you!”
God forbid you have a different opinion!
The difference Between Reactions and Reviews
Reactors show how they feel along with the story – visceral, authentic emotions in real-time.
Movie Reviewers try to answer “Should you see this movie?” and possibly what to think about it afterward.
Story Analysts definitely want you to think about it, and its story implications. We may not always be right, but we hopefully bring perspectives and screenwriting tools to elevate the discussion above mere opinion.
Filmmakers should benefit regardless, learning when a story goes off the rails (again, if the reaction is authentic), and how their work measures up against the pantheon of cinematic works.
Patrons should also benefit by developing their cinematic palate, so they can curate a better list for Reactors to react!
What Is the Benefit of “Giving Notes” on a Finished Movie?
Yes, we story analysts prefer to give notes (and get paid for it) before they greenlight production, before the actors ad lib, the directors capture lightning in a bottle, producers and editors recreate it post, test audiences fill out those obnoxious forms, and the studio sends it back for reshoots. I didn’t (and wouldn’t) make this world.
But “The movie is already made. What’s the point giving notes now?”
Real-Time Audience Feedback
For aspiring storytellers, reactions serve as a free focus group: where twists land, where pacing drags, what the reaction channel editor leaves out! All these offer insights into narrative pacing and emotional resonance.
Recontextualizing the Story
Every viewer brings a different life experience, cultural background, and perspective to film. Providing running commentary allows reactors to shed light on details others might have overlooked.
Again, it used to be that studios kept movies in the theaters for a season, perhaps a year, until it FINDS its audience, and that audience discussed the film. Today, Reactions through a vibrant patron community keep that discussion going.
How else would we discover decades later that The Karate Kid’s true villain was Danny LaRusso (Ralph Macchio)?
What If the Story Won’t Die?
A Hollywood IP (intellectual property) can spawn sequels, prequels, divergents, and spin-offs in the same story world. Don’t rely on Hollywood consultants and staffers to translate feedback into spun gold. They frequently get it wrong.
The Karate Kid not only spawned sequels, and the streaming hit, Cobra Kai, roughly 4 decades later!
The OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) shouldn’t end with film distribution. To a “prodco” (production company), movies are like one-off business plans, rolling through their slate of projects and into the market, while their creatives go back to the drawing board. Opening box office or watch time on streaming services doesn’t convey the quality of their product and how it connects with an audience.
Again, Reactors extend that conversation.
Conclusion
Our digital age has brought us too many unwanted advertisements, propaganda, AI slop, and bad choices on streaming. That’s not only demoralizing but isolating. Reaction channels are attempting to bring back the community campfire: “Tell me a story and see how I react!”
While they’re no substitute for the original movies in that controlled immersive experience the filmmaker envisioned, that’s not what everyone wants! Sometimes, we want to banter with friends and discover a new movie, reminisce with an old one, extend that conversation the filmmaker hoped for but never got opening weekend. And if that inspires a second life for an overlooked classic, why should Hollywood fight it? Amirite!
What are your favorite reaction channels? Do you watch them for story analysis, entertainment, or pure nostalgia? Let me know.