VidCon

VidCon. An annual convention focused on online video, digital content creation, and internet culture. Founded by Hank Green and John Green, the event brings together fans, content creators, and industry professionals from across the digital media landscape. It has grown from a niche gathering into a major industry conference and fan experience, often described as the premier event for the online video community.

History

The first iteration was held in 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, conceived by the YouTube pioneers and authors Hank Green and John Green of the Vlogbrothers channel. Its creation was a direct response to the burgeoning online video community that had formed around platforms like YouTube, seeking a physical space for connection. Rapid growth in attendance led to a move to the Anaheim Convention Center in 2012, where it became a multi-day fixture. In 2018, the convention was acquired by Vox Media, which expanded its global footprint with events like VidCon Mexico and VidCon Abu Dhabi. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 event and a scaled-down, relocated 2021 event at the Los Angeles Convention Center, before it returned to Anaheim in 2022.

Format and events

The convention is structured around three distinct tracks: the Community Track for fans, the Creator Track for aspiring and established content creators, and the Industry Track for digital media professionals and brand representatives. Typical programming includes main stage panels featuring major internet celebrities, hands-on workshops for skills like video editing and social media strategy, and exclusive meet-and-greet sessions. Signature events often include the VidCon Awards (formerly the Streamy Awards were hosted here), concerts by musician-creators, and large-scale fan gatherings in the convention hall. The expo floor features booths from major platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, as well as media networks and sponsor companies.

Impact and influence

It played a pivotal role in legitimizing online video as a professional industry and content creation as a viable career, influencing the business models of platforms like YouTube and Twitch. The event has served as a launchpad for numerous internet celebrities, helping to elevate personalities from the YouTube community to mainstream recognition. Its model has been studied by marketing firms and traditional media companies seeking to understand digital culture, and it has directly inspired the creation of other genre-specific conventions. The acquisition by Vox Media signaled its importance within the broader digital media ecosystem, alongside properties like The Verge and Polygon.

Notable attendees and speakers

The event regularly features a wide array of prominent figures from digital media. Early keynotes often included YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley and executives from Google. Celebrity creators who have headlined include Michelle Phan, Smosh (Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla), Rhett and Link of Good Mythical Morning, and Lilly Singh. Mainstream artists who engage with online video communities, such as Troye Sivan and JoJo Siwa, have also been featured. Industry track speakers have included executives from Netflix, Spotify, and Warner Bros. Discovery, reflecting the convergence of digital and traditional media.

Criticism and controversies

Criticism has often focused on issues of accessibility and safety, particularly for younger attendees, leading to enhanced security measures and stricter policies following incidents. Some within the online video community have argued that its corporate growth under Vox Media has diluted its original grassroots, fan-centric ethos. There have been controversies regarding the conduct of certain featured content creators, prompting discussions about the responsibility of platforms and event organizers. The ticketing structure, which tiers access and meet-and-greet opportunities by price, has also been a point of contention regarding inclusivity within the digital creator economy.

Category:Conventions in the United States Category:Internet culture events Category:Recurring events established in 2010