HowToBasic is an Australian[1] YouTube comedy channel that is part of the WBD Ad Sales network,[5] with over 17 million subscribers. The creator of the videos does not speak or show his face, and remains anonymous.[1] The channel primarily features bizarre and destructive visual gags disguised as how-to tutorials. The channel first gained popularity in 2013.

HowToBasic
Personal information
NationalityAustralian[1]
YouTube information
Channel
Years active2011–present [2]
Genres
Subscribers17.6 million[4]
Total views3.69 billion[4]
NetworkWBD Ad Sales[3]
Associated acts
100,000 subscribers2012
1,000,000 subscribers2013
10,000,000 subscribers2018

Last updated: 23 August 2023

As of February 2023, HowToBasic is the 5th biggest Australian YouTube channel.[6] The channel's estimated net worth is US$2 million as of November 2018.[1][2]

The channel was briefly suspended on two occasions: once in 2014 and again in late 2015 on presumed violations of YouTube's policy on misleading content. Soon after each time, the channel was restored and the suspension lifted.[1][7]

Description and history

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The channel intentionally clickbaits first-time viewers to believe it is a how-to channel, with video titles, thumbnails, descriptions, as well as the channel's general description, claiming its videos to be tutorials on different subjects, with a particular emphasis on cooking. The actual content of the videos, instead, shows the unidentified man interacting in point of view with food and objects in many ways, mostly by throwing, destroying, and creating a large mess out of them. Some videos have employed additional gags, with guest actors and related footage appearing. Originally, the videos were genuine tutorials of very simple actions, such as "How to pick up a umbrella" (his first video) or "How to pour Drinks".[1]

A common theme in the videos is that a large assortment of chicken eggs or just a large mix of foods are thrown and destroyed,[1][3] or the meal HowToBasic is trying to cook is smashed with a hammer or a spade. Many of the videos include a running gag in which the man gives a thumbs-up or sometimes the finger gun or the middle finger in front of the camera while pointing the camera at the mess created, often grunting affirmatively. This is typically just before the scene ends.[1][3] Occasionally, HowToBasic participates in certain holidays and trending topics; some of the videos also feature guest appearances.

On 24 March 2018, HowToBasic released what appeared to be a face reveal video. However, the video turned out to be a parody and a compilation of popular YouTubers claiming themselves to be the creator of the channel, ultimately continuing the legitimate creator's anonymity. Over 80 individuals had a cameo in the video, including Michael Stevens of Vsauce, Markiplier, Casey Neistat, Daym Drops, h3h3productions, jacksfilms, Andy Milonakis, iDubbbz, Boogie2988, JonTron, Maxmoefoe, Jacksepticeye, RoomieOfficial, Aunty Donna, and Post Malone.[8][9]

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In June 2013, the man behind HowToBasic was interviewed as part of a 6:00 PM Australian News Bulletin by Nine News Perth, broadcast on STW. The station preserved his anonymity upon his request.[10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Eordogh, Fruzsina (26 March 2018). "The Most Epic Face Reveal Video That Wasn't". Forbes. Archived from the original on 1 April 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  2. ^ a b Deml, Jessica (2 February 2018). "How To Basic Net Worth 2018". The Minneapolis Gazette Review. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  3. ^ a b c Gutelle, Sam (27 June 2013). "YouTube Millionaires: How To Basic Breaks Out Of His Shell". Tubefilter. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  4. ^ a b "About HowToBasic". YouTube.
  5. ^ "Can you make money out of YouTube? You bet, just ask these Germans". The Sydney Morning Herald. 23 January 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  6. ^ "Top 250 YouTubers Channels in Australia - Socialblade YouTube Stats - YouTube Statistics". socialblade.com.
  7. ^ "UPDATED: Popular YouTube Channel HowToBasic Terminated Without Warning". MOARGeek. 23 December 2014. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  8. ^ Gutelle, Sam (28 March 2018). "All-Star Cast Of YouTubers Helps Egg-Smasher HowToBasic Parody The Face Reveal Format". Tubefilter. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  9. ^ Katzowitz, Josh (26 March 2018). "The HowToBasic YouTube channel finally reveals its creator—sort of". The Daily Dot. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  10. ^ "Perth teen's bizarre videos become internet hit". Nine News. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
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