One must understand that YouTube, at its core, is a business, and therefore, as a moneymaking entity, their primary goal is to make a profit. Obviously, advertisements are their primary source of revenue. Partners are the pet of YouTube, and, while the has its problems, YouTube is able to gain a win-win deal from the relationship with these users. Yes, these simple and easily-ignorable ads make money, and, in some cases, a lot of money, and YouTube shouldn’t be blamed for merely exercising the fundamentals of capitalism. Out of respect for their business partners, YouTube willingly promotes their videos, and, resultantly, shares the revenue from the ads. Issues do arise, but, for the most part, there’s nothing scheming or wrong about those practices. In the process, however, smaller producers do become neglected, but it is not YouTube’s intention to push these content-makers aside. Indeed, some of the more popular channels came from simplistic beginnings, rising the ranks and until they began to command the “most subscribed” and “most popular/viewed” lists. Sometimes, all that is needed is luck.

Yes, ads and corporate marketing has began to spread throughout the site, but simply because YouTube, by example of its own success, stands as an opportunity to “get the word out,” if you will. Again, both the companies involved and YouTube reap benefits from such a deal, and, well, life goes on.

Really, I see nothing horribly wrong with YouTube’s ways; their indicative of a capitalistic business, and one that is using common methods in order to meet their bottom line. While not all are successful on YouTube, each has an equal opportunity to work hard and move up the ladder. The past itself has proven that notion to be true.