Sleep: My Time Spent Dormant Vs Awake

Vsauce is a YouTube channel created by educator Michael Stevens. The channel initially focused on video game-related content but later shifted to educational content, exploring various topics such as science, mathematics, psychology, and philosophy. One of the popular segments on the channel is DONG (Do Online Now, Guys), which features unusual pages, apps, and games from the Internet. Given the vast amount of content produced by Vsauce and the popularity of their videos, it is likely that many people have spent a considerable amount of time watching and engaging with their content. Therefore, calculating the cumulative time spent sleeping by Vsauce viewers, or Dongers, as they are affectionately known, would be an intriguing yet challenging endeavour.

The evolution of Vsauce's content

The YouTube brand Vsauce was created by educator Michael Stevens in 2010. The channel initially focused on video game comedy content, with a number of different hosts. However, the channel soon became a mix of information and online activities, with Stevens as the sole host. Educational segments, featuring scientific, psychological, mathematical, and philosophical topics, as well as gaming, technology, and popular culture, became increasingly popular, and by September 2012, Vsauce had shifted its focus entirely to these segments.

In December 2010, Stevens launched two additional channels: Vsauce2, hosted by Kevin Lieber, and Vsauce3, hosted by Jake Roper. These channels further explored unusual knowledge, gadgets, and people, as well as fictional worlds and video games. The Vsauce brand also expanded to include WeSauce, a channel that compiled works from fans, and D!NG (formerly DONG), a spin-off channel featuring unusual pages, apps, and games from around the internet, as well as scientific and mathematical topics.

Over time, the Vsauce channels evolved to focus more on educational content, with Vsauce1, in particular, known for its unique blend of science, philosophy, and mind-bending facts. Stevens' approach combines curiosity, science, and mind-bending facts in an engaging and accessible manner, often starting with simple queries that lead to unexpected depths. This formula has proven highly successful, with the Vsauce network amassing over 25 million subscribers and 3 billion views across its channels.

Michael Stevens' background and career path

Michael Stevens, born on January 23, 1986, in Kansas City, Missouri, is an American educator, public speaker, entertainer, and editor. He is best known for creating and hosting the YouTube channel Vsauce, which explores scientific, psychological, mathematical, and philosophical topics, as well as gaming, technology, and popular culture. Stevens has become one of the most successful YouTubers, with over 21 million subscribers and 5 billion views.

Stevens' journey began in 2007 when he started using superimposition and dubbing to produce short comedic films about candidates in the 2008 United States presidential election. This caught the interest of Ben Relles, who invited him to join the online comedy group Barely Political. In 2008, Stevens moved to New York City and began working with Barely Political and Next New Networks.

In 2010, Stevens launched the Vsauce channel, which initially featured many contributors and focused heavily on video game culture. However, it was Stevens' educational content that stood out. He created series such as V-LIST, IMG, D.O.N.G., and LÜT, but it was his educational series DOT that gained immense popularity. As a result, Vsauce shifted its focus to educational discussions, exploring various fields of interest.

Stevens' passion for knowledge and curiosity about the world drove the success of Vsauce. He presents complex ideas in an entertaining and interactive way, capturing the attention of millions of inquisitive minds. In addition to Vsauce, Stevens has also launched related channels, including Vsauce2 and Vsauce3, which are hosted and produced by Kevin Lieber and Jake Roper, respectively.

Stevens' work extends beyond YouTube as well. He has worked as a content strategist for Google in London, presented TED talks, and collaborated with prominent individuals within the scientific community, such as Bill Nye, Derek Muller, and David Attenborough. In 2017, he created and starred in the YouTube Premium series "Mind Field" and presented the nationwide educational stage tour "Brain Candy Live!" alongside Adam Savage.

The creation of Vsauce2 and Vsauce3

The Vsauce brand was created by educator Michael Stevens in 2010. The original channel, now known as Vsauce1, features videos on scientific, mathematical, psychological, and philosophical topics, as well as gaming, technology, and popular culture.

In December 2010, Stevens created two additional channels: Vsauce2 and Vsauce3. Kevin Lieber has been the host of Vsauce2 since its inception. The channel covers topics such as unusual knowledge, gadgets, and people, as well as mind-blowing technology, the origins of things, and impressive innovations. Lieber has also produced videos under recurring segments, such as MindBlow, BiDiPi, 54321, and BOAT. Since 2019, Vsauce2 has primarily released videos about probability, paradoxes, and dilemmas, often visualized through real-world situations.

