Good morning. Cambridge Dictionary has added 6,000 new words to its online dictionary, including “delulu,” “skibidi,” and “tradwife.”
With all this algospeak joining the ranks of SAT vocab words…someone better check in on Etymology Nerd.
Mark Rober Heads for Netflix
Mark Rober will bring his science experiments to Netflix and host a new game show on the streamer / Photography by Ora DiLeonardo
Mark Rober’s viral glitter bombs just landed on Netflix’s doorstep. This week, the science creator announced a partnership to 1) bring some of his popular experiment videos to Netflix later this year and 2) host a family-friendly game show in 2026.
Context: Over the last 13 years, Rober (a former NASA engineer) has built a following of over 76 million and gained over 13 billion views across platforms making STEM videos that are universally interesting—making a backyard squirrel maze or a liquid sand hot tub, for example.
Three years ago, Rober launched CrunchLabs, an education and media company that makes subscription boxes for kids. In 2023, its revenue surpassed Rober’s YouTube channel.
Which brings us to Netflix: CrunchLabs will co-produce the game show with late night host Jimmy Kimmel’s production company, Kimmelot. (Rober has guest hosted Kimmel’s show and the pair have produced two shows on Discovery together.) CrunchLab’s Chief Content Officer Scott Lewers will executive produce the show.
What creators are saying: Rober’s deal is a play for bigger budgets and a way to expand viewership.
“Imagine him making a glitter bomb episode with a Netflix budget,” tech creator Shadowalker said on X.
“Excited to see this shift in media and Hollywood treating YouTubers as peers,” content strategist Robert True said on LinkedIn.
“Mark Rober on Netflix? My kids are going to lose their minds,” audio creator Solauw Sound said on X. “His elephant toothpaste volcano was their science fair inspiration last year.”
Zoom out: Netflix has been on a tear partnering with creators for original programming—from Ms Rachel and The Sidemen to Arlette Amuli’s Pop The Balloon.
Inside Speed’s Cross-Country Tour
IShowSpeed teases riding motorcycles, bullfighting, fishing, and more in the trailer for his nonstop livestream across the U.S. / IShowSpeed
After the success of his travel streams in Asia and Europe, IShowSpeed is returning from a month-long livestreaming hiatus with a 24/7, 35-day livestream across the United States.
Cross-country content is on the rise—from Ryan Trahan’s “50 States in 50 Days” series to travel creator Brooke Johnson’s longboard journey across America.
What his community is saying:
Fans anticipate programming: “I wonder if these visits will be in ‘traditional’ across America cities like Iowa and the Midwest. It would be cool if he checked out a few soul food restaurants or even places where his parents grew up,” one commenter said.
While creators want in on the fun: Streamer Thump invited Speed to his family’s farm in Mississippi to shoot a bowling ball cannon.
Zoom out: 24/7 streams have gone from novelty to norm among large streamers—like the return of Kai Cenat’s Mafiathon. Speed’s 25-state journey kicks off on his Twitch and YouTube channels on August 28 at 12pm ET.
The Next Oscars Host Is…YouTube?
YouTube expresses interest in hosting the Oscars / Illustration by Moy Zhong
YouTube wants to host the Academy Awards. After almost 50 years on ABC, Hollywood’s biggest night is considering a move to another network, and YouTube is reportedly weighing buying the rights.
Context: YouTube’s live programming portfolio has been expanding since its acquisition of NFL Sunday Ticket in 2023. With YouTube commanding 13.4% of all TV streaming—a new high, according to Nielsen—the platform has more reach than both the big networks and the other streamers.
So what could the Oscars on YouTube look like? Perhaps a YouTube-native host, like Amelia Dimoldenberg or Sean Evans, both of whom have worked with the Academy in the past on pre-show coverage.
Would you be more likely to watch the Academy Awards if they were on YouTube?
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🔥 Press Worthy
Hank Green’s app Focus Friend reaches No. 1 on Apple’s App Store chart.
Food creator Salt Hank is featured on NYT Cooking’s YouTube channel.
Ludwig said he spent $750K+ on this year’s Streamer Games, which were profitable.
TikTok launches a new feature designed to connect students at the same universities.
Unwell is hosting a two-day event in Las Vegas this fall.
Comedian Gianmarco Soresi is releasing his first full-length special exclusively on YouTube on September 19.
