VidCon Came and Conquered

By: Nataliya Ioffe - 07-20-2010 - (0) Comments - Interactive

YouTube in Real Life
The other weekend, over a thousand YouTube vloggers, amateur videographers and YouTube fans flocked to Los Angeles for the first annual VidCon event. Many successful YouTubers have tried in the past to set up their own makeshift gatherings with fans and enthusiasts, but this year’s VidCon was the first “official” user gathering of its kind. Tickets to attend ranged from $80 to $140 and were very unexpectedly sold out to the public.

VidCon featured 36 guest speakers (two of which I have featured here) who have gained significant success through the online video industry. Even YouTube themselves spoke at the gathering, announcing their new $5 million Partner Grants Program which will help fund emerging YouTubers in their creative endeavors.

People are Paying Attention. Are You?
Online video, especially on YouTube, has been popular for quite a while now, but it has never been taken as seriously it is now. Ceremonies like the Webby Awards and the Streamy Awards demonstrate that popular and innovative online videos are gaining recognition offline as well. Plus, successful gatherings like VidCon demonstrate that there is a growing, loyal fan-base that feels the need to connect with Internet celebrities “IRL” (in real life), rather than just online.

It’s safe to say the first ever VidCon came and conquered. With YouTube’s incredible growth and evolution, I can only assume that next year’s gathering will be even more successful. You heard it from me first—Keep an eye out!

About the Author:

Nataliya Ioffe

Nataliya Ioffe is the newest member of the Okay Yellow team. She is currently serving as an intern for the summer and is developing her skills as a graphic and web designer. In the fall she will continue her education at James Madison University and will graduate with a degree in media arts in design in the spring. Her interests in the field include design, online marketing, and new media. Away from the computer, Nataliya enjoys spending time with her family in South-Western Virginia. She travels as much as she can and enjoys learning about culture, politics, and religion. She also has a mild obsession with beagles, movies, and Earl Grey tea.

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