Jake Roper has hosted Vsauce3 since 2012. The channel is dedicated to fictional worlds and video games. There are currently four recurring segments: HeadShot, Game LÜT, 9bit, and Fact Surgery. Roper has collaborated with popular YouTubers such as Joe Hanson and Vanessa Hill and has presented videos featuring celebrity guests, including Bill Nye, Jack Black, and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Vsauce's popularity and impact

Vsauce, the YouTube brand created by educator Michael Stevens, has become one of the platform's most popular science channels. The network is comprised of Vsauce1, Vsauce2, Vsauce3, and Ding!, with over 25 million subscribers and 3 billion views combined. The channel's content focuses on scientific, psychological, mathematical, and philosophical topics, as well as gaming, technology, and popular culture.

The original Vsauce channel, now known as Vsauce1, began in 2010 with Michael Stevens as the host. Stevens writes, hosts, and edits his videos, which explore big, unexplored questions such as "Why Are Things Creepy?" and "What If You Were Born In Space?". The channel's unique approach to education, often starting with absurd questions, has captured the attention of millions of viewers. Stevens' dedication to research and his collaboration with other educators have contributed to the channel's popularity.

Vsauce2, hosted by Kevin Lieber, has a similar focus on science and education. Lieber joined the Vsauce team after being discovered by Michael Stevens. Lieber's ability to gauge audience interests and interact with fans has helped expand the channel's reach. Vsauce2 covers a range of topics, including unusual knowledge, gadgets, and people, presenting them in a way that inspires and entertains viewers.

Vsauce3, hosted by Jake Roper, is dedicated to exploring the real-world science behind fictional worlds, including books, video games, and movies. Roper's passion for making complex concepts accessible and his collaborations with other creators have contributed to the channel's success.

The impact of Vsauce extends beyond its own channels. The brand has collaborated with other popular YouTube creators, such as Henry Reich of MinutePhysics and Adam Savage, a television personality. Additionally, Vsauce has won multiple awards, including the Webby for People's Voice award for best news and information in 2014 and the Streamy Award for Best Science and Education Channel, Show, or Series in 2014 and 2015. The channel's content has been featured on online news publications such as The Huffington Post, CBS, and Gizmodo, further expanding its reach and influence.

The science behind Vsauce's success

The Man Behind the Curtain

The creator of Vsauce, Michael Stevens, is an American educator, public speaker, entertainer, and editor. Stevens was born in 1986 in Kansas City, Missouri, and developed a passion for knowledge at an early age. He studied psychology and English literature at the University of Chicago, and his interest in video editing was sparked by a re-cut trailer of The Shining. Stevens' expertise in neuroscience, literature, and psychology, combined with his theatre experience, has been instrumental in shaping Vsauce's unique style.

From Video Games to Viral Science

Vsauce's journey began in 2010 as a video game "comedy channel." Stevens himself admits he is "not funny and not really into video games." However, the channel's focus quickly shifted to educational content, specifically scientific videos inspired by Paul Zaloom's work on Beakman's World. Stevens recognized that his most popular content incorporated serious real-world concepts, often with an interdisciplinary approach. This evolution led to the creation of the DOT series, which stands out for its in-depth explorations of various topics.

Asking the Right Questions

A key element of Vsauce's success lies in its ability to capture viewers' attention by asking intriguing and sometimes absurd questions. For example, "How much does a shadow weigh?" or "What if everyone jumped at once?" These questions serve as a gateway to a world of mystery and knowledge, encouraging viewers to embark on a journey of discovery alongside the hosts. This approach has resulted in Vsauce amassing over 25 million subscribers and billions of views across its channels.

A Conversational Tone

Vsauce presents complex scientific topics in a casual, conversational tone that appeals to a diverse audience, including both children and adults. Stevens and his team strive to make science accessible and engaging. They achieve this by approaching their videos from the same level as their audience, remembering the path they took to learn the topic, and addressing the questions that arose along the way. This strategy ensures that the content remains relatable and easy to understand, fostering a sense of curiosity and exploration.

Collaboration and Credibility

Stevens has collaborated with renowned figures in the scientific community, including Bill Nye, Derek Muller, Jack Horner, Chris Pratt, and David Attenborough. These collaborations have enhanced Vsauce's credibility and provided valuable insights for its audience. Additionally, Vsauce has expanded beyond its main channel, with the creation of Vsauce2 and Vsauce3, hosted by Kevin Lieber and Jake Roper, respectively. This expansion has allowed Vsauce to explore a wider range of topics and engage with an even larger audience.

Inspiring Curiosity

At its core, Vsauce's success stems from its ability to inspire curiosity and make learning fun. The hosts' passion for science and their dedication to accuracy and careful wording ensure that viewers not only enjoy the content but also walk away with newfound knowledge. By approaching their videos with a sense of wonder and exploration, Stevens, Lieber, and Roper have earned the unofficial title of the internet's favorite science teachers.

Frequently asked questions