There are countless videos on YouTube, and I’ve spent time exploring all kinds of genres. But there’s one format I hadn’t really dug into—until I noticed how much it’s exploded over the past few years: reaction videos.
Let’s take a closer look at what reaction videos are, why so many people watch them, why they’ve become so popular, and how you can record one yourself.
After reading this, you might even feel inspired to make your own.
What are reaction videos?
Reaction videos are created by YouTubers who watch a TV show, movie, or short clip and respond as it plays—sharing their thoughts and emotions in real time. Usually, the content they react to is either suggested by their audience or already trending in the reaction-video space.
A good example is when Spider-Man: No Way Home was released. Reaction channels everywhere started reacting to the Spider-Man films, and even older reaction videos began resurfacing in recommendations.
Why are they so popular?
Reaction videos often get criticized as “lazy” or “boring,” but people keep watching them for several real reasons.
They help people feel less alone
Reaction videos have surged in popularity in recent years because they offer something simple but meaningful: shared experience. Watching someone react to a show, scene, or song you love can create a sense of connection—like you’re enjoying it together.
And after years of people spending more time at home (often alone), that need for community and companionship has only grown. Reaction videos can provide that feeling of togetherness without anyone having to leave the house.
They work well as background noise
Some content—like video essays or game playthroughs—can be harder to follow casually if you’re busy. Reaction videos, on the other hand, are easy to have on while you work, do chores, or just want something playing in the background.
You don’t even have to know the original content. You can simply listen to the creator’s responses, keep the volume low, and enjoy the energy without needing to stay fully focused. In short, reaction videos provide entertaining “company” without being too distracting.
People love seeing others experience their favourite media
When you love a book, film, show, or album, it’s natural to want to share it. Many of us recommend our favourite things to friends for exactly that reason.
Reaction videos tap into that same feeling. Viewers enjoy them because:
- they get to watch someone experience something they already love
- it’s satisfying to see someone else become excited and invested
- it helps new audiences discover the same media
- it gives people more to talk about with others who share the interest
Reaction content can even introduce viewers to something new. For example, I decided to listen to the new Taylor Swift album after watching YouTubers react to it. That’s how influential reaction videos can be.
Why do people think it’s an easy way to become a YouTuber?
Reaction videos can be effective, but that doesn’t mean they’re beyond criticism.
A lot of people assume reaction content is an easy shortcut to success because the basic process sounds simple:
- record your reaction on your phone
- screen-record what you’re watching
- edit them together
And just like that—you’ve got a reaction video.
On top of that, it’s possible to batch record several reactions in a single day, which can make it easier to stay ahead of schedule compared to creators making more complex videos.
Reaction videos and copyright problems
The biggest challenge reaction creators deal with is copyright.
Because reaction videos use footage from TV shows, films, and other creators, YouTube’s Content ID system can quickly flag the video. That can lead to demonetization, copyright claims, or—even worse—copyright strikes.
Copyright exists to protect creators and rights holders, even if it doesn’t always feel fair in practice. And sometimes, claims and strikes can happen in ways that feel unreasonable.
That’s one reason many reaction creators turn to platforms like Patreon to build income outside of YouTube.
So while reaction videos may look easy from the outside, they often come with real uncertainty. And for many creators, what keeps them going is genuine enthusiasm for the content—and the community that forms around it.
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