The Curious Case of the YouTube Outro
We've all been there. You're engrossed in a cat video. Or learning how to bake the perfect sourdough.
Then BAM! It hits you: the YouTube outro.
"Thanks for Watching!"... Thanks?
Okay, hear me out. I know this is going to be controversial. But doesn't "Thanks for watching!" feel... redundant?
I mean, I was watching. That's why I'm at the end of the video.
It's like saying, "Thanks for breathing!" after someone takes a breath. We get it, that's the point.
The "Don't Forget to Like" Plea
This one is a classic. "Don't forget to like!" they cheerfully command.
It's not like liking a video is a crucial life skill we need reminding of. It’s a button. A simple thumbs up.
And honestly, if the video was good, I probably already liked it! I'm not waiting for permission.
And Now, the Subscription Saga!
"And subscribe for more content!" they chirp. This is where it gets interesting.
Subscribing is a commitment. It's a digital handshake. It means "I trust you to consistently entertain or inform me."
Maybe, just maybe, let the content speak for itself? Don't treat me like a bot.
The Bell? Oh, The Bell!
Then there’s the bell. The notification bell. The bell that promises to relentlessly ping your phone.
“Hit the notification bell to never miss a video!” they implore. My phone already hates me.
Does anyone really want more notifications?
Is It Just Me?
Am I alone in this? Is this a weirdly specific pet peeve?
I understand the algorithm. I get the hustle. I truly do.
But sometimes, I just want to watch the video and move on with my life.
The Appeal of the Seamless Exit
Imagine a world where videos simply... ended. No outro. No requests. Just pure, unadulterated content.
Think of the time saved! Think of the reduced anxiety!
It would be a utopia. A content utopia.
A Humble Proposal
Maybe, just maybe, we could replace the standard outro with something... different.
How about a subtle fade to black? Or a single, elegant "The End"?
Or perhaps... nothing at all? Let the silence speak volumes.
The Power of Choice
Ultimately, it's the creator's choice. They can ask for likes, subscriptions, and bell rings to their heart's content.
And I, the viewer, have the power to click away. It's the circle of online life.
But a little less "Thanks for watching!" and a little more creating something truly watch-worthy might just be the ticket.
One Last Thing... (Just Kidding!)
Okay, I'm done. Seriously.
I just wanted to spark a little lighthearted debate. Let me know in the comments (oops!).
Perhaps @YouTube is listening?
"Less Outro, More Awesome Content!" - Probably someone on the internet.
