Why Gen Z is Moving Back to YouTube: My Take on the Long-Form Content Comeback.

Why Gen Z is Moving Back to YouTube: My Take on the Long-Form Content Comeback.

YouTube is making a comeback, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier. I mean, as a Gen Z who’s been loyal to YouTube for years, it’s kind of funny to see everyone running back to the platform now. While everyone was busy trading YouTube for TikTok and Instagram, I was that person who was still clicking ‘Skip Ad’ and binge-watching vlogs and conspiracy theories. But now, suddenly, everyone’s back — and it’s like, ‘Oh, so NOW YouTube is cool again?’

Let’s be real. TikTok is like that flashy new kid in school who’s always doing the latest dance move and pulling pranks. Instagram? That’s the popular kid who looks perfect but never has much to say beyond ‘Look at me!’ But YouTube? YouTube is that friend who can chill with you for hours, get real deep, and still make you laugh until you cry.

And yeah, I know what some people might say: ‘You still use Facebook? Auntie vibes.’ Guilty as charged. But hear me out — Facebook and YouTube actually have a lot in common. Both are packed with longer videos, both let you go down rabbit holes of content, and both let you watch entire lives unfold over time. TikTok and Instagram? Nah. If you blink, you’ve missed the entire story.

Now, why is Gen Z moving back to YouTube? It’s simple — we’re tired of quick-scroll content. You can only watch so many 15-second dance challenges before your brain starts craving something more substantial. On YouTube, you can watch a 30-minute deep dive on why AI is going to take over the world, followed by a 45-minute vlog of someone’s emotional rollercoaster of a day. It’s like getting a full meal instead of a quick snack.

Plus, there’s the authenticity factor. On TikTok and Instagram, everything feels so curated and over-edited. But on YouTube, people take their time, open up, and let you see the real stuff — even the messy, unfiltered moments. You get to know them. You get to laugh with them. You get to feel like you’re hanging out with a friend, not just scrolling past a stranger.

And let’s not forget the learning aspect. As someone in their gap year, trying to figure out how to make money, learn new skills, and maybe even find a purpose, YouTube has been my go-to teacher. I’ve learned how to create content, start a blog, even the basics of budgeting — all for free. TikTok might show you how to make whipped coffee in 30 seconds, but YouTube? YouTube will show you how to build a whole coffee business if you’re willing to sit and learn.

So yeah, YouTube is back. But for some of us, it never left. And if you’re still calling me ‘Auntie’ for liking Facebook, then so be it. Just don’t be surprised when I say ‘I told you so’ about YouTube.